Ringling Brothers Circus has roots in Northeast Iowa as Connie Reinhardt shares her circus history

Ringling Brothers Circus, which has its roots in Northeast Iowa, has announced the “show will not go on” following its performances this spring.  According to an announcement made by CEO Kenneth Feld, whose family purchased the circus from the Ringlings five decades ago, the final performance will be held this spring, more than likely in May. The announcement was especially tough for the community of McGregor and in particular McGregor resident, Connie Reinhardt, and her family. Connie explained, “For 30 years I have owned and lived in the home where several members of the Ringling family were born and raised.” 

 

She went on, “I had no idea when I bought the house that it was the birthplace of several members of the Ringling family. But, once I found out, I became enthralled with circus history. Originally, we had thought about tearing down the house and building a new one. There was no way I could do that after I found out about its deep history.”

Four members of the Ringling family were born at the home that Reinhardt owns at 14463 Great River Road which is also known as Walton Hallow. Those young men Charles, John, Henry and Alf T. loved the circus ever since they saw the first performance that came into McGregor on a Riverboat. However, the boys, who were the sons of a poor harness maker, did not have enough money to pay their way into the show. Luckily, an acrobat who was originally from McGregor, was in the circus. After having Mr. Ringling repair a harness for him, the family was treated to free tickets to the show.

 

Vowing to start their own show, they were true to their word as they organized their first circus right in their own backyard. Although the circus was small, with only one horse, it was the start of something big. That very first circus was held 146 years ago. According to circus documents, the admission fee to the show was one penny.

 

The Ringlings had their first real show in 1871 on Main Street McGregor. Alf Ringling drove the wagon and played the bugle. The remaining Ringling boys made up the band. Most of the children of McGregor were also in that first parade. The admission to this show was five cents. The traveling circus was actually launched in Baraboo, Wisc. in 1884.

 

Read the full article in the Wednesday, February 15, 2017 edition of The Outlook.