The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-08-31

The big Wallace Shows have come and
gone. They were the delight of the small
boys and of great interest to the older
people. Long before the hour for the pa
rade, the principal thoroughfares, such
as Salcm avenue, Jefferson street and
Cam bell avenue, were lined with people
The parade was Il most craditable one and
WAS only Il forerunner of what the show
would be. Hundreds of people were heari
to remark that it was the hest street
show ever given in Roanoke in advance of
Ii circus performance.
The people were gathering rapidly at
the sAow grounds near the river and all
WAS going merrily along The large white
tents were stretched over acres of ground
aud everybody anticipated Il good time
The large force of hands and many of
the performers were ut dinner when Il dis
tant rumbling Of thunder WAS heard i'm
the west In Il few moments II counter
report was heard just south of the big
tents.
In u few moments the clouds met right
over the big white tops IN" storm was
very much in evidence. 1t was with diff
cnlty that the small teuts we're held
down.
The big tent was raised into the air
until it resembled huge black cloud
hanging out in the storm. The menagerie
tent was lifted and it care down with n
crash on the cages located on the east
side, completely covering them up The
poles, seats and circus furniture were
torn down in one inconceivable mass I'M
der the big canvass.
The rain poured in torrents and hun
drcds'of people made rush for the side
show in order to obtain shelter 1t was
only Il matter of few seconds when they
found that they had sought refuge on
dangerous ground. Women aud children
screamed and men ran wildly about, and
for about three minutes the widest con
fusion prevailed.
The side show suffered worst of all
The heavy iron poles on which the signs
we're suspended, were bent co form right
angles. When it was evident that the
tent was going TO he swept down every
body made rush for the open air. There
was wild scramble, but outside Of n few
bruises no one was hurt.
Many people had already purchased
tickets and had entered the menagerie
tent. Some of them farel little worse.
w. j. Ramsey, n canvass man, had his
ankle broken, and it was reported that II
boy had his arm broken, but this report
could not be verified. J. G. Canes re-
ceived severe scalp wound and was at
tended by.Dr. Downey. a colorSed boy IS
also said to have been injured about the
head. Mr.. Ramsey was taken to DR. Can.
nadav's retreat for the sick and his iniu-
ries attended
The tent was badly torn to pieces and
the loss to the show considering every
thing will run up into the thousands.
The ring furniture aDd trapeze fixtures
were badly damaged so that a portion of
the performance had to be omitted
The show is without Il doubt the most
creditable ever brought to Roanoke. They
nave what they advertise and the people
appreciate it. The selection of animals
for the menagerie IS exceedingly good and
their specimens are as good as the best
The lions, four in number, are perhaps
the largest ever shown in Roanoke.
Diamond the biggest elephant in
America, is the pride of the show. He
Is bigger than Jumbo, and weighs S,400
pounds. His companions are also won
derfully large specimens The animals
are in charge of HenryssKeed who has "A
corps of assistants.
The lions and tigers are directly in
charge of Charles Aldefer, - red headed
freshman who knows what to do to keep
the vicious beasts quiet. He contrc Is
them both by love and fear.
Every department of the show is run
with system ard order. There is no loud
or bolsterous talk among the men. Each
man has duty to perform and he does it
or is discharged
The show carries $50 people, Including
managers, performers and helpers They
nave two eatingg compartments Mt which
the people are fed. The helpers are given
their meals three times day in one din
ing room and lunch is served to the per-
formers and managers every day at /
O'Clock in the other. Their regular
meals are served at tEeir private cars,
white a few of them put up at the hotels
The dressing rooms are under tent
separate and apart from the big show
Here everything is kept in its place and
when ready foi use is where it can be
found.
The show has with il 900 horses. The
ring stock is all thoroughbred and is said
to he the best money can buy. The draft
horses arc large and we'll kept. 1t is
without doubt the best aggregation of
horse flesh ever brought to Roanoke. 1t
was late in the afternoon before the big
teht were again up and everything in
place and when it was announced that
the doors would not open Until I o'clock
hundreds of people went away disap
poinued.
The performance last night was All that
could be desired. The programme was
both elaborate land varied Every act
was commendahle and the two rings and
stage performance going on all at the
same time is only proof ,f the excellence
OF the shcw. The Nelson's, the most
wonderful acrobatic pei formers in the