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Red Letter Circus

8/14/2005:

Barrett’s Red Letter Circus was in Bismarck during this week in 1887. Among the featured attractions were Master Albert, the Wizard-like “human fly;” Zolo, the human projectile; the three Bryant sisters, the only lady acrobats in the world; and Madame Duvall, the iron-jawed phenomenon, performing electrifying feats of strength.

Jo-Jo the Human Skye Terrier was described as: “A canine carved head, framed in fleecy, shimmering hair. In him reality outstrips exaggeration and dumbfounded science pronounces him the most wonderful and inexplicable mystery of life. Not an insipid idiot, but a bright, alert, vivacious being. By command of the Czar, he returns to St. Petersburg at an early day.”

Source: Bismarck Daily Tribune. 11 Aug 1887.

Dakota Datebook written by Merry Helm