Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Fredonias
Circus Ring of Fame
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
1. The Fredonias Marker
Famous as Risley Performers, this family dates their act to Germany in the 1930s. Following dates with the Bertram Mills at the Olympia in London 1950-51, they came to RBBB, being featured in the movie The Greatest Show On Earth. From ’57 to ’62, they appeared with Polack Brothers Circus, followed by the RBBB European Tour and Exchange Show sent to Moscow. Appearances included twice on Ed Sullivan, The Riviera and Dunes in Las Vegas, five years with Holiday on Ice and others. Their family, The Fullgrapps, included Alfred, his wife Elli, daughter Ilona, sons Roy and Ralph, Jans Jurergen Klose and Alfred’s cousin Bernd (Bubbles) Gohlke. Credited with originating a number of signature Risley tricks, they set world standards for the unique circus discipline.
Erected 2018 by Ilona Fullgrapp, Bernd Gohlke and the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment.
Location. 27° 19.08′ N, 82° 34.631′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. Marker is at the intersection of St Armands Circle and South Boulevard of the Presidents, on the left when traveling south on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Flying Espanas (here, next to this marker); Charles Robert Sidlow (here, next to this marker); Cedric Walker (here, next to this marker); Ursula Boettcher and Alaska (here, next to this marker); Reggie Armor (here, next to this marker); Starless Night (here, next to this marker); Allen Bloom (here, next to this marker); “Rogana” – Dora Foster (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.
More about this marker. The Circus “Ring of Fame” recognizes those persons who made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus. With dozens of inductees from around the world, the Ring of Fame began in 1986 as a way to honor world famous circus performers and the rich circus heritage of the Sarasota, Florida area.
Also see . . . Circus Ring of Fame Foundation. Foundation website homepage (Submitted on March 23, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
2. The Fredonias Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
