In researching my next book, I've read everything I could about Irish Traveller culture and circus life. I won't take up my daughter's PETA soapbox (even though in this case I agree completely). I did however wonder about one thing: Why were circuses rarely seen in the traditional big top outdoor arenas anymore? The answer, it turns out, is actually quite tragic.....
It was a sunny July afternoon and thousands in the town of Hartford Connecticut turned out to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus. The afternoon turned tragic when a fire broke out, every available person ran to help, including performers, but somewhere between 167-169 people died and over 700 were injured. The photograph at the left featuring tramp clown Emmet Kelly holding a water bucket ran in papers across the country and it came to be known as "The day the clowns cried".
It was a sunny July afternoon and thousands in the town of Hartford Connecticut turned out to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus. The afternoon turned tragic when a fire broke out, every available person ran to help, including performers, but somewhere between 167-169 people died and over 700 were injured. The photograph at the left featuring tramp clown Emmet Kelly holding a water bucket ran in papers across the country and it came to be known as "The day the clowns cried".
The fire began at the southwest side of the tent about fifteen minutes into the show. The band immediately began to play "Stars and Stripes Forever" which was the tune used to signal distress to all circus personnel. The ringmaster and ushers tried to maintain order, but panic soon took over the crowd.
Because the big top tent had been weather proofed with paraffin and gasoline as was the standard at the time, the fiery tent collapsed within eight minutes leaving little chance for escape.
Because the big top tent had been weather proofed with paraffin and gasoline as was the standard at the time, the fiery tent collapsed within eight minutes leaving little chance for escape.
While it is believed that many people died by being consumed by the blaze, many others died in the confusion and chaos. Witnesses said some people simply ran around in circles trying to find their loved ones, rather than trying to escape the burning tent. Some escaped but ran back inside to find family members.
To complicate matters further, two of the exits were blocked by the chutes used to move the big cats, that had just finished performing prior to the fire, to and from the tent. Most of the dead were found in piles, at times three bodies deep, near the exits. A few survivors were found, having lived because they were trapped under other bodies and protected when the tent collapsed.
One of the greatest mysteries about the fire is the Identity of victim 1565 or "Little Miss 1565" as she came to be known. While there were some victims that were burnt beyond recognition, Little Miss was not. She was a blond little girl in a white dress that was never identified or claimed. Some believe that she could be Sarah Graham and she was eventually exhumed and buried under the name of Eleanor Cook. As of 2005, according to Wikipedia, the Connecticut State Police are reviewing the case.
To complicate matters further, two of the exits were blocked by the chutes used to move the big cats, that had just finished performing prior to the fire, to and from the tent. Most of the dead were found in piles, at times three bodies deep, near the exits. A few survivors were found, having lived because they were trapped under other bodies and protected when the tent collapsed.
One of the greatest mysteries about the fire is the Identity of victim 1565 or "Little Miss 1565" as she came to be known. While there were some victims that were burnt beyond recognition, Little Miss was not. She was a blond little girl in a white dress that was never identified or claimed. Some believe that she could be Sarah Graham and she was eventually exhumed and buried under the name of Eleanor Cook. As of 2005, according to Wikipedia, the Connecticut State Police are reviewing the case.
Today, where the big top stood, stands a memorial to the victims. And because of this tragedy, most circuses are performed indoors without the use of the big top.
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