The Greatest Show on Earth to Close

What a sad announcement–that after 146 years, the great circus will end its performances. When I was a kid, they came to Bountiful Utah where I lived. It was a wonderful week. The circus arrived with a big parade down main street and we all followed them to the circus field at the other end of town.

Barnum & Bailey (and later its partner Ringling Brothers unrolled the big tents on the playing fields of South Davis Jr. High School. And we could watch and talk to the performers as they exercised their animals. Sometimes, we could even ride the elephants. What an adventure it was!

Now, I am unable to attend events held in an arena or an enclosed venue because of my asthma. So I watch the circus on television or portrayed in old movies. New movies do not usually include circuses.

Court battles brought by animal rights groups and the demand that the elephants be removed from circus acts–these were among the most important factors leading to the demise of the circus. Their last performance will be 21 May 2017 at the Nassau County NY Coliseum.

What a novel idea–that teaching animals to do tricks was cruelty. Run through your mind the many occupations that depend upon the trained behavior of animals from your favorite rodeo events to saving lives in a major disaster. Tsunami, hurricane, earthquake, battlefields in war zones–all use trained animals. Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://arleneeakle.com

PS Watch for new stuff on my website. Some exciting new information and access. 2017 is going to be an amazing genealogy experience!

 

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