The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1910-05-02
CIRCUS PLEASES
LARGE AUDIENCE
First Circus Of the Season in vinita
Today Draws Large
Crowd.

Today is circus day IN flnita ana
the first circus of the season Is the
magnet that is attracting the atten-
ton of nearly every body today. from
the small hoy who has been saving
up his pennies to the older boys and
girls to whom circus day means only
a chance to once more renew ac-
quaintances with the funny clowns
and feed peanuts to the elephants.
The John H. Sparks Shows arrived
early yesterday morning over the
Frisco and the special train was speed
lily unloaded and moved to the circus
lot. Sunday is a day of rest with the
circus people, for the animals as we'll
as the men and only such work as was
absolutely necessary was carried on.
For a time the animals and horses
were without home as yesterday
was the day selected for the annual
job of water-proofing all Of the tents.
When the show opened at Shreve-
port. La. four weeks ago all Of these
tents Were brand new and would not
turn water 1t is necessary for the
canvass to be stretched before the
waterproof coating can be applied as
after this is done the tents are literal
ly as tight as drum and unless the
ropes are thoroughly stretched the
first heavy wind or rain would cause
heavy damage. The work of water
proofing is an interesting process.
Yesterday the Sparks Shows used
1900 pounds of wax and 30 barrels of
gasoline. The wax is first melted and
poured in large sprinkling cans. A
small quantity Of gasoline is added
and then men ON the run and while
the mixture is still boiling sprinkle it
upon the canvas. 1t is brushed in with
an ordinary broom. AS soon as the
gasoline evaporates the canvas is
evenly covered with a coating Of wax
and is rendered absolutely water
proof It is a costly necessity but 1t
is an annual proceeding.
All day yesterday crowds were up
ON thes grounds and gained a most
favorable impression of the outfit. The
show gave every indication of being
first class in every respect The
horses were all splendid speciments,
sleek and fat and the wagons and
paraphernalia bright and attractive.
Unlike most shows the employees
were courteous and the small boy and
the larger ones too, were allowed to
inspect the tents and contents unmo-
Tested.
This morning the country people
were early in evidence and at parade
time the sidewalks were crowded with
spectators. Promptly at noca th9 pa
rade left the grounds and was viewed
by thousands. 1t not only fulfilled ex-
pectations, but if anything exceeded
them. It was nearly half mile in
length and so arranged as to furnish
both diversion and amusement for old
and young. There were three bands
and caliope that seemed to be in
better tune than most Of them, golden
chariots. dens Of animals. stately ele-
plants, camels and other led animals.
pretty and diminutive ponies, hs.nd-
some riders, both male and female,
and features galore that pleased the
eye and tastes of everyone. In fact,
it was as good a parade as has been
seen here with many much larger cir
Gus. and served to attract the throng |
to the grounds where previous to the
opening OF the doors OF the big show
number of free exhibitions were CIV
en-, including death defying cloud |
swing by Prof. Cahill The perform
ance this afternoon was Witnessed by !
crowd that nearly filed the bigtent,
and it was first class in every respect,
as good performance as has been |
seen here in years. While all the acts !
were good, especially noticeable was !
the wonderful intelligence displayed |
by the herd Of elephants performed !
by Prof. Paul Jacoby, the daring .