York in York County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Barnett Brothers Circus, 1929 ~ 1945
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Bennett Brothers Circus, 1929 ~ 1938
Photographed by Anna Inbody, May 19, 2012
1. Barnett Brothers Circus, 1929 ~ 1945 / Bennett Brothers Circus, 1929 ~ 1938 Marker
This site was the winter quarters of the Barnett Brothers Circus, briefly known as the Wallace Brothers Circus, from 1929 through 1945. Founded by Ray W. Rogers (1889 ~ 1946), the circus was one of the first to travel by truck instead of by train. That freedom helped it succeed during the Depression and World War II. It began its tour each March or April with a performance in York, then returned in November.
Reverse
A highlight of the York Christmas parade was Santa Claus riding an elephant. In 1929 five sons of C.P. and Olive Bennett, living nearby, started their own circus with encouragement from Ray Rogers, who loaned them his big top and a few animals. All six Bennett sons and two daughters participated, along with other local children. Their circus performed in York, Rock Hill, Clover, and Sharon through 1938.
Erected 2012 by The Yorkville Historical Society. (Marker Number 46-51.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 34° 59.496′ N, 81° 14.526′ W. Marker is in York, South Carolina, in York County. It is at the intersection of East Jefferson Street and South Roosevelt Street, on the left when traveling south
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands and in the Olde English District. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bratton House Site / Jefferson Davis's Flight (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trinity M. E. Church, South (about 700 feet away); York County Courthouses (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yorkville Female Institute / York Graded School (approx. 0.2 miles away); York County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); 110 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Revolutionary War Patriots (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic York (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in York.
Photographed by Anna Inbody, May 19, 2012
2. Reverse
Photographed by Anna Inbody, May 19, 2012
3. Overview
Photographed by Anna Inbody, May 19, 2012
4. Reverse Overview
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
5. Circus Winter Quarters sign still on one of the buildings used
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
6. Circus Winter Quarters sign still on one of the buildings used
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2012, by Anna Inbody of Columbia, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,628 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 19, 2012, by Anna Inbody of Columbia, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on November 1, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
