Explore Circus World
What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!”
Our Treasures
As other entertainment forms gained popularity, Circus World began documenting and collecting important treasures of the American Circus. From original Ringling Circus buildings to the smallest flea circus prop
Our Treasures will astonish!
Start your history road trip!
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Another drone sighting now in Baraboo!
Love this!
How pretty!! Looks like crayons sticking out of their box.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
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𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: One of the most sensational stars in circus history, Lillian Leitzel is often referred to as the “Queen of the Air.” She was born Leopoldina Alitza Pelikan in Germany in 1892. As a girl she joined her mother’s aerial troupe, the Leamy Ladies, which traveled Europe and appeared with Barnum & Bailey Circus multiple seasons before disbanding in 1911. Leitzel performed in vaudeville before debuting with Ringling Bros. Circus in 1915.
While Leitzel’s primary act was on Roman rings, she was best known for the strength and endurance displayed in the one-armed planges of her finale. This consisted of hanging from a rope and flipping her body over her shoulder, dislocating it with each swing. The audience counted these revolutions, which is said to have once reached 249. Although she was only 4’ 9” tall, Leitzel was known for her demanding personality. Even though she could be difficult, her charisma in and out of the ring ensured she received top billing and salary throughout her career. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1931 during a winter performance in Copenhagen. The swivel on Leitzel’s climbing rope broke, and she plummeted 50 feet to the ground. She ultimately succumbed to her injuries two days later at the age of 39.
📸: Leamy Ladies aerial troupe with a young Lillian Leitzel shown seated | CWi Image ID 1949
📸: 1921 poster featuring Lillian Leitzel and her one-arm plange. | CWi Object ID 18314
📸: In 1928 Lillian Leitzel married Alfredo Codona, considered one of the best trapeze flyers in history. Although they had a tumultuous romance, he was devastated by her death in 1931 | CWi Image ID 997
📸: Lillian Leitzel received perks unheard of at the time, including her own suite on the circus train and a private dressing tent near the big top shown here | CWi Image ID 1542 ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀: There are many interesting items housed at Circus World’s Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center, but we’re pulling out a holiday-themed favorite for you this week.
One of the more unusual collections at the library consists of Christmas cards distributed by shows throughout much of the 20th century. These were not general off-the-rack items, but specially created cards commissioned by shows. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey holiday cards of the 1930s and 1940s were often designed by press agent Roland Butler, although well-known circus poster artist Bill Bailey designed the fun-filled calendar card example from 1946 shown here.
📸: CWi Image ID 1948 ... See MoreSee Less
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I would have loved to receive one of these! Super cool. Look at the detail. Love it!
Got this one hanging in our dining room during the Season. Arthur Hopper 1947.