How Bloomington, Illinois became entwined with the Circus

Season 3, Episode 35,   Oct 03, 2023, 06:08 PM

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Before television captured the attention of the nation, the traveling circus was the most popular form of entertainment in America.

During this time, the midwestern city of Bloomington, Illinois became a home for many circus performers and the "birthplace" of famous aerial acts.

Maureen Brunsdale, head of Special Collections at Illinois State University's Milner Library, discusses how the purchase of a piece of physical fitness equipment for a Bloomington gymnasium tied the midwestern town to the circus.

View the transcript here.