Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Shrine Circus

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, November 11, 2015

1. Shrine Circus Marker

Inscription. Near this site, on February 26, 1906, some 3,000 spectators watched the nation's first Shrine Circus. Detroit's Moslem Shrine temple's one-ring show was the beginning of a major fund-raising venture for Shrine temples throughout the country. In 1907 Shrine temples in other cities began sponsoring circuses, and in 1925 the Shriners featured their first three-ring show. Originally operating for one week, Shrine Circuses appear across the nation throughout the year. Clyde Beatty and his wild animals were the main attraction in Detroit from 1925 to 1965. The Nelsons, aerialists and acrobats, and the Romigs, clowns, of Michigan were also featured performers during the early years. In the 1980s annual attendance at Shrine Circuses exceeded that of any other circus in America.

Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division - Department of State. (Marker Number S552C.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1851.

Location. 42° 19.846′ N, 83° 2.565′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. It is at the

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intersection of Randolph Street and East Larned Street, in the median on Randolph Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Salvation Army (here, next to this marker); Maj. General Anthony Wayne U.S.A. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); University of Michigania (about 500 feet away); Mariners' Church / U.S. Topographical Engineers (about 500 feet away); U.S. Topographical Engineers (about 600 feet away); Chapoton House (about 700 feet away); George DeBaptiste Homesite (about 700 feet away); Spirit of Detroit (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Photographed by R. C.

2. Shrine Circus Marker

Photographed by R. C.

3. Shrine Circus Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,648 times since then and 125 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 11, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.