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

Manuel “Junior” Ruffin

Circus Ring of Fame

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020

1. Manuel “Junior” Ruffin Marker

Inscription.

Protégé of the legendary Clyde Beatty, his 40-year circus career included stints as a wild animal trainer, trainmaster on the Ringling-owned Monte Carlo Circus, tent boss for Circus Vargas, transportation boss for Ringling’s Blue Unit and as a key founding consultant for Universal Circus. In an era marked by considerable racial inequities, he gained admiration and respect for his work ethic and for his capabilities, thereby opening more responsible opportunities in the circus for those African-Americans who follow him.
Robert Fuller Houston · The Family of Hoxie Tucker · 18 Friends and Fans

Erected 2010 by Robert Fuller Houston, The Family of Hoxie Tucker, 18 Friends and Fans and the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 27° 19.105′ N, 82° 34.604′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. Marker is at the intersection of St Armands Circle and Fillmore Drive, on the left when traveling north on St Armands Circle. Marker is located on the east area of the 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Count Nicholas (here, next to this marker); Ward Hall (here, next to this marker); Tony Steele (here, next to this marker); Rudi and Sue Lenz (here, next to this marker); Dime Wilson Family (here, next to this marker); Tino Wallenda-Zoppe (here, next to this marker); The Three Atayde Brothers (here, next to this marker); Jean “Tarzan” Zerbini (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.

Regarding Manuel “Junior” Ruffin. 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 April 1, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020

2. Manuel “Junior” Ruffin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.