*Note: The following is from our archived collection of older documents, and may not reflect the most current information.
RETIRED MEMBERS CAUCUS
SLA 2001 San Antonio Annual Conference Program
Hertzberg Circus Collection and Museum
June 12, 2001
By Catherine "Kitty" Scott and Roger K. Haley
The sights and sounds of the "Big Top" resounded throughout the galleries of the Hertzberg Circus Collection and Museum on the afternoon of June 12. The nostalgic program, "Discover the Worlds of the Circus," was planned by the Caucus. It was co-sponsored by Museum, Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences Divisions. Basch Subscriptions, Inc., gave a generous donation to open the museum to SLA members only for what was the most popular "free" event of the conference.
The Hertzberg Circus Museum, a division of the San Antonio Public Library System, had its beginnings in the early 1940's with a donation from Texas State Senator Harry Hertzberg, an avid circus fan and prolific collector. Exhibits are housed in the former main library, a 1930 Art Deco building on San Antonio's River Walk.
Circus music from a 1928 band organ (caliola) greeted over 120 members at the open house. First-timers and veteran SLAers were entertained by video circus performances while munching freshly-made popcorn and sipping cold drinks. We enjoyed museum clown Joe Pasterano's dexterity with magic tricks and balloon art. A "behind the scenes" tour of the Archives and Library Research Center was led by Dr. Robert O'Connor, museum administrator. Those who missed the open house toured the museum during the week, using their SLA badges for free admission.
We viewed exhibits of 19th and 20th century vintage lithographs, rare posters, artifacts and costumes celebrating the Golden Age of the American Circus. The Performer's Gallery displayed Tom Thumb's coach, Jenny Lind memorabilia, examples of P.T. Barnum's marketing wizardry, and oversized shoes worn by Emmett Kelly, Sr. in his "Weary Willie" character and a model of a 1920 tented circus. Wild West shows featuring Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Bill Pickins and Tom Mix are in another gallery. A new permanent exhibit, "Las Carpas," memorializes Mexican tent shows and their cultural legacy in San Antonio. Costumes and props from local performers are displayed in a three-dimensional exhibit.
The child in all of us broke out in "The Clown Zone" when we played with clown faces and posed before magic mirrors. This delightful afternoon proved that it's never too late to combine education and entertainment, add a dash of nostalgia, and just have fun!
Letter from the Hertzberg
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