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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Believe it or not... » » Grind Show (1 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

ringmaster
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Inner circle
Memphis, Down in Dixie
1974 Posts

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Fred Olin Ray's excellent book "Grind Show" has a picture of John Strong's authentic Two- headed punk, sometimes called "The Sutton Baby". Although he isn't mentioned in the book, John Bradshaw at one time owed the baby and used it in his blind opening blow-off. Bradshaw got the baby along with a beautiful banner line single-O from tattoo artist Sailer Bill. Bill had retired to Phoenix City ,Alabama, best known for being the headquarters of the State Line Gang until the army ran them out. There was a movie about it. I don't know if John Bradshaw ever et up the single-O show. John who is not mentioned in the book had a Beautiful ten-in-one and operated the side-show at Coney until an unfortunate misunderstanding with the mizzob.
There is also an early picture of Doug Higley's PYGMY JUNGLE, best forgotten.
One of the last living 10-in-one performers. I wanted to be in show business the worst way, and that was it.
Doug Higley
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1942 - 2022
7152 Posts

Profile of Doug Higley
Not best forgotten by me RM. Smile
Fred was one of my first Gaff customers for his Amazon show. That photo was of a little 6x4 trailer that I used for Flea Markets. The picture was of a paint job that never went out BUT, if I remember correctly had the fantastic 3x5 miniature banners I had Mark Frierson paint for me.
The 6x4 trailer actually held up to 18 Zibits...the version you saw was the Lost Pygmy Tribe Of The Amazon (when finally out and painted correctly) and played alongside the Happy Time Circus in Placerville at the Fair and did pretty well too. This was more a performance art project for me and my young Daughter and the tiny trailer was RE-Painted and framed with a completely different show for EACH time it went out. One weekend it might be a Bigfoot Museum (Roseville Flea Market) or at the High Sierra Casino for a Chili Cook off as The Undersea Mystery Show.
No History, no matter how small or insignificant to a bigger picture should be forgotten. I learned more with that little show than any other education I was subjected to. But I do appreciate your reminding me! Thanks.
Higley's Giant Flea Pocket Zibit
ringmaster
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Inner circle
Memphis, Down in Dixie
1974 Posts

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Thanks Doug,
I remember seeing a tiny two wheel trailer show built on the Brill design using the back half of a 50'-54' Chevy pickup.That kind of trailer was quite common back then. I don't remember what the show was, it was being used to haul the "World of the Little People".
I though about framing one for a Merm' or a mitt camp,but I think an EZ-UP would be cheaper and easier all round.
One of the last living 10-in-one performers. I wanted to be in show business the worst way, and that was it.
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