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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.
Elephants at "Parade Rest"
Taken from the Kapp scrapbook, this image is inscribed with "Lyndon. 1133" and captioned with sentence "Elephants at 'Parade Rest'". It depicts 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. Circus goers watch with interest from the sidelines. The Ann Arbor trolly tracks can be seen along the grass.
Men in Costume Pose for Photo
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.
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.