Frank "Slivers" Oakley was the single most influential American circus clown of the early 20th century. He performed an unheard of 15 minute solo baseball routine with the Ringling Bros. Circus that made him one of, if not the, premier comedian of his day. In the off-season he clowned in vaudeville and, in 1905, began working with Marceline in the tremendous spectacles at the massive New York Hippodrome.
He was a star.
Slivers wife passed away in 1913 and he never got over the loss of his beloved Nellie. Slivers took his own life on March 8, 1916.
Tuesday March 8th, 2016 will mark the 100th anniversary of his passing and clownalley.net is raising funds to purchase a stone next Tuesday to mark Slivers and Nellie's final resting place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Queens, NY.
We are trying to spread the word throughout the clown, circus, vaudeville and variety communities that a GoFundMe site will be live from 12:00 noon on Friday March 4th, 2016 through midnight on Sunday March 6th (EST). We are trying to raise at least $3,000. for a 24"x12" stone with a laser etching of Slivers' clown character.
Any funds raised in excess will be donated to the International Clown Hall of Fame for similar future projects.
The GoFundMe site for donations is Click here to support Slivers Oakley Memorial Fund by Pat Cashin
Thank you in advance for your help,
Pat Cashin
clownalley.net
