Aug 17. Seaville Show Photos by: Harry B. Scheeler, Jr.
This year marks the 125th Anniversary of Cole Bros. Circus—the oldest, American Circus performing under the Big Top.
W. W. Cole, who inaugurated the Cole Bros. Circus title in 1884, began his circus career in 1871, amassing fortune and fame by bringing to cities and villages the most astounding marvels of the day.
Among the amazing attractions promoted by W. W. Cole, incandescent light—a single, glowing glass globe, powered by a steam engine—drew record crowds, with young and old alike filling Cole’s tent to witness the seemingly impossible invention.
The brightly lit tent of Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars bears slight resemblance to W.W. Cole’s 19th century Big Top, but the tradition of watching what appears unbelievable happen right before your eyes remains at Cole Bros. Circus.
The 2009 Edition of Cole Bros. Circus celebrates 125 years of circus history with a special performance reprising legendary circus acts of the past along with showcasing the talents of cirque nouveau artists.
The Toprasta Troupe, from Columbia, recreates the treacherous, three-tier, seven-Man Pyramid on the High Wire.
Russia’s Svetlana Gololobova exhibits grace that belies her strength in an exquisitely executed gymnastic routine on aerial silks.
Circus daredevils cast caution aside as they challenge The Globe of Death and Giant Gyro Wheel, with the zany Cole Bros. Clown Crew arriving in the nick of time to provide comic relief.
Elephants and acrobats, camels and jugglers, dogs and ponies, and arguably the world’s funniest mule take turns in the spotlight, and The Human Cannonball gets fired at every show!
With a dynamic new show to commemorate its anniversary, Cole Bros. Circus proves its enduring appeal.
W. W. Cole introduced the public to the latest scientific achievement. Today, Cole Bros. Circus affords welcome opportunity to take a break from technology and simply enjoy.
