Doc's Midway Cookhouse

Traveling Carnival History, American Circus History, Sideshow History, and more . . .

Old Carnival Photos, Carnival History, Circus History, Traveling Shows

Side show front… 1930’s

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Magic Acts

Magicians Hilliar and Houdini

Midway Magic Acts – Houdini and Hilliar Were Great Friends  William J. Hilliar was a magician and author who edited Billboard‘s “Magic and Magicians” page for many years. He was also close friends with Houdini. “That friendship will always stand out as one of the dominating factors in my life,” said Hilliar. In 1933, Hilliar […]

Carnivals

FRANK GASKILL

Frank Gaskill Biography from Street Fairs To State Fairs Frank Gaskill: The Showman of Canton Frank Gaskill’s Years of Operation While Schmidt was painting banners and loading trains, Frank Gaskill of Canton, Ohio, was building his own empire. Gaskill’s Canton Carnival Company quickly earned a reputation for professionalism and innovation. He is remembered as the […]

Carnival Movies

Showbiz And The Big Screen

Hollywood And The Midway Movies Come To The Tented World If you’re like me, you love old films that have anything to do with ‘The Biz’. Victor Mature is great in the 1959 classic: The Big Circus which is an example of a little known Hollywood gem. Elvis Presley in Roustabout features colorful scenes from the […]