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The Main Performance
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 "Log"
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.
Clowns in Action
Inscribed "720 Lyndon", this image shows four clowns participating in the Union Circus. The circus ring, located in Ferry Field, is surrounded by bleachers full of people. They watch as the clowns run across the arena.
A Bunch of Clowns
The popularity of brass bands at the beginning of the 20th century is made evident by this image of musical performers in the Union Circus. The band, clad in clown costumes and police uniforms, holds a variety of instruments, including: trumpets, trombones, and tubas. The group of more than 12 men appears to be waiting for their performance to begin. The inscription below the photograph reads "A Bunch of Clowns"
The Trumpeter Clown
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.
Circus Guide Book
Found within the Stowell Stebbins scrapbook, this Circus Guide Book is inscribed with the name "Miss Catherine Clarke". To illustrate the upcoming events, a red clothed clown appears to burst through the guide's cover. An artistic signature (Yanning?) is printed in the illustration's corner. The contents of the book exhibit advertisements for local businesses, the "Minstrel and Vaudeville Show," and the Chicago tent company hired by the circus. Amongst the advertisements are descriptions of circus features, including clowns. An illustration of a clown in blackface accompanies the description.
My! Aren't those men dressed awfully?
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.
Michigan Union Circus Parade
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.