Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Thomas G. Moses visited Wichita, Kansas, multiple times throughout 1923. Often it was a quick stop as he hustled from one project to another, zipping across the country. By summer, he stayed at Wichita’s Acacia Hotel, made sets for the Shrine, closing a contract for $750.00.
Moses was working on scenery for the Midian Shrine Circus. Planning for the 1924 Shrine Circus began by April 1923. The Shrine Circus was under the direction of Henry Wallenstein. Wallenstein was in charge of most Masonic ceremonies and activities in Wichita; his being involved in numerous Masonic orders, as well as being both the Director of the Work and Secretary for the Wichita Scottish Rite. Wallenstein had known and worked with Moses since the 1890s. He was heavily invested in fraternal theatre endeavors throughout the state, and the circus was his new pet project.
On February 8, 1924, the “Inman Review” reported, “The Midian Shrine Circus to be presented at the Wichita Forum February 18th to 23rd will eclipse any previous show ever produced in the number of real circus acts in the variety and ability of the performers and in the large display booths and other attractions. There will be a very pervading atmosphere of fun and frivolity during the full six days of the Circus” (page 4).
By Feb 8, 1924, the “Inman Review” reported, “A complete change of program will be offered, all new and different acts out of the big summer white top shows. It is the policy of the Management of the Midian Shrine Circus to spare no expense in offering this amusement event to the public. Ten months have been spent in planning and twenty big acts of professional performers will be on hand to offer you the greatest indoor attraction witnessed in the Southwest. 50c admittance, the same as always, will be charged, and there will be hundreds of free seats” (page 1). The 1924 shows ran from Feb 18-23rd.
The Lindsborg News-Record described some of the acts: ‘Among the twenty real circus acts booked are the now Famous Flying Wards, who are now booked at the New York Hippodrome; the Joe Hodgini Troupe of Equestrians from Sells Floto Circus; Madame Bellini, the biggest individual act in the circus world who brings her beautiful menagerie and high school horses; Sir Vistor’s Dogs and Ponies; the Laemy Sisters; Dainty Ethel Marine in her Spanish Web Act, the Hamilton Sisters; Hassan Bey and his Arab Troupe; twenty other famous clowns, and many others” 1 Feb 1924, page 4).
Of the event, the “Hazelton Herald” announced, “Five thousand members of Midian Temple located in every progressive city of the Southwest are assisting in making the Midian Shrine Circus of 1924 a success. The date is set for the entire week of Feb 18 to 23 and two performances a day will be given at the Forum, Wichita. One hundred and fifty thousand people who have seen the previous Midian Shrine Circuses are anxiously waiting for the doors to open on Feb 18th” (1 Feb 1924, page 1).
To be continued…
