Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 208, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 September 1914 — CROWDS DELIGHTED WITH GAUSE SHOWS [ARTICLE]

CROWDS DELIGHTED WITH GAUSE SHOWS

*• Motordrome, Ocean Wave, Ferris Wheel, Crazy House, and Other Attractions Are Here.

The Red Men seem to have made a big hit by bringing the Wm. Gause shows to Rensselaer to re* main all of this week, and the shows and concessions are of a higher class than have hitherto visited Rensselaer under the name of earnival and those who have been here during the first three days of the week pronounce the shows very worthy of patronage. The motordrome is attracting great crowds and the daring of the riders makes a show that no one should miss. The course Is not nearly so large as many in the pleasure parks, but the spectacle is even more remarkable on account of the smaller size of the speedway. The riders go around the course at a speed that is alarming and the crowds are almost awe-stricken as they watch the remarkable performance. The crazy-house is another attraction that is drawing large crowds and all speak well of it. The sensation is alarming, then funny, and all leave the little tent in a convulsion of laughter. The ferris wheel is well patronized and while not a new attraction there are many who had never ridden on one until the arrival of this one along with the carnival shows. It is of good height and runs smoothly and when lighted up at night makes a very nice appearance.

A new concession moved in Tuesday and opened up for the first time Wednesday evening. It is the ocean wave and the manner in which is was patronized indicates that it has a fascination that holds out as long as the money lasts. Capt. W. H. Stewart’s “Angola” is a study worth seeing. Angola is a 6-year-old gorilla, which Captain Stewart captured himself in Africa six years ago.) The animat is nearer the missing link that anything ever exhibited here and Captan Stewart has an interesting lecture he delivers, in which he declares the animal to be almost human and points out the similarity to the race of man. This should be seen by all. The seven-in-one is a miniature .museum, having snakes, real rattlers and several other kinds, also monkeys, rabbits and dogs all in one cage, and deformed babies and animals preserved in alcohol. The largest snake was killed by a boy’s kick Monday night. The snakes are in a canvas enclosure and a boy kicked at them in the comer, striking the largest snake on the head and killing it. The manager had paid SSO for the snake. The plantation show is the old fashioned kind, with singing negroes and is drawing very good crowds. The Superb a show is a sort of cabaret and contains no objectionable features. It has pleased many who have attended. The merry-go-round has been rather crowded to the back-ground by reason of the other attractions, but seems to be doing some business anyway. The athletic show is under the management of "Billy” Polos, the Greek wrestler who was here some years ago. He has a wrestling partner who looks to be equal to the Greek and they can doubtlesis give a fine exhibition. The wrestling game had a run here two or three years ago and since that time there has been no interest. The Greek also gives a boxing exhibition, at which game he-is quite proficient The paddle and refreshment stands seem to be enjoying a good business and everything points to a big afternoon and night today, Thursday, and immense crowds Friday and Saturday.

It is a bigger and better carnival than has hitherto visited Rensselaer and this fact is sure to bring many to Rensselaer for the closing days. M. Valle, director of the Italian band, gives concerts each afternoon and evening, which are delighting the large crowds, and many come from long distances to hear this large hand of 26 pieces.