[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 183 (Tuesday, December 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RINGLING BROTHERS CIRCUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2009

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 125th 
anniversary of the Ringling Brothers Circus and to recognize the role 
of both the Circus World Museum and the Wisconsin Historical Society in 
the preservation of circus industry history. The Ringling Brothers 
Circus has become a celebrated national entertainment enterprise based 
in Baraboo, Wisconsin, while the Circus World Museum and Wisconsin 
Historical Society have developed an impressive collection of circus 
artifacts and knowledge.
  The Ringling Brothers Circus rose to prominence under the leadership 
of several Baraboo area brothers, eventually becoming one of the most 
successful entertainment enterprises in American history. This circus 
has contributed to the economic and cultural vitality of Wisconsin 
since the Ringling brothers gave their first performance on May 19, 
1884. Though Chas, Al, John, Alf, and Otto Ringling launched their 
small business with less than $100 in assets, these five Baraboo 
natives went on to purchase the world famous Barnum and Bailey Circus. 
The organization continued to grow, exhibiting the unique talents and 
showmanship of this Sauk County family for hundreds of audiences across 
the country. Combining their passion for performance with an 
entrepreneurial spirit, the Ringling brothers created one of the 
longest-running entertainment enterprises in the world. The work of the 
Ringling brothers and the success of their circus provide impressive 
examples for ambitious performers and business people everywhere. I am 
proud of the group's contributions to both the state of Wisconsin and 
to audiences throughout America.
  Over the past half century, the Wisconsin Historical Society and the 
Circus World Museum have become stewards of circus industry memorabilia 
and information. Baraboo is home to one of the largest collections of 
historical circus artifacts in the world, and the Circus World Museum's 
Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center has become the world's 
foremost research facility for circus history. With objects dating back 
to 1793, these organizations are leaders, both on a local and national 
level, in the preservation of circus materials. By maintaining the 
documents, objects, and knowledge base associated with the circus, the 
Wisconsin Historical Society and the Circus World Museum have conserved 
a valuable aspect of our national heritage. The Historical Society's 
work on behalf of the Ringling Brothers Circus, as well as the circus 
industry as a whole, serves as an ideal example of its dedication to 
the local communities and to the enrichment of society through 
historical preservation.
  The citizens of Baraboo can be proud of their city, and its role as 
the first home to the ``Greatest Show on Earth.'' Since its inception, 
the Ringling Brothers Circus has cultivated a reputation for excellence 
in entertainment, while the Circus World Museum has set the standard 
for circus history preservation. I therefore commend Ringling Bros. and 
Barnum & Bailey Circus for its sustained contributions to the national 
circus industry, as well as the Wisconsin Historical Society and the 
Circus World Museum, for their dedication to circus history and 
research.

                          ____________________