Fred Dahlinger Jr., former Director of Historic Resources and Facilities at Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, convinced me to work on this project and helped me every step of the way. When I couldn’t find what I needed at Circus World Museum’s Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center, Fred pointed me in the direction to look. John F. Polacsek (Detroit, Michigan) provided access to his vast newspaper clipping files at Circus World Museum. The late Bob Brisendine (Atlanta, Georgia) did the same with his notes and files, also at Circus World Museum. Meg Allen, former Parkinson library assistant, and Erin Foley, former Circus World Museum archivist, were of great help in finding and photocopying materials from the library.
Circus historian Fred D. Pfening III (Columbus, Ohio) made his collection of Ringling materials available and spent untold hours computing Ringling 1890s circus income for me. He also read and commented on the entire manuscript. Fred’s father, Fred D. Pfening Jr., also a circus historian, shared his materials collections as well. Circus historian Richard J. Reynolds III (Atlanta, Georgia) read the manuscript page by page, suggesting additions and spotting errors. Stuart LeR. Thayer (Seattle, Washington), author of several circus history books, met with me, read the manuscript, and offered many useful comments.
My never-tiring wife, Ruth, read the manuscript several times, correcting errors. My son, Steve, a professional photographer and journalist, offered many suggestions for improvement and took several photographs for the book. Susan Apps Horman, my daughter, read early drafts of the material and helped me decide on a structure for the work.
Others who helped with research include Carol and Elmer Marting, Monona, Iowa; Michelle Pettit, head librarian, McGregor Public Library; Sally Veitt Scarff, McGregor, Iowa; Peter Shrake and Mary Farrell-Stieve, Sauk County Historical Society Library; Paul Wolter, president of the Sauk County Historical Society; the late C. P. “Chappie” Fox, longtime director of Circus World Museum; Walter Gollmar Jr., Evansville, Wisconsin; Jorge and Lou Ann Jacob Barreda, elephant trainers; Paul Ringling (grandson of Alf T. Ringling), Miles City, Montana; Merlin E. Zitzner, president, Baraboo National Bank; Robert Barnes, Madison; Allen Paschen, Baraboo; Verne Albert, Baraboo; John and George Isenberg (direct descendents of the Ringling contractor); Marge Krohn, Madison; Donald Heflin, Naples, Florida; John Dresser, Marshalltown, Iowa; Steve Swenson, Aldo Leopold Foundation, Baraboo; and Jan and Duane Neuman, Baraboo.
I have likely overlooked several people who have helped me with this project. I thank you for your kindness and apologize for the oversight. A book of this magnitude requires the assistance of many. I so much appreciate everyone’s contributions.