Saturday, January 02, 2010

CLOWN ALLEY: Ringling Red Unit (1979)

Photos courtesy of Gigi Paul and Jeri Cannon

Lou Jacobs about to pass under the net, Jim Vogelsang headed down the track, Bucky Dussel passing him with what looks like a stack of cups and saucers and Jonathan "Mitch" Freddes about to take a seat on the track in front of Ring Three.

FUN FACT: There are more clowns on end track in this photo then there has ever been on the Gold Unit.



Mitch in distress down front with Mike Oster about to pass behind.


Jonathan "Mitch" Freddes sporting an early version of "The Donald".



And just who is this glamorous young rockstar, you might ask? Eric Carmen of the Raspberries? Paul McCartney and Wings' guitarist, Denny Laine? Bowie sideman Mick Ronson? Seals? Croft? Mott? A Hoople? Some extraneous Bay City Roller? No!

Folks, this is the one and only Mr. Mitch Freddes.
That's right everybody, once upon a time our pal Mitch was a world-class chick magnet.
And don't you forget it!


Guinness World Record holder, John Russell and Guinness drinker, Mitch Freddes.


Friday, January 01, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LOU!

Today marks the 107th anniversary of the birth of Jacob "Lou Jacobs" Ludwig.

Happy Birthday, Papa Lou!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy 2010!
May the new year be hold health and happiness for one and all as we begin an important new chapter in American clown history and research.




Thursday, December 31, 2009

ALAN MOORE QUOTE



I think there is much to be said from having an artifact that you can hold in your hands. That is perhaps a mark of the generation that I grew up in, but I believe it’s true. In an increasingly virtual world, artifacts, beautifully made things, are at a premium."

- Alan Moore commenting on magazines that exist only on the internet


A SNEAK PREVIEW...

We have some really great late 70s Ringling Red and Blue Alley photos that we can start posting tomorrow courtesy of Gigi Paul and Jeri Cannon...


Tom Dougherty


Michael Goudeau



Peter Pitofsky


MORE PHOTOS TO COME...

AS WELL AS A HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT
THAT HAS BEEN 18 MONTHS IN THE MAKING!!!



Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Monday, December 28, 2009

CHARLIE CAIROLI & SON

Photo courtesy of Clown Bluey

I wonder if Charlie Jr got a slapstick for Christmas when he was seven?


Sunday, December 27, 2009

TITANS OF THE BIG TOP: Entire Film


I've posted the clown segments from this before but here, thanks to the National Archives, is the whole television program, presented in it's entirety.