Clowns
Buck Nolan - The tallest clown
Buck Nolan claimed to be the tallest clown in the world. And since he was 7 feet 6 inches tall, that claim was probably accurate.He reportedly turned down the role of Darth Vader, after which he was probably a sad, bitter clown. Plus, he was also once investigated for child molestation, so he was also a creepy clown. (Though I don't know if he was actually found guilty of the charges.)
More info and pictures of him at thetallestman.com.
Posted By: Alex - Sun Jul 06, 2014 -
Comments (4)
Category: Clowns
Zovello, The Bonomo Magic Clown
Given fezzes to wear, and a supply of taffy to eat, the children in the audience were still at a loss for having to watch the sub-Krusty antics of Zovello the Magic Clown.
Posted By: Paul - Thu Feb 20, 2014 -
Comments (6)
Category: Clowns, Television, Children, 1940s, 1950s
Professor Turned Clown
Discontented with the life of a professor of economics, Dr. Charles Boas became Onions the Clown.
I'm sure this thrilled any living parents who might have helped pay for years of higher education.
Read the whole story here.
Posted By: Paul - Wed Feb 05, 2014 -
Comments (7)
Category: Clowns, Eccentrics, 1960s, Universities, Colleges, Private Schools and Academia
Harry Rogers, The Fire Clown
Original article here.
Original article here.
Posted By: Paul - Wed Oct 30, 2013 -
Comments (8)
Category: Clowns, PSA’s, 1920s, 1930s
Clown Art
If you're a collector of paintings of clowns, then you're probably already aware of Jim Howle. His website describes him as "the best-known clown artist in the world." He's actually the only clown artist that I know of, though I'm sure there must be others.
Posted By: Alex - Fri Jun 14, 2013 -
Comments (8)
Category: Art, Clowns
The Six Brown Brothers
Blackface, clownsuits and saxophones: a winning combo in any era!
Learn the whole story here.
Posted By: Paul - Sun May 05, 2013 -
Comments (0)
Category: Clowns, Music, Stereotypes and Cliches, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s
Most Unfortunate Clown Motto Ever
More info here.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Apr 09, 2013 -
Comments (2)
Category: Clowns, Sexuality, Comics, 1950s
Henri Gugelmann’s Rat Circus
In 1979, when Henri Gugelmann debuted his "rat circus" in downtown Bern, he claimed it was the first of its kind in the world. And maybe it was also the last, because I don't know where one would go today to see performing rats.His trained rats jumped over ropes, ran through burning rings, and crawled along in a "rat race" while Gugelmann, dressed as a clown, directed the show. That sounds like quality entertainment! [Google News: Victoria Advocate, Aug 9, 1979]
Posted By: Alex - Sat Mar 30, 2013 -
Comments (9)
Category: Animals, Clowns, 1970s
How to Apply Blackface
Denison's make-up guide (1926) was a catalogue of the various products sold by Denison, but it also offered detailed instructions on how to use their products. Below is their guide for "blacking up" using their Superfine Minstrel Black make-up paint. There were similar how-to's for other ethnic types such as the 'Ghetto Jew,' the Japanese, Irishman, Chinaman, etc. See more images from the catalogue at UVA's online exhibit, Uncle Tom's Cabin & American Culture.
Posted By: Alex - Wed Jan 09, 2013 -
Comments (8)
Category: Clowns, Costumes and Masks, Racism, 1920s
Swastika Clown Puzzle
This puzzle appeared in The Strand magazine, December 1903, demonstrating that swastikas and clowns had an affinity for one another even before the Nazis came along. (Technically it's a Sauwastika Clown Puzzle, not a Swastika one.) The answer is below in extended.
More in extended >>
Posted By: Alex - Wed Nov 21, 2012 -
Comments (9)
Category: Clowns, Evil, Quizzes, 1900s
| Who We Are |
|---|
| Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1. Contact Us |