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Lake Geneva plays ringmaster to historic circus wagons

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Dan Smith of Manteno, Ill, examines and photographs some of the early arrival circus wagons in Lake Geneva.

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Some of the intricate carving and detail work on one of the circus wagons on display at Lake Geneva.

LAKE GENEVA — Twenty historic circus wagons from the collection housed at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo will be on display in downtown Lake Geneva this weekend.

The exhibition is made possible by Chicago financier and philanthropist Richard Driehaus, whose circus-themed 65th birthday party last year at his summer estate on Geneva Lake included a display of the wagons.

“The opportunity to present these magnificent circus wagons is a real treat for the community,” said George Hennerley, executive vice president of the Geneva Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

That’s because since 2003—the last time the Great Circus Parade was held in Milwaukee—the only place people could see the antique wagons has been at Circus World Museum in Baraboo.

“This is a rare, close-to-home chance to discover the thrill, imagination and pageantry of the circus from a bygone era,” Hennerley said.

The exhibition includes a variety of circus wagons, including cages, covered wagons, bandwagons, horse-drawn wagons and a steam calliope.

Brochures with information about the wagons will be available on site.

Notable wagons on display this weekend include:

-- The steam calliope “America,” the last such wagon built for use by a circus.

The wagon originally was built in 1903 as a telescoping tableau with intricately carved figures representing the Americas capable of being elevated out of the lower body for display. The wagon was reconfigured in 1917 to serve as a bandwagon and haul circus baggage.

After fire destroyed the circus’ original steam calliope, “America” was altered again, and it debuted as a calliope in 1940. A calliope, or steam organ, produces sound by sending steam through whistles. The wagon also carried the boiler that provided the steam and a supply of water and fuel.

David SaLoutos, performance director at the Circus World Museum, will play the steam calliope at 10:50 a.m., 1:50 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

-- The “Cinderella” pony float, one of seven fairy tale-themed pony-drawn wagons built in the 1880s for the children’s portion of the circus parade. The Circus World Museum houses the only three that remain.

The wagon, restored and gold leafed in 2002, features a sculpture of Prince Charming kneeling at Cinderella’s feet, placing the glass slipper on her foot.

-- The Gavioli organ bandwagon, built in the early 1900s.

The wagon houses an organ that replicates the sound of an 80-piece band and features colorful, animated figures that dance.

John Lloyd of the Circus World Museum will play the organ at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

According to the staff at Circus World Museum, such an exhibition is rare.

“This is significant,” SaLoutos said, “especially such a large contingent of (the circus wagons). That doesn’t really happen outside of the parade.

“(The wagons) don’t really go out except for a single wagon here and there.”

IF YOU GO

What: Twenty circus wagons from the Circus World Museum collection in Baraboo

When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Monday. Docents will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special performances of the “America” steam calliope and Gavioli organ bandwagon are Saturday and Sunday.

Where: Wrigley Drive, downtown Lake Geneva.

Cost: Free

Information: Geneva Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, (262) 248-4416.