Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

William and Barbara Woodcock

Circus Ring of Fame

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020

1. William and Barbara Woodcock Marker

Inscription.

Over a 50-year career devoted to working with elephants he has become one of the most highly regarded trainers in circus annals, thereby furthering the legacy of his father, famed Elephant Man, William Woodcock, Sr. For 25 of those years, this couple, along with their children, and frequently featuring a remarkable pachyderm named Anna May, have presented show stopping performances to the audiences of every major American Circus. Their collaboration with 22 elephants in three rings on Ringling’s 1978 show is considered a classic and since 1982 the Woodcock elephants have been an annual highlight of the Big Apple Circus.
Fred D. Pfening III and Family

Erected 1997 by Fred D. Pfening III and Family and the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1978.

Location. 27° 19.083′ N, 82° 34.616′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. It is at the intersection of St Armands Circle and South Boulevard of the Presidents, on the left when traveling east on St Armands Circle. Marker is located on the south area of St. Armands Circle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 St.Armands Circle, Sarasota FL 34236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: La Norma (here, next to this marker); Lillian Leitzel (here, next to this marker); Fred and Ella Bradna (here, next to this marker); The Cristiani Family (here, next to this marker); Franz Unus (here, next to this marker); Emmett Kelly (here, next to this marker); Con Colleano (here, next to this marker); Wilson Storey (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.

Regarding William and Barbara Woodcock. 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. (Submitted on March 25, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020

2. William and Barbara Woodcock Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.