JOHNNY J. JONES – “The Mighty Monarch of The Tented World”
L.-R: Princess Marguerite, the Doll Lady, 29 inches high, age 22; Prince Denison, the Most Human Diminutive, 27 inches high, age 19 (France); Duchess Leona, The Beautiful Minature, 31 inches high, age 23; The Noble Adrien Mab, 27 inches high, age 41, Circa 1904
- 1895 Cane Rack Booth
- 1899 Johnny J. Jones Ferris Wheel Company
- 1901 Johnny J. Jones Combination Shows
- 1902 Jones – Allen (Tom Allen) Combination Show
- 1903 Columbus Carnival Company with Bert Hoss (formed a partnership in the spring of 1903 – only played two dates)
- 1903 Jones Carnival Company with Zimmerman
- 1905 Jones And Adams (James Adams) Exposition Shows With Johnny J. Jones Big Trained Wild Animal Exhibition as the featured act
- 1906 Johnny J. Jones Exposition & Trained Wild Animal Exhibit
- 1910 Johnny J. Jones Exposition Shows
Doc’s Midway Cookhouse Collection
Johnny J. Jones
The Mighty Monarch of the Tented World
“Johnny’s Coming.”
For a time, those words meant everything.
They meant the midway was on its way—
organized, respected, and unlike anything else, traveling the country.
They meant Johnny Jenkins Jones.
Overview
Johnny J. Jones was one of the most influential carnival showmen of the early 20th century. From humble beginnings in the coal fields of Pennsylvania, he built one of the largest and most respected traveling midways in America.
Known for discipline, innovation, and a commitment to clean entertainment, his show became a standard others struggled to match.
Early Life (1874–1895)
Born June 8, 1874, in Arnot, Pennsylvania, Jones was raised in nearby Du Bois. His early years were shaped by labor—working in coal mines as a boy before moving to the railroads, where he sold newspapers and goods as a “news butcher.”
It was there he learned the rhythms of travel, people, and opportunity.
The Turning Point (1895–1907)
Jones entered the amusement business in 1895 with a cane rack concession.
It succeeded.
Instead of spending his earnings, he reinvested them.
He purchased a miniature railroad
Then built his own Ferris wheel
This moment marked his transformation:
From concessionaire → to ride owner → to show builder
By 1907, he had formed Johnny J. Jones Exposition Shows & Trained Wild Animal Exhibition
Building a Moving Empire (1907–1920s)
Jones expanded steadily:
- Carolinas and Southern circuits
- Into the Midwest
- West of the Mississippi by 1916
- Canada and major exhibitions
By the 1920s:
- ~50 steel railroad cars
- ~100 wagons
- Second in size only to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
His show was not just traveling. It was a city on rails
A Showman Who Controlled His Story
Jones understood visibility.
Through The Billboard, he:
- Promoted his routes
- Managed his reputation
- Responded to criticism
- Positioned his show as a leader
Long before modern branding. Jones made sure his name stayed current
Reputation: “The Sunday School Show”
His midway became known for:
- Clean concessions
- Orderly layout
- Family-friendly environment
- Respect from communities and officials
This was not accidental. It was intentional
Cultural Reach
Jones’ show attracted national attention.
Visitors included figures such as Thomas A. Edison, reflecting the growing cultural significance of the midway.
He also brought international spectacle to American audiences, including exotic animals and unique attractions sourced globally.
Du Bois – The Capital of the World
Despite his success, Jones never left home behind. His wagons carried the words: “Du Bois – The Capital of the World”
Each summer, he returned—leading his band to his mother’s grave, where music and remembrance drew thousands.
He gave back to the community, supporting charities and helping fund a children’s hospital ward.
Struggles and Humanity
Jones’ life was not without difficulty.
Years of travel, responsibility, and pressure led to struggles with alcohol. He later renounced drinking and sought change, reflecting a deeply human side often missing from historical accounts.
The Final Years (1930)
The Great Depression placed enormous strain on even the largest shows.
On December 25, 1930, Jones died in his private railroad car in DeLand, Florida at age 56.
A Showman’s Farewell
His funeral drew:
- Showmen
- Fair officials
- Civic leaders
Two trucks were needed for flowers.
Sixty automobiles followed in procession.
It was not just a funeral. It was recognition.
Legacy
Jones helped define what the American midway could be:
- Organized
- Scalable
- Trusted
- Respected
Though time has moved on, his influence remains in the structure of the modern carnival.
A Note of Dedication
These pages are created in honor of the showmen who built the midway…
and in memory of David “Doc” Rivera —whose passion for preserving their stories continues through this work.
Closing Reflection
For a time, when the banners read “Johnny’s Coming”… the midway had arrived.
