Freakatorium: The Collection of Johnny Fox

Archive of Correspondence and Documents Related to John Ringling. V.p., 1930s—40s. Voluminous archive including thousands of pages housed in a large banker’s carton. Original signed letters, replies, telegrams, statements, valuation summaries, corporate annual meeting files, tax related and other accounting summaries, confidential narratives relating primarily to the estate of John Ringling and its properties, John Ringling North, W.C. Ramsay, Henry Ringling North and others. Included are the unsigned last will and testament of John Ringling, letters signed by John Ringling, as well as his nephews, and successors in the circus dynasty, John Ringling North and brother Henry. Many are in reference to the Montana and Nebraska ranches, claims against Aubrey Ringling, widow of Richard T. Ringling. In most instances the correspondence between North and Ramsay is complete with originals and replies. A great deal concerns the various railroads in which the Ringling Estate, the North family and Ramsay had a present or future interest, such as the White Sulphur Springs and Yellowstone Park RR, the St. Louis – Troy RR, St. Louis and Hannibal RR Co., and others. Hundreds of items concern the John Ringling estate, and there are likely one hundred or more signed letters on Ringling Circus and Ringling personal letterheads, both by John Ringling, John Ringling North and his brother Henry and other members of the Ringling family. Many make reference to the Ringling, Barnum and Bailey circus, managed solely by John Ringling North. A unique treasure trove of original source material, much sorted by subject in spring-back bound packets. Includes two 8 x 10” photographs signed and inscribed to W.C. Ramsay by John Ringling North and Henry Ringling North.