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Lot #602
John Ringling: Ringling hires the Melillo Sisters for "an acrobatic contortion act"

Ringling hires the Melillo Sisters for "an acrobatic contortion act"

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Description

Ringling hires the Melillo Sisters for "an acrobatic contortion act"

One of the famed Ringling brothers (1866-1936) who merged the Barnum & Bailey Circus with their own Ringling Bros. World's Greatest Shows to create a virtual monopoly of traveling circuses. DS, one page, 8.5 x 14, November 4, 1916. Artist's contract between Barnum & Bailey and the "Four Melillo Sisters, Salvador Melillo, Manager," by which the Melillo Sisters are hired for the season of 1917. Their act is described thus: "Four ladies, assisted by one gentleman, in an acrobatic contortion act. Three ladies to go in parade." In fine condition. The Ringling Brothers bought Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907, operating it separately from their own until 1919.

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