Atterbury Circus Family Winter Home

Atterbury Circus- does that name sound familiar to you? Many people can sill remember when Dakota City was the winter quarter for that circus.

In 1924, Mr. Robert L. Atterbury purchased a small farm in Dakota City. He had launched his own circus. in 1911, after having been involved in the circus life since 1883. This farm and area were to serve as his permanent winter quarters. Here a large barn was built to house the elephants, tigers, monkeys and other tropical animals during the winter. Here also stages and aerial rigging were constructed in order that the performers might keep in practice until the next season rolled around.

An interesting feature in 1935 was their family troupe of aerialist, which consisted of four of their eight children. They were Robert and Marie age 18 and 19, and twin sister Annie and Helen age 15. Their mother, Rose Hein, and trained them from age six and they were noted for their youth, daring, beauty, grace and skill.

Of special interest to man people was their large elephant, Queen, who was said to be the larges elephant of that time. A portion on the chain used to hold the elephants can still be found fastened in the ground in Dakota City. Fliers and other information on the circus can be found at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Atterbury Bros.' Show - Atterbury Bros., proprietors; R. L. Atterbury, manager; Wm. Atterbury, assistant manager; Mrs. Rose Atterbury, treasurer, secretary, auditor; Al Roberts, general agent, local contractor, special agent, contracting and advance press agent; W. A. Allen, press agent back with show; Billy Mock, sideshow manager; F. Smith, equestrian director; W. A. Allen, general superintendent; Elmer Gilmer, superintendent privileges; J. W. Marows, musical director; Miss Leoni Atterbury, superintendent reserved seat tickets; Mike Whalen, superintendent canvas; Jas. Stetler, boss hostler; Johnny Murphy, superintendent commissary department; Geo. Kooney, superintendent lights; Dave McGarrick, superintendent props; Wm. Jones, superintendent ring stock; Jas. Stetler, superintendent stock; Mike Whalen, superintendent working crew; Bob Lee, 24-hour agent; P. S. Franks, boss carpenter; Joe Daily [Daily?], checker-up; R. L. Atterbury, legal adjuster; Billy Mock, announcer