They fight not for the lust of conquest.
They fight to end conquest.
They fight to liberate.
from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's
D-Day Prayer, 6 June 1944.
In honor of the service and immense sacrifice of 29th Infantry . . . — — Map (db m240765) WM
The Advance Professionals wrote the book on live event promotion. Since the early days of P.T. Barnum, it has been the work of those who executed the tour planning, marketing, advertising, sponsorship, and public relations that made the circus a . . . — — Map (db m243776) HM
Trained from age 13 at Karl Hagenbeck’s renowned Stellingen Zoo, Albert Rix became one of the World’s foremost authorities on the breeding, care and training of bears. He was featured for many years on Ringling Bros., beginning in 1950 when he . . . — — Map (db m147051) HM
Famed as the performer for whose services John Ringling North traded an elephant, he is the fabled patriarch of a family whose circus roots go back 160 years in Italy. His classic bareback equestrian act was featured in C.B. DeMille’s “The . . . — — Map (db m147566) HM
Marco and Paolo Lorador, amazing hand-to-hand balancers, are part of a multi-generational circus family from Portugal. As teenagers in 1979, they appeared in the Cirque De Demain Festival in Paris winning the gold medal, and in 1990 won the Silver . . . — — Map (db m243675) HM
A Ringling Bros. superstar of the 1920s, he was undisputed “King of the Flying Trapeze.” At a time when few had attempted it and even fewer had succeeded, he made the difficult triple back somersault a highlight of every performance, . . . — — Map (db m147667) HM
His love of the circus came from his parents, both of whom were circus people. He began his career selling peanuts, popcorn and cotton candy under the big top and rose to become one of the youngest showmen ever to own a large show, Allan C. . . . — — Map (db m147040) HM
Allen Bloom worked with Irvin Feld beginning in the 1950’s as his partner. During the birth of Rock and Roll prior to Feld’s ownership of Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, he was Vice President from 1967-95 responsible for marketing and . . . — — Map (db m147143) HM
Side 1 Beneath the ground where you stand lie the remains of a large Native
American village that once extended along these shores.
The people
were drawn here by elevated land, freshwater springs, a bay teeming
with fish and shellfish and . . . — — Map (db m305573) HM
American National Bank
Built 1926
Francis Palmer Smith - Architect
Adair & Sentor – Builder
Has been placed in the
National Register of Historic Places
&
Designated A Historic Structure By
The City Of Sarasota, . . . — — Map (db m148224) HM
Known as the “Queen of the Flying Trapeze,” she was the second woman to perform the difficult triple somersault. For many years she was the star female aerialist with the “Flying Concellos” who were considered to be one of . . . — — Map (db m147230) HM
(side 1)
A 41-mile Tampa Southern line, "The Fort Ogden Extension," was constructed in 1925-1926 from Sarasota southeasterly to a junction at Southfort on the Lakeland-Naples line of the Atlantic Coast Line. A pair of daily passenger . . . — — Map (db m146103) HM
In December 1913, Oscar and Alice Burton joined real estate developer and future Sarasota mayor Arthur B. Edwards (1914-1915 and 1920-1921) and his wife Fannie in selling the land south of Hudson Bayou to the Sarasota Improvement Company. In . . . — — Map (db m92861) HM
Among modern-day circus clowns, he ranks in the very top echelon. As “Grandma,” an impish, red-attired solo clown, he has bestowed his feel-good merriment on 25 years of Big Apple Circus audiences and elevated physical comedy to a new . . . — — Map (db m147421) HM
Side 1
Bay Haven School is one of two elementary schools built in Sarasota from identical plans to accommodate population growth resulting from the 1920s real estate boom. Bay Haven and Southside Elementary were designed by architect M. Leo . . . — — Map (db m146087) HM
Side 1
Beaches, a cherished asset to Sarasota County, were not always welcoming to Sarasota’s African–American communities. Prior to Brown vs. the Board of Education and Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat to a white . . . — — Map (db m146250) HM
From 1877 to 1891, Isaac Alderman Redd was pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church chartered by ten area families. The growing Bee Ridge community included Redd's oldest daughter Laura FeDonia, who with her first husband S.C. Rawls first settled . . . — — Map (db m290631) HM
Side 1
The Bee Ridge Woman's Club has been an integral part of the growth and development of the Bee Ridge community, providing social outlet, community pride, and staunch support for many public interest projects since the early 1900s. Organized . . . — — Map (db m136014) HM
Seventh generation member of one of the circus world’s royal families, his upswept red hair and daredevil aerial high jinks set him apart as one of the preeminent clowns in recent history. His mastery of such apparatus as the swaypole, highwire, . . . — — Map (db m147510) HM
The Vallas, a Czechoslovakian family performing as the Bertinis, amazed audiences with their teeterboard, somersaulting and pyramid routines on the unicycle and the free-balancing, swinging split breakaway dive from the hanging perch. During the . . . — — Map (db m147261) HM
Beverly Peeper began her artistic career but turned her attention sculpture after to Angkor Wat in 1960. The effect of time on the Cambodian temple, which appeared to grow with the surround. This is trueing banyan trees had a profound effect on . . . — — Map (db m240967) HM
In 1882 this "handsome residence" was under construction for Alfred and Mary Bidwell on land Mary purchased from the State of Florida for one dollar an acre. Before construction the Bidwell's apparently occupied the detached kitchen-dining room . . . — — Map (db m97086) HM
Jackson and Katherine Bispham started a dairy in 1922 north of Sarasota with Sarasota County Dairy Permit No. 2. Later that year Bispham moved his operation to the area of present South Tamiami Trail and Fiesta Street, named it Bayside Dairy, and . . . — — Map (db m101064) HM
Bobby Jones' name already was linked to Sarasota when he attended the dedication ceremony February 13, 1927, for Bobby Jones Municipal Course, which had opened the previous June. The course, 2-1/2 miles east of downtown, replaced one just south . . . — — Map (db m218407) HM
Side 1
Emma E. Booker, a pioneer Black educator was teaching in Sarasota's public school for Negro children in the 1910s. By 1918 she was principal of "Sarasota Grammar School" which held classes in rented halls. The Julius Rosenwald Fund helped . . . — — Map (db m121010) HM
This Venetian Gothic palace on Sarasota Bay, palatial home of John and Mable Ringling was completed in the mid-20s.
The mansion and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, surrounded by lovely gardens and embellished with Italian statuary . . . — — Map (db m146125) HM
As a rider and trainer of high school horses, he had no peer. A former Dutch Cavalryman, he came to the U.S. in 1936 to join Ringling Bros. where, his steed, Starless Night, he set new standards for presentation of the classic Spanish riding . . . — — Map (db m147047) HM
The only daughter of Helen and Karl Wallenda, she began performing at four years of age, and continued to eventually become the oldest performing daredevil in history. Carla thrilled audiences around the world throughout her 78-year career. She . . . — — Map (db m244507) HM
Originally from Columbia, the internationally acclaimed, duo-generational high-wire group was comprised at times of Pedro, Sr., Pedro, Jr, Tatjana Carrillo, Daniel and Luis Acosta and Luis E. Posso. Their repertoire included sliding down inclined . . . — — Map (db m147086) HM
Catherine is a seventh-generation performer having started with her family at age five as a ballerina on horseback, under the watchful eye of her parents George and Vicky Hanneford, she not only trained elephants and horses in her teens, but also . . . — — Map (db m244637) HM
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the live entertainment circus spectacular, was brought to the big screen by movie director Cecil B. DeMille in “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The winner of the 1952 Academy Award for Best Picture, the . . . — — Map (db m147378) HM
Cedar Point/Sunset Park
Cedar Point, a hook of land on Sarasota Bay, was platted in 1899 and recorded as an addition to the Town of Sarasota in 1900. Split into north and south sections by North Gulf Stream Avenue, Cedar Point was home to . . . — — Map (db m97107) HM
Creator of the world-renowned Universoul Circus, Cedric Walker is a preeminent pioneering force in urban influenced circus arts, theater and new generation, cutting edge productions. His skill, insight, diversity and veracity have earned him his . . . — — Map (db m147136) HM
Legendary highwire walkers who escaped war-ravaged Czechoslovakia during World War II and became some of the most innovative, daring and influential performers of the post-World War II period. Known for their imaginative, original routines they . . . — — Map (db m147372) HM
(Side 1)
Charles Ringling, along with his wife Edith and their children, helped Sarasota become a dynamic, thriving West Coast community. Born in 1864, he was actively involved in the operation of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey . . . — — Map (db m145879) HM
As graduate and teacher of its famed Clown College, Chucko was named “The youngest boss clown in history” by RBBB, touring North America and Japan. After appearing for ten years in various capacities in Japan, he returned to Sarasota to become . . . — — Map (db m147114) HM
Few in American circus history have led as many circus bands in as many performances. Born into a musical family with ties to the circus, it came as no surprise in 1958 when he and his trumpet joined the Cristiani Bros. Circus Band. Three years . . . — — Map (db m147446) HM
In the Post-World War II era he was one of the world’s preeminent animal trainers. For 19 years Ringling audiences were awed by the beauty of his superb Royal Bengal Tiger Act which included one of the most difficult of all circus feats in . . . — — Map (db m147257) HM
(side 1)
Cherokee Park
It Started with a Wall
The founder of Cherokee Park, James C. Brown, commissioned master builder Leadley Ogden to erect the walls, gateposts and corner markers. They were constructed in the . . . — — Map (db m260936) HM
Decades after conception, St. Armands Circle has fulfilled John Ringling's dream of a premier shopping district. Conceived during Florida's real estate boom, St. Armands was part of the John Ringling Estates Development and the jewel of Ringling . . . — — Map (db m97109) HM
Honoring outstanding circus performers, owners and animal trainers
Founded in 1986 by
Larry Marthaler
Executive Director Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau 1982-1998
Wagon wheel symbol designed by
Artist Frank Hopper with research . . . — — Map (db m147025) HM
On a bright spring morning in 1885, a surveying team from the Florida Mortgage and Investment Company cleared a ten foot area in what is today the center of Five Points. The group was led by Richard Paulson who announced: "We will lay out the . . . — — Map (db m97142) HM
The Clarke Family arrived from England in 1903 to appear with Barnum and Bailey. Besides the family riding act, Ernest and Charles had a two-man flying act called the Clarkonians. Considered the greatest English aerialist, Ernest was the first . . . — — Map (db m147178) HM
His hands-on managerial style and tireless work ethic helped him build Circus Vargas into one of the great circuses of the modern era. Starting from scratch with three trucks and eight animals, by the time of his untimely death 20 years later the . . . — — Map (db m147570) HM
Clyde Beatty, master trainer of wild animals presented the largest group of jungle beasts ever seen in the circus – 40 lions and tigers in one cage. His spectacular showmanship won him center ring stardom with Ringling and other major . . . — — Map (db m147052) HM
Known as the “Wizard of the Silver Thread,” his remarkable acrobatics were unmatched by any other low wire performer and made him one of the premier stars of the Ringling Bros. shows of the 1920s – 1940s. His singular . . . — — Map (db m147220) HM
“Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Children of All Ages! Welcome!”
This grand greeting was heard worldwide during Count’s
illustrious 50 years in show business. Born in Greece, he traveled
to America as a boy. In 1927, at . . . — — Map (db m147331) HM
Born of Portuguese nobility, experts acclaimed him to be the foremost exponent of classical horsemanship. His career evolved in the great circuses, music halls and theaters on three continents and culminated with the 1963-4 tour by Ringling in . . . — — Map (db m147243) HM
The Cristiani Family, six brothers and five sisters, presented one of the greatest equestrian or bareback riding acts ever seen in the circus. In addition to their thrilling feats of horsemanship they were gifted in a wide variety of circus . . . — — Map (db m147196) HM
He was one of the few little persons to gain stardom as a performer. Born Pasqualino Rizzi, he came to the U.S. from Italy in 1948 with the Zoppe Bareback Equestrian Riders to join Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus. Among his notable . . . — — Map (db m147182) HM
He was the first clown in the history of the American Circus to gain nationwide fame. His talents were unmatched: animal trainer, equestrian, writer and singer of comical songs, owner or manager of circuses bearing his name. He appeared without . . . — — Map (db m147042) HM
Smith, Sr. was an accomplished gymnast before learning the flying trapeze performing with his first wife Jean, the Rocksmith Flyers, winning the Circus World Championship in 1976 in England. He built his first cannon in early ‘80s debuting on Hubert . . . — — Map (db m244612) HM
De Sota Park
During the Florida Land Boom of the 1920's, many new subdivision were platted, both within the City of Sarasota and within expanded city limits. On September 10, 1924, Lewis Combs (1892-1943), a native of Illinois who came to . . . — — Map (db m146044) HM
De Sota Park
During the Florida Land Boom of the 1920's, many new subdivision were platted, both within the City of Sarasota and within expanded city limits. On September 10, 1924, Lewis Combs (1892-1943), a native of Illinois who came to . . . — — Map (db m146045) HM
In honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America and the families they left behind. The sacrifice will not be forgotten. — — Map (db m240534) WM
True originators in the art of perch-pole balancing, their career spanned 30 years starting in the 1940’s. Original members from Mexico were Jorge del Moral, Manuel del Moral and Mavicha Pacheco-Atayde. Upon Mavicha’s retirement, Monty Kirklan . . . — — Map (db m147353) HM
Patriarch of the versatile family that has trained and performed with a wide variety of animals, Derrick Rosaire has endeared himself to three generations of American audiences with his classic presentation of “Tony The Wonder Horse,” . . . — — Map (db m147197) HM
A juggler who for six decades has astounded audiences with his trademark routine in which, while mounted on a slackwire, he uses his foot to toss as many as ten pairs of cups and saucers, plus spoon, teapot, and sugar cube, into a stack atop his . . . — — Map (db m147509) HM
He clowned for a lifetime while helping raise a half-dozen future circus stars. Paired with his wife, Connie, who was one of the first performing female clowns, the couple amused audiences on more than 30 shows over half a century while also . . . — — Map (db m147491) HM
Dr. C.B. Wilson was one of the first doctors to establish residence and practice medicine in Sarasota. His practice was established in 1906 and he served the community as a doctor until his death in 1941. The late 1800s and early 1900s saw great . . . — — Map (db m218558) HM
The premier aerial performer of the 1980s and 1990s, her spectacular skills on the Roman Rings have earned her the title, “Queen of the Air.” The daughter of clown, Lou Jacobs, she joined Ringling Bros. as a teenager and became a solo performer . . . — — Map (db m147062) HM
(Side 1)
The St. Armands Residents Association expresses its appreciation to the following individuals and organizations for their generous contributions as Founding Supporters of "Save Our Statues”. This project was undertaken during . . . — — Map (db m218548) HM
“Never do less than your best.”
Dorothye Smith
First African-American
principal post segregation
Served Southside Elementary School
from 1972 til 1983 — — Map (db m264463) HM
Their contribution to the preservation of the traditional circus is enormous over six decades. They launched their tented shows to towns and cities throughout the nation, compiling the longest record of continual ownership in the annals of the . . . — — Map (db m147619) HM
For over 40 years he was veterinarian of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus looking after the world’s largest traveling menagerie. He is recognized as an outstanding authority on the care and feeding of circus animals.
Charley’s . . . — — Map (db m147679) HM
The Edson Keith estate on the south bank of Phillippi Creek, typical of the grand estate houses erected by the extensive Chicago coterie of friends in Sarasota, reflects much of Sarasota's most venerable history. The estate encompasses . . . — — Map (db m151034) HM
The Edwards Theatre was the dream of Sarasota County’s native son and early notable mayor, Arthur B. Edwards, who dedicated himself to the proposition that a modern city be built on the shores of Sarasota Bay. He was born October 2, 1874, and . . . — — Map (db m146140) HM
Her feats on the high trapeze have never been duplicated by a female performer. Her act was climaxed by standing on her head while the trapeze swung in a 60 foot arc with no safety net. A native of Russia she began her career as a ballet dancer . . . — — Map (db m147026) HM
Emmett Kelly, the most famous clown of his time, will always be remembered as the creator of “Weary Willie” a clown whose sad face and original antics delighted circus audiences here and abroad. Thanks to Kelly’s rare gift for . . . — — Map (db m147792) HM
Recognized as one of the most accomplished artists of the flying trapeze. Performed with the “Flying Concellos” with Ringling and later formed the “Flying Alexanders.” His artistry has been seen in the movie . . . — — Map (db m147623) HM
He is remembered as the clown who in grotesque costume and makeup, paraded around the circus tent with a small trained pig. Their antics were classic examples of so-called clown gags. Adler became so popular that he was called “King of the . . . — — Map (db m147071) HM
(side 1)
This Black community grew as businessmen, fishermen, physicians, nurses, teachers, farmers, contractors, carpenters, laborers, drivers, masons, blacksmiths, laundry workers and railroad workers made this area their home. Along . . . — — Map (db m146209) HM
On January 12, 1929, Sarasota dedicated its first municipal airport located on 160 acres just west of Oriente Avenue, now Beneva Road, and north of Fruitville Rd. Pilots performed aerial maneuvers and stunts for the crowd, many of whom felt an . . . — — Map (db m218405) HM
Albert, Otto, Alfred, Charles and John. Beginning with a small wagon show they rose over the years to the peak of the circus world. Their crowning achievement came when they bought their chief rival – Barnum & Bailey. Upon combining it with . . . — — Map (db m147044) HM
In a 60-year career that began during the circus’s Golden Age and extended into the 1970s, he was one of the great circus men of his time. He started as a candy butcher and worked as an agent before launching his own circus with brother Howard in . . . — — Map (db m147070) HM
Ramon Sr., Irene Gonzalez Espana, Ramon “Monchis” Espana Jr., Gladis Espana Anastasini, Carolina Espana Nock, Irene Espana, Noe Espana and Ivan Espana. Innovated by Ramon Espana Jr., The Flying Espanas debuted their legacy in1975 with . . . — — Map (db m147137) HM
For over 40 years they thrilled audiences with their sensational performances on the flying trapeze. Originating the act in Mexico in 1940, brothers Jose, Lalo and Raul and sister Irma burst on the American scene with Ringling Bros. in 1952. For . . . — — Map (db m147053) HM
A brother and sister who became two of the greatest of all jugglers.
He is renowned for his incredible speed, for using his entire body to direct the movement of objects and for being the first ever to juggle ten rings at a time. In his . . . — — Map (db m147067) HM
(Front)
Franklin Field
When Tony Jannus landed his airboat on Sarasota Bay near the Sarasota Yacht Club on North Gulfstream Avenue in April 1914, the local newspaper expressed hope that his arrival would spawn the . . . — — Map (db m260636) HM
Born in 1916 Hungary, he became one of the great impresarios of our time. In 1955, he and his wife Ilona, created Circus Tihany Spectacular, Latin America’s largest traveling circus. In a half-century of touring South and Central America and . . . — — Map (db m147612) HM
Franz Unus, an equilibrist of unequaled skill. Originated and perfected the spectacular one-finger stand in which he balanced his body on his right index finger atop a large electric light bulb. He was a center ring star with Ringling for 13 . . . — — Map (db m147217) HM
As newlyweds, they joined the great Barnum & Bailey Circus, launching careers in which both would attain super stardom. The quintessential equestrian director who became the model for nearly every ringmaster, he directed the daily performances of . . . — — Map (db m147207) HM
Author, journalist, historian, biographer and lover of all things circus. Friend to trouper and fan alike, his fascination with the circus began as a child and consumed his life for the next seventy-five years, including forty-nine as editor and . . . — — Map (db m147350) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m147111) HM
The first church in Sarasota County was organized by John Hendry July 6, 1875. Charter members of the Friendship Baptist Church were E.R. and Emiline Foster, Rebecca Lowe, Mrs. L.F. Rawls, Martha Reaves, I.A. and Eleanor Redd, John Tatum, Serene . . . — — Map (db m128653) HM
(Side 1)
Fruitville Elementary School, the largest elementary school in Sarasota County in 1989, began as a converted corn crib in the late 1880's. Charles L. Reaves, a pioneer of the Fruitville area with his wife Martha Tatum of Tatum . . . — — Map (db m150432) HM
Ernestina Winn, a seventh-generation circus artist and thrill show producer, is one of the most versatile aerial daredevils of all time, performing acts such as the inclined motorcycle, the Centrons Aerial Platform Act at 80 feet in the air, and the . . . — — Map (db m244421) HM
What is a Patriot
A patriot loves their country and is ready to boldly support and defend it. Each bust honors a patriot from the countries of North, Central and South America
Bernado O’Higgins
Chile
Independence Leader — . . . — — Map (db m279727) HM
What is a Patriot
A patriot loves their country and is ready to boldly support and defend it. Each bust honors a patriot from the countries of North, Central and South America
Juan Pablo Duarte
Santo Domingo
Writer - Activist - . . . — — Map (db m279034) HM
Over seven decades she thrilled audiences with her remarkable riding skills, her outstanding animal presentations and her theatrical productions. First gaining fame at 18 on Cole Bros. Following World War II, she became one of a very few to ever . . . — — Map (db m147550) HM
Revered and respected by peers and performers alike, known as one of the foremost circus performers ever. George Carden has been in the circus business practically all his life, starting at age three. He has performed as an aerialist and animal . . . — — Map (db m244501) HM
A one-of-a-kind act that his never been duplicated and the most recognized comedy act in circus history, George and his partner the mule Nebraska performed over 25 years together. George, along with his beloved wife Catherine and family came to . . . — — Map (db m147269) HM
(side 1)
John Hamilton Gillespie, the father of Sarasota, arrived here in 1886 at the age of 34. His mission was to rejuvenate the failed Ormiston Colony, a group of 60 Scottish settlers who had come in 1885 expecting to find a "Little . . . — — Map (db m277451) HM
Side 1
Built by 1950, the Gulf Beach Motel was part of the post World War II motel construction boom that addressed the needs of a growing number of tourists to the area. With the end of war-time gas rationing and the resumption o auto . . . — — Map (db m146331) HM
The most versatile and admired animal trainer in Circus History. As a youth Circus Williams in his native Germany he demonstrated a rare rapport with animals especially tigers, elephants and horses. After becoming Europe’s leading circus . . . — — Map (db m147039) HM
:
Renowned artist, entrepreneur, and visionary, Guy Laliberte founded Cirque Du Soleil in 1984. To this day, he is the creative guide behind some 50 awe-inspiring shows that have pushed the boundaries of human performance above and beyond what . . . — — Map (db m147083) HM
Hailing from Broumana, Lebanon, George, Sr., an acrobat, arrived in America in 1908 with Buffalo Bill Wild West and was taught to read and write English by Annie Oakley. He opened his first circus at age 17. This was the first circus in the . . . — — Map (db m147301) HM
In the history of equestrian performing arts, the bareback riding Hannefords have long been pre-eminent. They began performing some 300 years ago in their native Ireland. Succeeding generations of the family have carried on the Hanneford . . . — — Map (db m147079) HM
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