In March–when Minnesota winds were blowing cold, I had an opportunity to spend a couple of weeks on Long Boat Key in Florida. While the beaches were beautiful, one of the unexpected highlights of the trip was a jaunt to Ringling Bros Circus Museum, Ringling Mansion-Ca’ D’ Zan and The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum.
John Ringling was a brilliant businessman who turned his circus revenue into a real estate fortune as developer of Sarasota Florida. By the 1930s he was one of the wealthiest men in the world.
Can you imagine–in the pre-TV and internet era–how thrilling it must have been when the circus came to town?
The combination of theater, exotic animals, circus acts…
The Circus Museum is a fabulous mix of history, art, and theater…
Part of me wishes I could experience the real circus back in its prime… with the heat and noise and smells and people!
No wonder people ran off and joined the circus!
I definitely have a new appreciation for The Circus. If you are ever in Sarasota, don’t miss The Ringling!
Signed,
Lori-The Lion Tamer?
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