Portrait by Donald L. “Rusty” Rust
#MuseumMonday is The Ringling Circus Museum
The portrait of Merle Evans sits in The Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida. Evans was the circus bandleader who led “Stars and Stripes Forever” when the infamous Hartford Circus Fire of 1944 broke out. Painter Donald L. “Rusty” Rust created the portrait in 1966. It serves as a reminder to the horrific tragedy to overshadow the circus industry.
In 1927, John Ringling established the winter quarters for his growing circus in Sarasota. Several other prospective towns were considered; however, many were apprehensive to welcome the circus people into their towns. Sarasota was different. The Gulf coast town welcomed Ringling and his curious looking employees, along with their railcars of animals.
The Ringling Museum of the American Circus opened in 1948. It has grown to 2 buildings and encompasses the Tibbals Learning Center, special exhibits, a 3,800 square foot model of a circus containing 44,000 pieces, an enormous mural measuring 924 feet, an interactive gallery, and the circus archives. Admittedly, the gem of the collection is the “Wisconsin,” the railway car used by John and Mabel Ringling. It is known as “The King of the Circus.” Built by Pullman in 1896, the railcar was refurbished in 1905. However, a lot of the visitors come to learn about the fire.
On July 6, 1944, 9,000 people, comprised mostly of children, entered the circus tent in Hartford, Connecticut for an afternoon matinee. A small fire erupted after the lions left the stage. It spread rapidly. Evans led the song, a song also known as “The Disaster March” which signals a warning to the circus staff. The fire killed 168 and injured close to 700. Sadly, 5 bodies were left unidentified at the time.
However, “Little Miss #1565,” an 8-year-old girl, would eventually be identified as Eleanor Emily Cook. Although Eleanor’s aunt and uncle could not confirm the child was her, the police stated hair samples “probably” matched the girl. The mystery seemed solved until 1987 when a note appeared on the grave. It claimed that the girl was Sarah Graham. The body has not been exhumed for further testing. The mystery remains open.
Visit the Ringling Campus. In addition to the circus buildings, it contains the winter home Ca’d’zan, inspired by Italian architecture and located on the water. The Museum of Art contains over 600 paintings by the Old-World Masters, in addition to items of antiquity. The Historic Asolo Theater built in 1798 came from Asolo, Italy in the 50s. It was restored in 2006. Stroll the 66 acres of the Bayfront Gardens where historic roses still bloom. The museum provides insight into John Ringling’s vision of Italian opulence paid for by his creation: the American Circus.
The museum is open daily, 10-5 with extended hours on Thursdays. It is closed on major holidays. Plan for a full day or two in order to enjoy all that Ringling has to offer.
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