Kool thread. Still reading it......... My kids want some of the old time open cage cars with animals, not sure if they actually used anything like that back in the day. Interesting to research though.
Yes sir, those "old time" cage cars were called wagons and, for the most part, did have open sides.
Early circuses had what were called menagerie tents which were the first thing that folks saw as they made their way past the main entrance. This was a tent filled with exotic animals from all corners of the earth. Birds, reptiles, large cats, camels, zebras, hippos, and so on. Most of the "wild" animals (cats, monkeys and other uncontrollables) were left in their wagons/cages for display.
These cages had to serve two purposes. First provide optimal viewing by patrons, and second, provide safety to said patrons while also protecting the precious cargo it held. So these wagons had large enclosures that could be removed while being displayed and when in route provided cover and protection for the beasts. Some of these cages were very simple but often they were highly decorated for use in the circus street parade which heralded the shows arrival in town. There are many fine examples of theses and other historic parade wagons in at least 3 locations in this country
Circus World Museum--Baraboo, Wisconsin--Original home of the Ringling Bros.
Circus Hall of Fame--Peru, Indiana--Winterquarters of the American Circus Corp.
John Ringling Home and Museum--Sarasota, Florida--Onetime home to the Ringling Show and Casa de' John, John Ringlings' Sarasota Mansion and Art Museum.
Glad the kids are bitten by the circus bug.......
Johnny
