The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-03-25
WILL SEE
 THE CIRCUS APRIL 12

N TOW that the advance guard of
 M spring has sent forward It's scouts and the time draws near when old Sol will shine upon both sides of the fence, ones thoughts naturally drift to- ward tented amusements. Right here it may be stated that the season for Bir- mingham and vicinity will be ushered in April F and 13 by Cole Brothers United shows This announcement will prove welcome to the small boy and his elders who, even at this early date, are antici- pating the hot roasted peanut pink lem onade, freshly sprinkled sawdust and all the accompanying pleasures
 While young and old are upon the qui vive for the initial parade and perform ance of the year three questions fre- quently heard are: How do performers of really large shows pass the winter? How are the rare and costly menagerie wonders provided for during the cold months of the closed season? How do the proprletors and managers employ their time?
 Thinking, to obtain some information on the non-advertised side of the show business and its followers the writer yes terday interviewed Martin J. Downs at the Hillman. Years of experience, sleep less enterprise and a thorough acquaint- ance with the public's amusement needs long since placed MT. Downs in the fore most ranks of the worlds successful showmen. He is the sole owner and manager of Cole Brothers United Shows, and having grown Up in the business, so to speak, is an authority upon any sub ject or department therein. The Age Heralds representative enjoyed pleas ant two hours chat with MT. Downs, during which many heretofore unpub- lshed facts were made known.
 Contrary to common belief, performers do not pass their winters reveling in fairy land idleness. In truth they are probably the only professional persons who know no holiday throughout the year, except Sunday No matter whether they are equestrians, aerialists, acrobats or what for them 1t is work, and plenty of it. too You all know what these people do when upon the road under salary. With few exceptions, they appear In the street parade and at each afternoon and evening performance
 As you have noted the apparent ease with which they perform has there not flashed through your mind the thought that they had an easy time of life and continual round of royal pleasure? Know then your great mistake, for no laborer puts in as long hours or as hard work as these same performers from one years end to the next From the time the show closes in the fall until it opens again the following spring, they devote long hours each day risking life and limb perfecting something new. The very feat which may appear the most simple 10 you has perhaps caused It's originator many a hard knock and several weeks of patient rehearsal ere he or she accom- nlished it. Thus is their vacation passed in practice Likewise is their summers during which they rehearse every week day between shows, when their only on lockers are their fellow workers and as- sociates.
 If the persons who present the pro gramme are busy in their supposedly idle months their superiors are more SO. First there Is the proprietor, who is quite otteh the general manager. AS 'the hlgh ooss