Lawler Literature: The Deadly, Dangerous, Beautiful Circus

Having just finished Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (a book that includes incredible black and white photos from depression-era circuses), I just happened to have a long, fascinating talk with a research librarian who had archived a large amount of circus-related memorabilia in her day.

She introduced me to the infamous 1918 Hammond Circus Train Wreck. Gruen mentions the accident as well, but only in passing. Apparently, a train engineer fell asleep at the wheel, ramming his locomotive into the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus' train. A fire erupted, consuming the sleeping cars where the performers and roustabouts were housed. 86 people died, and 127 more were injured. All this occurred in Hammond, Indiana, which is only a short trip from where I live. The burial site, Showmen’s Rest, in Forest Park, Illinois, is also nearby.

Coincidentally, we also happen to be verging on the 12th Annual International Clown Week Celebration at Showmen's Rest. This August 7 event is free, and features memorial services, speakers, activities, entertainment for kids, and prizes.

Here are some more pictures of the circus via Circus World at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Feel free to browse through their archives.

(1935) Bert Nelson wrestles an enfeebled lioness for the Hagenbeck-Wallace show, decades after the tragic Hammond crash.

(1937) A publicity photo, posed, wherein a clown helps a circus girl with her laundry.

(1937) Terrell Jacobs and wife Dolly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus.