A David Cash photograph of Dick "Rocko" Lewis (r) and partner performing in the Moeller Hippodrome of the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI.
This must have been towards the end of Mr. Lewis' long career, the very late 50s or very early 60s, as he passed away on a Texas Shrine date during a break from his performing at the CWM.
Quite a bit of Dick's props and wardrobe are still in CWM archives and clown displays.
ReplyDelete-Greg
Hey Greg~
ReplyDeleteHave they cleaned up the clown displays at all at CWM? The last time I was there (2-3 yrs ago), they were a MESS!! It is such a shame to let all those wonderful costumes and props go rotting away with no regard for their historical importance.
BTW, I remember Rocko at CWM when I visited there as a kid (very early 60's). He got my Mom real good with the Baby Rattlers gag. There was another clown there at the time as well, but I cannot remember his name. I don't think this is him in this photo.
Sandy
There has been some clean-up in the clown display areas. That original ring barn is not the perfect place to store artifacts, but they do get seen there.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the baby rattler gag is still in the display. Jimmy Williams (Happy the Clown)might have been the other clown you saw at CW. He worked there for around 30 years. They dedicated a new display area to him this past summer.
-Greg