{"product_id":"peru-kreig-a-adkins-9780738560717","title":"Peru: Circus Capital of the World","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eVenture into fascinating connection between Niles, Illinois and circus history with more than 200 vintage photographs and anecdotes from the locals who experienced it.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn April 1884, Ben Wallace, the owner of the local livery, opened the season of his new circus in Peru and billed it as \u003ci\u003eWallace and Company's Great World's Menagerie and International Circus\u003c\/i\u003e. It was an instant success and soon grew to be one of the largest and most renowned circuses in American history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver the next 50 years, many circuses found a home in Peru. Under the direction of the \u003ci\u003eAmerican Circus Corporation\u003c\/i\u003e, an industry was created in Peru that employed as many as 4,500 people. Circuses like the \u003ci\u003eHagenbeck-Wallace\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eJohn Robinson\u003c\/i\u003e, and\u003ci\u003eSells-Floto\/Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show\u003c\/i\u003edeparted Peru by rail each spring, along with some of the best acts from around the world, including Terrell the Lion King Jacobs; the world's favorite clown, Emmett Kelly; and animal trainer Clyde Beatty, who played himself in 12 Hollywood movies. In 1929, \u003ci\u003eRingling Brothers\u003c\/i\u003epurchased the \u003ci\u003eAmerican Circus Corporation\u003c\/i\u003e. As the country sank into the \u003ci\u003eDepression\u003c\/i\u003e, fewer circuses left Peru each season. In 1941, \u003ci\u003eRingling Brothers\u003c\/i\u003eclosed its winter quarters in Peru, ending an era.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiami County historian Kreig A. Adkins has been a filmmaker for more than 20 years. With a passion for historical documentaries, Adkins wrote and directed the film\u003ci\u003eOn the Banks of the Wabash: The History of Peru, Indiana\u003c\/i\u003e. Adkins and his children perform in the \u003ci\u003ePeru Amateur Circus\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Kreig A. Adkins\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0738560715\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780738560717\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Arcadia Publishing (SC)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 06\/01\/2009\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 128\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.70lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.10h x 6.40w x 0.40d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eReference and Research Bk News\u003c\/i\u003e 11\/01\/2010 pg. 93","brand":"Kreig A. Adkins","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48998618267903,"sku":"9780738560717","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/peru-kreig-a-adkins-9780738560717","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}