Students participating in the Union Circus dress in various costumes for a photograph. This photo was found in the scrapbook of former University of Michigan student, Stowell Stebbins. Some are knights and cavemen, while the most notable are animals (bear, rabbit, giraffe, monkey, and large cats). The image was inscribed "The Wild Beasts" which a caption below reading "GR-R-R-R-R-OWL", perhaps in reference to the large animals often found in other circuses of the day. No exotic animals made an actual appearance at the Union Circus, so students themselves filled that particular role. They pose for a group photo outside of the Ferry Field tents.
A photograph inscribed "Michigan Union Circus Parade , Thompson Photo, 1909, No.131". Clowns, knights, horses, wagons, and a cage move down State Street. Families sit amongst the trees along one side of the old Ann Arbor trolly track. Toward the back of the image, children appear to be in conversation with members of a band.
This photo was found in the scrapbook of former University of Michigan student, Stowell Stebbins. The image was inscribed "PSI U. - DKE - "Peerade" Feature - Hobo Zobo Band" and "My! Aren't those men dressed awfully." Young boys watch from the sideline as men dressed as "hobos" walk down the unpaved street with marching band instruments. Some of these white men showcase fake stubble, while others appear to be painted in blackface. Horses, carriages, clowns, and knights are also part of the procession.
Despite the inscription "NUFF SAID," there is sizable uncertainty surrounding the activity captured on the image. Two men, one wearing a woman's dress, stand on a stage before a painting of stereotypical Middle Eastern peoples. A sign reading "Oh You Salome" rests near the side show stage. The combination of these elements suggests the performance may be anti-Semitic in nature. The Biblical Salome was a Jewish princess often blamed for the murder of John the Baptist. Several plays and operatic productions about Salome were popular prior to 1909.
Found within the Frank Kapp scrapbook, this image displays two children and two men, one wearing a woman's dress, resting on a Union Circus wagon. A sign reading "Oh You Salome" sits in the center of the group, identifying the men as part of the titular side show performance. Beneath the image is the inscription "Oh you kid!!!". The performance may be anti-Semitic in nature. The Biblical Salome was a Jewish princess often blamed for the murder of John the Baptist. Several plays and operatic productions about Salome were popular prior to 1909.
Route book for the 1842 season for Messrs. June, Titus, Angevine, & Co's Menagerie and Circus. Includes record of some employees and record of their travel.
In lieu of real exotic animals, students crafted replicas for actors to wear during the parade. A giraffe, named "Tessie" according to the image's description, was a highlight of the event. One image shows the costumed students being driven downtown in a caged wagon, while the other shows the students stationed somewhere, possibly Ferry Field, with another student.
Inscribed "721 Lyndon", this image shows five clowns participating in the Union Circus. Beneath the image is the phrase "The 'Log'". The circus ring, located in Ferry Field, is surrounded by bleachers full of people. They watch as the clowns tumble a long-like object.
Section of route book detailing the 1901 performing season for the Ringling Brother's Circus. Includes employees, official program, and some accounts from their travels in Michigan.
Days before the Union Circus' opening event, a delivery of circus material by train was anticipated. Captured by image in the Low scrapbook, crowds wait to collect the equipment at the old Michigan Central Depot before it was decommissioned.
The image is inscribed "THE DRAGON". As part of the Union Circus' parade, students constructed a long dragon costume to walk down State Street. The guides, both white men, wear a potentially Asian-inspired outfit and some form of blackface. Though unclear, it's probable these students are mimicking Asian men.
Borrowed from an Evening Patriot review, the article claims the Curtis & Ogawa Japanese circus is a "very meritorious addition to the circus world". The Japanese performers fence, tumble, juggle, and top-spin. They are accompanied by a "large company of American athletes." The circus is described as the "only Japanese circus of the kind in America."
In this image, multiple students in the Union Circus perform for an audience. The circus ring, located in Ferry Field, is surrounded by bleachers full of people. Students dress in blackface, clown attire, and as various animals.
"THE TRAINED HORSES", as the inscription reads, are two students dressed as both horse and rider. This performers were two of many people costumed as animals in the Union Circus.
Found in the Low scrapbook, this image depicts a member of the Union Circus dressed in clown clothing and face-paint. He stands near other costumed individuals and a caged wagon. Based on the clown's trump, he was likely in the brass band that moved down State Street.
The inscription accompanying this image reads "JENNIE". The name may refer to either the student dressed as a tiger or the tiger character itself. This performer was one of many costumed as an animal in the Union Circus.
Two yellow tickets to the Union Circus, presumably for a show in the Big Top. Both tickets are labeled for Section B, Row 9. These particular items were adhered to a scrapbook belonging to former University of Michigan student, Stowell Stebbins . Written around the tickets are the names "Catherine Clark" and "S.C.S. (not including the [illegible])".
Despite its fundraising goal, the Union Circus failed to bring in the desired profit. "Adverse Weather Conditions" prevented afternoon performances, resulting in monetary loss. A partnering vaudeville show proved more successful and managed to cover the expenses.
Ferry Field near State Street was transformed into the main center of Union Circus activities. Several large tents stand around the field, one housing what appears to be a large arena. Crowds of people wrap around the interior of the arena, while others watch as people attempt a towering slide. A small sign reading "5¢ Tickets" sits near the base of the slide.
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus unloading their items onto the train tracks in Ann Arbor. Young boys watch the camels and horses waiting to be moved elsewhere.
Aftermath of the Wallace Brothers Circus train wreck on the Grand Trunk Railroad . Two images - one of the impact of the crash and one of mass graves being dug.
