Hometown Show!
The Union Circus
In May of 1909, the residents of Ann Arbor were left agog as tigers, elephants, monkeys, and giraffes thundered down State Street. Or rather, they would have been, if any of those exotic animals had been real.
Instead, onlookers were largely amused as they watched young men attending the University of Michigan dance and trot down the city's busiest thoroughfare dressed in various animal costumes. The "thundering" sound that proceeded them came from a combination of brass bands, a rolling steam engine, and an assortment of wagons. This was The Union Circus.
During the first few decades of the 20th century, the Michigan Union was the biggest student organization on campus (Holdship, 2019). In a bid to raise money, the organization's committee voted to run a show-stopping fundraising event - a hometown circus.
Follow the Big "Peerade"
The Michigan Daily dedicated a full-page to describing the upcoming "Mammoth Circus" put on by University of Michigan students. Various elements of the event were highlighted, including: dance routines, horseback riding competitions, a Western stage show with "Michigamua Indians"(white men in brownface), a daring slide down the big tent's top, and a variety of unspecified children's activities. Everyone was encouraged to attend.
The Circus Comes to Town
Crowds wait to collect the necessary Union Circus equipment at the old Michigan Central Depot before it was decommissioned.
President James B. Angell purchases ticket
The president of the University of Michigan, James B. Angell, purchasing a ticket to the students' Union Circus from Horace P. Dix.
Two Tickets for Section B
Two yellow tickets to the Union Circus direct the purchaser to Section B of the Ferry Field ring.
Union Circus Tents and Activities
Ferry Field near State Street was transformed into the main center of Union Circus activities. Crowds of people wrap around the interior of the arena, while others watch as people attempt a towering slide.
Circus Guide Book
(Click on the image to see inside)
The program book's contents display advertisements for local businesses, the "Minstrel and Vaudeville Show," and the Chicago company from which the necessary tents were rented. Amongst the advertisements are descriptions of circus features, including clowns and an "educated duck." A sobering illustration of a clown in blackface makeup accompanies the humerous descriptions.
The "Peerade" Moves Down State Street
Following an a rather calamitous “prank” involving the Ringling Brothers’ elephants and a handful of firecrackers in 1900, famous circuses began avoiding the city of Ann Arbor (University of Michigan, 1958). The Michigan Union seized upon this particular entertainment drought. With students performing the main events and sideshows, and with all necessary tent infrastructure rented from a Chicago company, the circus commenced.
The christened ”Peerade” kicked off the event, starting around E. Liberty and proceeding down S. State Street. Thousands of bystanders lined the road and trolly track to watch the opening act. Marching bands accompanied by Russian and Scottish dancers, comedians on wagons, and a strange giraffe puppet were ushered along by energetic clowns and knights in armor (Holdship, 2019). Once the motley crew of costumed actors reached Ferry Field, the show could begin in earnest.
A Bunch of Clowns
There is no denying the popularity of brass bands at the beginning of the 20th century. This band, clad in clown costumes and police uniforms, appears to play a variety of instruments.
My! Aren't those men dressed awfully?
Young boys watch from the sideline as men dressed like "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.
Michigan Union Circus Parade
Clowns, knights, horses, wagons, and a caged carriage move down State Street. Families sit amongst the trees along one side of the old Ann Arbor trolly track.
The Trumpeter Clown
Based on this student's trumpet and costume, he's likely a member of the clown-themed brass band that moved down State Street.
Elephants at "Parade Rest"
The Union Circus parade, temporarily paused next to the university campus. White students clad in blackface perform various roles as either elephant trainer or indigenous person. Their costumes depict stereotypes of native peoples and of South Asians.
A Tin Soldier
A student dressed as a knight in the Union Circus trots through Ann Arbor on his dark horse.
Tessie, Our Pet
(Click on the image for more pictures of Tessie)
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.
The Union Circus "Tiger"
This performer was one of many costumed as an animal in the Union Circus. The name "Jennie" may refer to either the performer or the tiger character.
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The Butt of the Joke: People of Color Amongst the Animals
Despite the joyful crowds and laughing performers, a disturbing air of prejudice threads its way through the event. Modern viewers may be startled by the regular appearance of blackface in the Union Circus records. Blackface, the highly offensive practice of white individuals painting their faces to imitate black people, was a popular form of entertainment from the early 19th to mid 20th centuries. The theatrical form began in minstrel shows, but easily transitioned into vaudeville and circus performances (University of Pittsburgh, 2022).
In addition to mocking the black community, many of the Union Circus performers dressed in stereotypical Native American, South Asian, and East Asian attire. Many of the circus acts depicted fictionalized characteristics of these oppressed communities- there was heavy focus on showing indigenous men as brutish while exoticizing the Asian characters.
It is important to note the Union Circus event occurred less than a month after the University of Michigan’s first black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, was formed (University of Michigan). Little regard was given to how the circus performance would impact fellow students.
Indian Braves
Jumbo
The Dragon
Oh You Salome
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In the Ring
Following the parade, circus attendies who purchased a ticket could watch the main performance at Ferry Field. The Union Circus transformed the empty athletic field into a two-ring arena for clown skits, a chariot race, and harrowing acts from the psudo-exotic animals. Some of the side-show acts were stationed around the arena, but the majority took place back on E. Liberty (Holdship, 2019).
Clowns in Action
Clowning Around
The Main Performance
Chariot Race
A Less-Than-Ideal Outcome
Union Circus Did Not Pay
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.