Woodrow Wilson and Ringlings Circus

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Vince's photo has nothing to do with the discussion but is another photo from Araluen Botanical Park. I wrote about reading Water for Elephants and maybe I mentioned what a lot of research the author had done into how train circuses operated in those times. Now, I’m reading the non-fiction book, The Big Top by Fred Bradna, who was equestrian director of firstly Barnum and Bailey circus then for Ringling Bros. He remained in the latter position for 30 years. One particular incident within the book I thought you might find interesting. Woodrow Wilson, one-time president of the USA, was a great fan of the circus but had to pass up an invitation to ride on an elephant in the Ringling circus. His advisors thought a Democrat riding on the symbol of Republicanism (an elephant) was not a good look at all. The Secret Service forbade it too. In 1916, Wilson employed the circus for political purposes. He had not announced his intent to stand for re-election but, as he was escorted across the arena to his reserved seats, and while the orchestra played ‘Hail to the Chief’, he threw his hat squarely into the middle of the ring. This was interpreted by the crowd as an indication that he had finally ‘thrown his hat into the ring’ and reporters ran from the tent to telegraph the news to their respective papers.