Library of congress Acquires Rare glimpse into Traveling Circuses of the 1980s
WASHINGTON – the Library of Congress has added a captivating collection of photographs to its archives, offering a rare look into the often-unseen world of traveling circuses in the mid-1980s. The 138 images, donated by photographer Edwin Martin, document the daily lives, grueling work, and unguarded moments of performers and workers across six different circuses between 1983 and 1986.
Martin, then a ideology professor at Indiana University Bloomington, embarked on the project almost by accident. After taking a picture of the Carson & Barnes Circus during a stop in Indiana, he sent the photo to the company and boldly offered to join them on the road, camera in tow. To his surprise,they accepted.
The resulting images capture a slice of Americana that is rapidly fading from view. From elephants pulling semi-trucks across muddy fields in Cedar City, missouri, to clowns applying makeup in cramped trailers in Dalhart, Texas, Martin’s photographs reveal the stark realities behind the spectacle.
“It illustrates the need to sleep whenever you can,” Martin said of a photo depicting a clown named Phil applying makeup while another, EJ, sleeps nearby. The image encapsulates the fractured rhythm of circus life,where days begin before dawn and stretch late into the night.
One striking image shows light pouring through holes in the canvas tent in Lake Isabella, California. “It was very dusty and very dirty,” Martin recalled. The photograph offers a glimpse into the challenging conditions faced by the performers and workers who brought the circus to life.
The collection also highlights the dedication and skill of the performers. Martin remembers the highwire acts enduring sweltering temperatures at the top of the tent and the quiet expertise of Pat, a big cat trainer. “She was skilled and had special knowledge,” he said. “She was a valued member of the troupe.”
While the circus was once a staple of American entertainment, its popularity has waned in recent decades. Declining attendance, increased animal welfare concerns, and rising operational costs have led to the closure of manny circuses across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, forcing many troupes to suspend operations or shut down permanently.
However, some smaller, more intimate circuses are finding new ways to connect with audiences. These modern circuses frequently enough focus on human performance, emphasizing acrobatics, aerial arts, and clowning, while forgoing animal acts altogether. They also tend to be more community-focused, offering workshops, classes, and outreach programs.
Martin’s photographs serve as a valuable past record, documenting a unique form of entertainment and a way of life that is quickly disappearing. “I think one of the strengths of photography… is documenting ways of life that we don’t really know, that we only have vague ideas about,” Martin said.
but some critics argue that romanticizing the circus overlooks the ethical concerns surrounding animal treatment.Organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have long campaigned against the use of animals in circuses, citing instances of abuse, neglect, and confinement. while Martin’s photographs do not explicitly depict animal cruelty, they nonetheless raise questions about the long-term impact of circus life on the animals involved.
The Library of Congress acquisition provides an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the American circus – its artistry, its challenges, and its place in the nation’s cultural history.
FAQ
Q: Where can I view the Edwin Martin circus photographs?
A: A selection of the photographs is available on the library of Congress website. Search “Edwin Martin circus photographs” to find the collection.
Q: What circuses were photographed in this collection?
A: The collection documents six traveling circuses from 1983 to 1986. The article mentions the Carson & Barnes Circus specifically.
Q: What is the historical meaning of these photographs?
A: The photographs offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives of circus performers and workers during a period when the American circus was still a prominent form of entertainment. They document a way of life that is rapidly disappearing.
Q: What were some of the challenges faced by traveling circuses in the 1980s?
A: The article highlights the grueling work schedules, challenging conditions, and constant travel that characterized circus life.Q: Are circuses still popular in the United States today?
A: While customary circuses with animal acts have declined in popularity, some smaller, more intimate circuses that focus on human performance are finding new audiences.
