Thanks to the wonders of Google Book, I’ve found some more information about Robert Barbour Johnson. Remember him?
Confirming what has been said about Johnson before, it appears that he continued to be interested in circus’s and their history—and was not shy about sharing his enthusiasm.
In 1942, Architect and Engineer noted that he was slotted to give a lecture “The American Circus.” The contents of the lecture—or if it was actually given—are unknown.
Almost twelve years later, Billboard picked up a story that Johnson had written for Clarion, publication of the Al G. Barnes Ring of the Circus Model Builders. In the article, Johnson argued that the street parades associated with the coming of the circus—at least back in the day—was poised for a revival, but there would need to be changes. Horses would no longer lead them, but be replaced by elephants and other exotic beasts of burden. As well, the trains would be made of plastic, painted colorfully, and mounted with organs and performers.
Confirming what has been said about Johnson before, it appears that he continued to be interested in circus’s and their history—and was not shy about sharing his enthusiasm.
In 1942, Architect and Engineer noted that he was slotted to give a lecture “The American Circus.” The contents of the lecture—or if it was actually given—are unknown.
Almost twelve years later, Billboard picked up a story that Johnson had written for Clarion, publication of the Al G. Barnes Ring of the Circus Model Builders. In the article, Johnson argued that the street parades associated with the coming of the circus—at least back in the day—was poised for a revival, but there would need to be changes. Horses would no longer lead them, but be replaced by elephants and other exotic beasts of burden. As well, the trains would be made of plastic, painted colorfully, and mounted with organs and performers.
