Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-07-01

The amusing animals, the bother
some babies. the comical clowns, the
death defers, the excellent eques-
TRANS, the fantastical freaks. the
gay gang-why go through the
alphabet it's safe to say they were
all there Saturday afternoon and ev-
ening at the two performances of
John Robinson's circus held at Cap
ital Park The parade took place
in the forenoon at the time appoint
cd and with slight variation accord
ing to the line of march mapped
out. The afternoon show called
forth a large crowd and large
crowd was also in attendance in the
evening although the afternoons
business was the biggest. There
were no disappointments for the
patrons as everything was presented
as advertised. 1t was q good. clean
show from start to finish
Saturday was a gala day for Au-
gustians. Winthropites, Belgradians
and all the rest of the folks for
miles around, young and old alike.
The day, although cloudy overhead.
was sunny along the way which led
to the circus 1t started with the
parade, which was a fine showing.
From parades one may gain gen
eral impression of the show to be
seen and the parade certainly was d
fine one. The horses were sleek,
well groomed and also well handled.
The riders were also well groomed
and well appearing. The route of
the parade was handicapped by the
street repairs on Water street, but
nevertheless none were disappointed
who started to see the parade for it
could be seen from many points.
The show in the big tent opened
with a grand parade of all the folks
TO take part in what was to come.
1t was a strenuC us task for one per
son to watch everything which was
going on in the three places the two
rings and the stage The clowns
were there with all their funny
stunts and were diverting side is
sues
The riding features were marvels
| OF skill. both of man and beast. The
horses trained by Mary Bedini were
wonders in their way The tricks
and stunts which they went through
bespoke of careful and conscientious
training. These horses, like all 9TH
crs used in the acts were wonderful
ly built, sleek and keen looking.
The elephants. great big slow go
ing good naturcd beasts. went
through their stunts with precision
and called forth much applause
The acrobatic stunts done by the
Nelson family were features of the
afternoon. The Nelson's have long
been followers of the circus. in fact
for four generations. Their act in
cludes Mr. and Mrs. Nelson and
seven children in an acrobatic stunt
and their work was done on the
center stage. One little sprightly
miss in her turn did some remark
able work and they were all fine.
The stunts which Kent's seals car
ried out were other highly amusing
parts OF the program. The almost
human intelligence shown by these
animals brought forth unstinted
admiration from all. The Hodgini
Troupe was feature which was
highly amusing. The Zouaves in
their drill We're remarkable for pre
clsion in the execution of orders.
Already the war has touched this
group Of trained young men and al
most weekly the number becomes
less because of this 4 large service
flag with fully -; stars is DISPLAYED
by the John Robinson circus, signify
ing that 81 of the men have already
gone into the service. Madam Bedi-
nj in the Liberty Act was pretty
part Of the show.
The other parts Of a we'll regulat-
ed circus were not forgotten in this
very well regulated show. The me-
nagerie contains many animals and
the side shows with their usual at
fractions were in evidence
Taking it all in all the John Rob
inSon Circus was without doubt
the best circus that has visited Au-
gusta for some time and everyone
after attending felt that they had
seen a real show. The old folks
were pleased. for il made Them
think of the days when circuses were
the big event Of the year for folks
on the farm and others ana the
children liked it for it was all they
ever dreamed of and then some. The
personnel of the circus made a most
favorable impression on the citizens
and without doubt it was a fair and
square old time circus, with modern
ronveniences which Will creep in.
The people who attended the Sat
urday performances of the John
Robinson circus feel certain that no
one will be disappointed for it was
all that was advertised. all that was
expected and then some.