Weekly Flutters

The carnival culture of the 1930's is fascinating to me.  Granted, I don't know the dates on all of these photos... I do know some to be older than the mentioned decade.  I admit, certain media has romanticized my ideas of the Depression-era carnival.  I enjoyed Carnivale, Wild Hearts Can't be Broken, Freaks, and the book Water for Elephants.  They all give this impression that the circus was kind of a magic place where anything could happen and anyone was welcome.

In the early 1900's, the circus really hit it's hay-day.  Businesses would close when the circus came to town.  Anyone and Everyone lined the streets to buy tickets and to step inside the multicolored tents.  But like many things, the world outgrew it's charms and tricks all too soon.  As motion pictures became more available, people could experience terrific feats and exotic creatures from the comfort of home.  Technology became the carnies nemesis in a way.

I cannot help but look at the circus during the 30's as the struggle to survive.  I know there were dark, unmentionable, wicked things that probably happened surrounding it... animal abuse, prostitution, and perhaps worse.  But to starving children sneaking in to see the acts, it offered hope and color and fun.  For the rejects of civilization... the deformed, the freaks... some of them veterans of a terrible war... it offered food and board, and companionship.  It was a hard time, and a hard business... but it was also a way of life and to most of the people involved, there was no other way.

Hope you enjoy those lovely photos. <3