Campbell Bros. Circus, Fairbury, Ne.
Fairbury Nebraska was the winter
home of Campbell Bros. Circus. 1896-1912
At one time, the
Campbell Bros. Circus was the second largest circus in the world,
featuring many daring acts and exotic animals.
Each spring, at the
beginning of it's show season, a circus parade was held downtown
featuring juggling acts, acrobats, circus animals and a daring hot
air balloon launch. The circus traveled by train throughout the
country.
A full-scale mural featuring
the circus parade is located downtown on the historic square on the
side of the Globe Rexall building at 5th and E. Streets.
The Campbell Brothers named Al, Ed, Charlie also known as Doc, and Virgil. Their first circus opened in Haddam, Kansas in 1889.
Haddam, Kansas was not on the rail line, so they moved to Fairbury, Ne.
They would take their show on the rails
in 1899 with nearly forty railroad cars. Closing in
1912.
Mystery at
the
Fairbury City
Museum
The answers to all the mysteries can be found at the Fairbury City Museum.
- What business owner rode a bicycle in the 1st Campbell Brothers Circus Parade?
- Was the Campbell Brothers Great Consolidated Shows considered the Largest Circus in the World?
