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Chariot Race
One of several activities in the Union Circus was a student-led chariot race. Two men, dressed in Roman costumes, race in chariots pulled by horses. A large crowed watches the performance from the sidelines of the Ferry Field ring.
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.
The Dragon
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.
Jumbo the Elephant
One of several blackface performances in the Union Circus, "Jumbo" the elephant and his guide drew much attention from the watching crowds. In place of real exotic animals, students dressed in animal costumes. The elephant, dubbed "Jumbo" by the inscription, required two students to act as legs. The white man guiding Jumbo wears a turban and blackface. The phrase "All Together Julia-" is inscribed under the second image in the Low scrapbook.
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.
Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Parade
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus parades down Main St. past crowds of watchers. A tiger in an ornate carriage proves to be quite the spectacle.