Ringling Red Unit Lady Clowns 1979

The female members of the 1979 Ringling Red Unit Clown Alley. From left to right Tina (Stotts) Kitt, Peggy Williams, Ruthie Chaddock, Danise (Wilson) Payne, and Kathy Herb.

You can hear plenty of wonderful stories about these women and many more clowns and circus personalities in Danise's excellent book, Elbows in my Ears: My Life with Little People, Tigers, and Wardrobe Trunks.

This photo is a new one for me; I've never seen it before. If you enjoy seeing rare clown photos and video clips on this blog, consider a donation to the International Clown Hall of Fame. 

Help us continue to archive and document clown history so it can be accessed by future generations. 

We currently have a fundraiser going, and we have recently been told that a very generous supporter of the ICHOF has offered to match every dollar up to our goal of $2,000!

We are over halfway there, so help us reach the finish line HERE!

Ringling Red Unit Clowns 1973

 

David Nicksay, Frosty Little, Keith Crary, Lou Jacobs, Barbara Nadel, and David Wisniewski celebrate the 4th of July, 1973 with a big ol' comedy rocket (maybe from Lou's short lived rocket gag?!).

I'm not sure who the showgirls are. I studied clowns as a teen, not girls. Look where that got me!

David Nicksay went on to be a movie producer in Hollywood. He even produced a couple of my favorites (Stay Tuned, Addams Family Values) and I just saw on IMDB he was a producer of the Wicked film that just came out.

Barbara Nadel was an early female grad of Clown College. This is the first time I've ever seen her without her wig. It was a cool wig!

David Wisniewski wrote and illustrated the Caldecott Medal winning picture book, The Golem.

There is plenty of info about Frosty, Lou, and Keith on this blog. Let's show some love to the lesser knowns!

This photo is a new one for me; I've never seen it before. If you enjoy seeing rare clown photos and video clips on this blog, consider a donation to the International Clown Hall of Fame. 

Help us continue to archive and document clown history so it can be accessed by future generations. 

We currently have a fundraiser going, and we have recently been told that a very generous supporter of the ICHOF has offered to match every dollar up to our goal of $2,000!

We are over halfway there, so help us reach the finish line HERE!

A Message From Greg DeSanto, Executive Director of the ICHOF

As we get closer to Thanksgiving we humbly ask for your support to help the International Clown Hall of Fame.

Created in 1986, our museum celebrates and honors professional clowns and the artform. We collected, preserve, exhibit and educate generations, young & old, on the rich history of a universal art. Laughter is one of the greatest gifts we as humans possess, and it’s our honor to share the stories & memories of those who chose to make this their life’s work.

Since 1989, the ICHOF has inducted 84 individuals who have left an indelible mark on the craft of clowning.

2025 will be our 15th Anniversary of the museum being in Baraboo, WI.

We respectfully ask for your help in continuing our mission. We have exciting plans for new exhibits and programming going forward that can only happen with the help of our supporters and friends.

If you have helped us in the past, we remain very grateful. The impact you help us achieve can be seen in the eyes of every guest who tours the museum and leaves with a new, positive appreciation of clowning.

Please take a moment and check out our brand new, updated website - www.theclownmuseum.com

The Board of Directors and myself thank you in advance for your generosity and wish you a happy, healthy holiday season filled with laughter!

Donate Here!

Ernie Burch

 

Ernie Burch looking fabulous on the Ringling show under canvas.