Museum of the Circus Many Sarasotans earned international acclaim as circus artists, and their personal mementos are on display in the circus museum, including clowns Lou Jacobs, Otto Griebling and Emmett Kelly; animal trainers Clyde Beatty and Gunther Gebel-Williams; the Zacchini Human Cannonballs; and the famous Wallenda highwire-walking family.
St. Martha's Catholic Church Dubbed "the church that the circus built," St. Martha's chapel was funded by charity circus performances. Many circus families remain active at St. Martha's, which now boasts authentic circus wagon wheels as part of its official religious décor.
Legendary Performer Unus, a Ringling performer who was famous for his one-finger handstand, joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1948 and retired in 1965. He was the owner of the Southland Hotel, which still stands at 2229 N. Tamiami Trail. A lighted sign with an inverted gloved hand stood outside the hotel.
Slideshows
Watch fun slideshows on people past and present who have contributed to Sarasota's circus
heritage, and the animals and props that made their own contributions.
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Circus People
Circus Animals and Equipment