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Side Show
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Scout Books

Site Contents

Here we have, gentlemen, the Wild Man, the Bearded Lady, The Chinese Giant, the Musical Dwarf, the Fat Man, The Strong Man and the Snake Charmer. And in a safe and secure pen are the Animal Freaks of weird shapes and variegated coloring.

The Wild Man (procured with heavy mortality) wears a spiked collar, and has fielders' gloves for feet. A "hand" of banana stems makes a mouthful of terrible teeth, and his roar is produced by a concealed but useful member of the troup, armed with a tin can through which a rosined string is rapidly passed. At the psychological moment the Wild Man escapes from his cage and pursues the rube constable all over the place.

The Bearded Lady is dressed appropriately, and wears a full beard, made of frayed hemp rope or mattress stuffing.

The Chinese Giant is built up by one lad riding on the shoulders of another, the whole figure being incased in a blanket.

The Tattoed Man is beautifully decorated with blue grease paint.

The Fat Man may easily be manufactured with a few pillows.

The Strong Man lifts heavy (wooden) weights and bends iron pipe (rubber hose).

He also breaks chains. These are previously broken and rejoined with thread. (For detailed act see separate article.)

The Snake Charmer is an oriental lady of reptilian tastes. The difficulty is to get a few snakes for the lady to manipulate. Use rubber or wooden ones, if necessary.

The Animal Freaks are small pigs borrowed from a nearby farmer and painted with grease paint. Large polka dot effects are most attractive.

But most important of all is the tin pan and kazoo band, and the side show "barker" with red vest, black mustache and brown derby.

Trained animals may be made up of a frame-work with cheesecloth for a covering, and two men inside, one for the front legs and the other for or the rear. Elephants, giraffes and horses may thus be made to do some truly marvelous stunts, especially when the -elephant, Gladys, sits down on the trainer.

By nodding its head the giraffe may tell its age, the day of the week, month of year, etc. With a little practice some amusing dance steps may be performed. (See front cover).

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Campfire Helps