#TBT in the Archives 2/16/17: Circus at Heiges

Heiges Field House has hosted many events over the decades. But it's hard to think of an event more unique than a three-ring circus.

The Hanneford Circus, then nationally known for its animal acts and aerial stunts, arrived on campus Sept. 19, 1974 to perform two shows for students, faculty and staff, and local residents. According to the Sept. 17, 1974 edition of The Slate, the circus was "one of the largest in the country." The paper added that the circus started in 1821 in England as a showcase for one man's horsemanship and had continued operations for 150 years managed by the Hanneford family.

Thirty different acts were featured at the 4:30 p.m and 8 p.m. field house shows, which The Slate reported were well-attended. Among the feats performed were dogs playing basketball, a performance involving tigers, lions and elephants trained by Tajana Hanneford, lions and tigers jumping through flaming hoops, aerial stunts by Marian Radulesce, on her first U.S. tour, and "Ramona."

A highlight of the show was the Hanneford Family Bareback Riding Act, which involved family members riding horses without saddles. Hanneford family matriarch Mrs. George Hanneford, Sr., then 84, appeared with the riders.

The circus was hosted by the campus Activities Program Board. Admission was 50 cents for children and students, and $1.00 adults.

Want to find out about events Shippensburg students enjoyed in the past? Archives & Special Collections has photos and newspaper articles about a wide variety of APB and student-sponsored events. Contact Archives & Special Collections via email: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: (717) 477-1123, x3357. 

Sources:
The Slate. Sept. 17, 1974.
The Slate. Sept. 24, 1974.