Peter Conklin as portrayed by a student from the Immaculate Conception School of
Jamaica Estates, NY.
My name is Peter Conklin and I was born in New York City on May 28,1842. I loved the circus growing up and did but what most only dreamed of doing I joined Clark's Troupe of Ethiopian Minstrels in Cincinnati at the age of 12.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, I journeyed to Cincinnati and formed the Conklin Brother's Gymnasts. In 1866 I was noted as being with Barnum and Bailey Circus and after 28 years left the group in 1894 and devoted myself to the wonders of Coney Island and benefit performances.
My brother John was a cannonball performer called the "Modern Hercules". My other brother George was a lion tamer and for many years superintendent for Barnum and Bailey Circus.
My clown’s character was known as "The King's Jester". I was a singing clown, and had a deep voice that was described as "A delicate avalanche of thunder." I always wore a large diamond pin on my costume and it became my trademark. I traveled to Europe and entertained for Queen Victoria and performed in Cincinnati for King Edward VII, who was at the time the Prince of Wales.
My farewell performance was in 1915 at the Elk's Club in Connecticut.
Presented May 22, 2004 by The Richmond Hill Historical Society, Maple Grove Cemetery, and The Immaculate Conception School of Jamaica Estates, NY (Dr. Charlene Jaffie, principal).
Copyright © 2004 Carl Ballenas & Nancy Cataldi.
No claim to Old Kew Gardens [.com] color photograph.
No claim to Old Kew Gardens [.com] color photograph.
