In response to Robert Bitzer’s Feb. 9 Times Past piece, I wanted to let him, and your readers, know, that Barnum & Bailey had once come to Greenfield!
It was, indeed, before Mr. Bitzer’s time! The Greenmield Historical Society has a program announcing the program, acts and other advertising for the Barnum and Bailey circus, for June 7, 1893. They did arrive by train.
The program reads that it took 64 cars and four trains. The Society also has several photos of a circus parade on Main Street. There are no dates, so we cannot be sure what particular circus it would have been.
If readers are interested, they can check out a Jan. 11, posting on the Society’sFacebook page for more information and a picture of the Barnum and Baily program, or contact the Society. We would be happy to make an appointment with you so that you can see those items and other exhibits about Greenfield we have on display.
Sharon A Roth
Volunteer librarian and board member
Greenfield Historical Society