7 Vintage 1941 COLE BROS CIRCUS Private Newsletters, CARTOONS By EMMETT KELLY
Item History & Price
Collection of 7 Vintage Cole Bros. Circus Newsletters Illustratedwith Original Cartoonsby Legendary Clown Emmett KellyCirca 1941 Company-Wide Circus Family NewsOffered here is a collection of seven vintage early 1940's handmade internal newsletters distributed among members of the Cole Brothers Circus, with many featuring original cartoons drawn by "Weary Willie" himself, Emmett Kelly.Entitled "The Menage Weekl...y", the 8.5" x 14" inch issues were hand made and mimeographed on paper of various colors and distributed to the company. Offered here are such mimeographs (copies) that were kept for many years by one of the circus performers.
Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros.
As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s.
Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016!Volume 1, No XXCover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg.
Issue (1941)Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ...
Issue (Green cover)Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ...
Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover)Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route.
Memorial Edition (1941)Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers.
IssueCover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus.
IssueCover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ...
CONDITION
All issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned.See our other itemsPAYMENTSHIPPINGRETURNSQUESTIONS?PAYMENTSHIPPINGRETURNSQUESTIONS?Please make payment within 5 days after close of the auction. We will escalate cases with eBay if bidders do not submit payment within the 5 day period following the auction's close. If, for whatever reason you are unable to pay within this time, we will be happy to work with you if you notify us upon the auction's close.USA/CANADA - All items are sent USPS First Class unless otherwise stated in the auction listing. On dispatch you will be issued with a tracking number. Higher value items (over $50) will always be fully insured at no extra cost to you. WORLDWIDE - All items are sent USPS First Class and trackable (please note that costs for postage will vary depending on your country.) Higher value items will always be fully insured and trackable at no extra cost to you. We pack all shipments with great care so that all items arrive as they left us. We also combine items so if you win more than one auction, the cost of postage will be greatly lower.Please note that we always collate and describe the items we sell to the very best of our ability. If you have questions regarding an item please get in contact so we can help you further before the auction's close.
If for whatever reason an item you have received does not match our listing we will always issue you a hassle-free full refund on return of the item which will also include any postage costs you have incurred. It is our goal to work with you to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your purchase.If you have questions regarding this item or would like to get in touch with us, please send us a message through eBay or you may contact us through our website, Regency Antique Books.Offered here is a collection of seven vintage early 1940's handmade internal newsletters distributed among members of the Cole Brothers Circus, with many featuring original cartoons drawn by "Weary Willie" himself, Emmett Kelly. ​​​​​​​ Entitled "The Menage Weekly", the 8.5" x 14" inch issues were hand made and mimeographed on paper of various colors and distributed to the company. Offered here are such mimeographs (copies) that were kept for many years by one of the circus performers. Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros. As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s. ​​​​​​​Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016! ​​​​​​Volume 1, No XX Cover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg. Issue (1941) Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ... Issue (Green cover) ​​​​​​​Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ... ​​​​​​​Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover) Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route. Memorial Edition (1941) Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers. Issue Cover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus. Issue Cover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ... CONDITION All issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned. Collection of 7 Vintage Cole Bros. Circus Newsletters Illustratedwith Original Cartoonsby Legendary Clown Emmett KellyCirca 1941 Company-Wide Circus Family NewsOffered here is a collection of seven vintage early 1940's handmade internal newsletters distributed among members of the Cole Brothers Circus, with many featuring original cartoons drawn by "Weary Willie" himself, Emmett Kelly.Entitled "The Menage Weekly", the 8.5" x 14" inch issues were hand made and mimeographed on paper of various colors and distributed to the company. Offered here are such mimeographs (copies) that were kept for many years by one of the circus performers.
Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros.
As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s.
Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016!Volume 1, No XXCover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg.
Issue (1941)Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ...
Issue (Green cover)Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ...
Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover)Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route.
Memorial Edition (1941)Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers.
IssueCover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus.
IssueCover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ...
CONDITION
All issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned.See our other itemsPAYMENTPlease make payment within 5 days after close of the auction. We will escalate cases with eBay if bidders do not submit payment within the 5 day period following the auction's close. If, for whatever reason you are unable to pay within this time, we will be happy to work with you if you notify us upon the auction's close.SHIPPINGUSA/CANADA - All items are sent USPS First Class unless otherwise stated in the auction listing. On dispatch you will be issued with a tracking number. Higher value items (over $50) will always be fully insured at no extra cost to you. WORLDWIDE - All items are sent USPS First Class and trackable (please note that costs for postage will vary depending on your country.) Higher value items will always be fully insured and trackable at no extra cost to you. We pack all shipments with great care so that all items arrive as they left us. We also combine items so if you win more than one auction, the cost of postage will be greatly lower.RETURNSPlease note that we always collate and describe the items we sell to the very best of our ability. If you have questions regarding an item please get in contact so we can help you further before the auction's close.
If for whatever reason an item you have received does not match our listing we will always issue you a hassle-free full refund on return of the item which will also include any postage costs you have incurred. It is our goal to work with you to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your purchase.QUESTIONS?If you have questions regarding this item or would like to get in touch with us, please send us a message through eBay or you may contact us through our website, Regency Antique Books.Offered here is a collection of seven vintage early 1940's handmade internal newsletters distributed among members of the Cole Brothers Circus, with many featuring original cartoons drawn by "Weary Willie" himself, Emmett Kelly.Entitled "The Menage Weekly", the 8.5" x 14" inch issues were hand made and mimeographed on paper of various colors and distributed to the company. Offered here are such mimeographs (copies) that were kept for many years by one of the circus performers.Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros.As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s.Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016!Volume 1, No XXCover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg.Issue (1941)Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ... Issue (Green cover)Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ... Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover)Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route.Memorial Edition (1941)Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers. IssueCover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus.IssueCover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ... CONDITIONAll issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned.
Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros.
As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s.
Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016!Volume 1, No XXCover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg.
Issue (1941)Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ...
Issue (Green cover)Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ...
Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover)Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route.
Memorial Edition (1941)Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers.
IssueCover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus.
IssueCover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ...
CONDITION
All issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned.See our other itemsPAYMENTSHIPPINGRETURNSQUESTIONS?PAYMENTSHIPPINGRETURNSQUESTIONS?Please make payment within 5 days after close of the auction. We will escalate cases with eBay if bidders do not submit payment within the 5 day period following the auction's close. If, for whatever reason you are unable to pay within this time, we will be happy to work with you if you notify us upon the auction's close.USA/CANADA - All items are sent USPS First Class unless otherwise stated in the auction listing. On dispatch you will be issued with a tracking number. Higher value items (over $50) will always be fully insured at no extra cost to you. WORLDWIDE - All items are sent USPS First Class and trackable (please note that costs for postage will vary depending on your country.) Higher value items will always be fully insured and trackable at no extra cost to you. We pack all shipments with great care so that all items arrive as they left us. We also combine items so if you win more than one auction, the cost of postage will be greatly lower.Please note that we always collate and describe the items we sell to the very best of our ability. If you have questions regarding an item please get in contact so we can help you further before the auction's close.
If for whatever reason an item you have received does not match our listing we will always issue you a hassle-free full refund on return of the item which will also include any postage costs you have incurred. It is our goal to work with you to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your purchase.If you have questions regarding this item or would like to get in touch with us, please send us a message through eBay or you may contact us through our website, Regency Antique Books.Offered here is a collection of seven vintage early 1940's handmade internal newsletters distributed among members of the Cole Brothers Circus, with many featuring original cartoons drawn by "Weary Willie" himself, Emmett Kelly. ​​​​​​​ Entitled "The Menage Weekly", the 8.5" x 14" inch issues were hand made and mimeographed on paper of various colors and distributed to the company. Offered here are such mimeographs (copies) that were kept for many years by one of the circus performers. Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros. As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s. ​​​​​​​Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016! ​​​​​​Volume 1, No XX Cover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg. Issue (1941) Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ... Issue (Green cover) ​​​​​​​Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ... ​​​​​​​Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover) Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route. Memorial Edition (1941) Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers. Issue Cover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus. Issue Cover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ... CONDITION All issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned. Collection of 7 Vintage Cole Bros. Circus Newsletters Illustratedwith Original Cartoonsby Legendary Clown Emmett KellyCirca 1941 Company-Wide Circus Family NewsOffered here is a collection of seven vintage early 1940's handmade internal newsletters distributed among members of the Cole Brothers Circus, with many featuring original cartoons drawn by "Weary Willie" himself, Emmett Kelly.Entitled "The Menage Weekly", the 8.5" x 14" inch issues were hand made and mimeographed on paper of various colors and distributed to the company. Offered here are such mimeographs (copies) that were kept for many years by one of the circus performers.
Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros.
As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s.
Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016!Volume 1, No XXCover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg.
Issue (1941)Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ...
Issue (Green cover)Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ...
Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover)Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route.
Memorial Edition (1941)Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers.
IssueCover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus.
IssueCover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ...
CONDITION
All issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned.See our other itemsPAYMENTPlease make payment within 5 days after close of the auction. We will escalate cases with eBay if bidders do not submit payment within the 5 day period following the auction's close. If, for whatever reason you are unable to pay within this time, we will be happy to work with you if you notify us upon the auction's close.SHIPPINGUSA/CANADA - All items are sent USPS First Class unless otherwise stated in the auction listing. On dispatch you will be issued with a tracking number. Higher value items (over $50) will always be fully insured at no extra cost to you. WORLDWIDE - All items are sent USPS First Class and trackable (please note that costs for postage will vary depending on your country.) Higher value items will always be fully insured and trackable at no extra cost to you. We pack all shipments with great care so that all items arrive as they left us. We also combine items so if you win more than one auction, the cost of postage will be greatly lower.RETURNSPlease note that we always collate and describe the items we sell to the very best of our ability. If you have questions regarding an item please get in contact so we can help you further before the auction's close.
If for whatever reason an item you have received does not match our listing we will always issue you a hassle-free full refund on return of the item which will also include any postage costs you have incurred. It is our goal to work with you to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your purchase.QUESTIONS?If you have questions regarding this item or would like to get in touch with us, please send us a message through eBay or you may contact us through our website, Regency Antique Books.Offered here is a collection of seven vintage early 1940's handmade internal newsletters distributed among members of the Cole Brothers Circus, with many featuring original cartoons drawn by "Weary Willie" himself, Emmett Kelly.Entitled "The Menage Weekly", the 8.5" x 14" inch issues were hand made and mimeographed on paper of various colors and distributed to the company. Offered here are such mimeographs (copies) that were kept for many years by one of the circus performers.Most interestingly, many of the issues feature funny cartoons drawn (and signed) by the legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly, just a year before he left Cole Bros. to join up with Ringling Bros.As a young man, Kelly had studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. In 1923 he brought his cartoon character of the defeated hobo to life as a clown. Kelly joined Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930's and played with Cole Bros. until 1942 when he joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where he remained a featured act until the late 1950s.Cole Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 as "W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows", by William Washington Cole. In the 1930s, the circus employed two noted animal trainers, Clyde Beatty and Allen King; another well-known performer with the circus was Bob Strehlau Juggles the Clown. Incredibly, Cole Bros. was still operating up until around 2016!Volume 1, No XXCover image shows a drawing by Emmett Kelly featuring Jack Dempsey knocking another boxer in the nose, captioned "The Manassas Mauler New Cole Bros. Feature". News includes a piece on boxing legend Jack Dempsey by Col. Harry Thomas ... Theft of some money from the troupe's ballet girls ... news of visiting families ... cartoons ... side show news on many acts ... a letter of thanks from Jon Nichols for contributions from fellow circus folk towards getting him an artificial leg.Issue (1941)Cover cartoon artwork by Emmett Kelly shows a creative flourish of a mimeograph machine making copies ... News includes ... "The Circus: Where Loyalty Begins and Finishes" ... discussion of the circus performing in Mexico ... testimonials from various theatre managers on the Cole Bros. show ... a full page cartoon ... a full page hand-drawn "ad" expressing greetings to the Cole Bros. Circus from Terrell M. Jacobs Tent of Circus Fans Association of Houston, Texas ... news of a member being drafted into the US Army during WWII ... Issue (Green cover)Cover features a drawing of a funny skeletonized horse by Emmett Kelly ... News from the band members ... updates on the poles and props of the circus being painted over a weekend .. a full page cartoon by Emmett Kelly ... news on a dog act retiring ... Volume 1, Edition 6 (Orange cover)Cover features a fantastic drawing of comedy and tragedy masks ... News includes a popularity contest among Menage Club members ... the Ballet girls being appreciative of a new ballet top .... a new assistant back door manager ... a half page drawn 'ad' from Lansing Hospitaler Winter Circus 'Say Hello to Our Friends' ... reviews from news and press people ... jokes ... poems ... advice to the lovelorn .. half page cartoon of a funny toilet event, drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... side show news ... list of cities on the circus' latest route.Memorial Edition (1941)Cover drawing shows the Cole Bros. big top tent with flags flying. Memorial for Hollywood silent film actor and sometime-circus performer Rex de Roselli and details of his funeral and experiences of circus folk being pallbearers ... details on a huge storm that hit Bloomington, IL ... jokes ... doings of the circus performers. IssueCover drawing is a funny cartoon showing two characters at a banquet ... Headlines include "Straw Houses the Rule Now on Cole Bros. Circus" ... special thanks to agent J.D. Newman ... news on the annual circus banquet dinner ... birthday greetings .... family tidbits ... a brush with Jack Dempsey ... full page thank you ad ... full page group of creatively drawn thank you ads ... side show news on Nosey Schwab who has a broken rib received in the pie car ... thanks to Emmett Kelly for his help in painting and assembling the circus.IssueCover has a portion missing but this area did not include artwork like the other issues. News includes a great promotional stunt with heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey wherein Dempsey ref'd a staged fight between Freddie Freeman and Otto Griebling, along with Emmett Kelly as time keeper and Harry Thomas as announcer. Content includes a little ad referencing a hotel that is friendly to circus folk ... news from the side show acts .. two full page cartoons drawn and signed by Emmett Kelly ... funny news from various folks in the circus ... CONDITIONAll issues are vintage mimeographs (copies) and measure 8.5" x 14". Black and white mimeographs on plain paper (some issues feature colored sheets of paper). All issues show wear, creasing, slight tears, staining. Cartoons signed by Emmett Kelly are mimeographs of Kelly's originals. It is not known whether other cartoons / drawings in the issues are Kelly's work as the others are unsigned.
