Top of page

Photo, Print, Drawing Erecting the Big Top, Cole Bros. Circus, 1937.

About this Item

Title

  • Erecting the Big Top, Cole Bros. Circus, 1937.

Summary

  • This image from the 1930s shows the Cole Bros. Circus setting the side poles in preparation for erecting the big top tent, a scene that was common at every American circus at that time. In the background can be seen another tent, already set up. Alternating United States and Cole Bros. flags are flying at the top of the six center poles. Cole Bros. Circus was established in 1884 by William Washington Cole (1847--1915) as "W.W. Cole's New Colossal Shows." In the 1930s, when this photograph was taken, the circus was known for its giant street parade from the railroad yard to the circus grounds. The photograph is by Harry A. Atwell (1879--1957), an official photographer of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Names

  • Atwell, Harry A., 1879-1957 Photographer.

Created / Published

  • [place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], 1937.

Headings

  • -  United States of America
  • -  1937
  • -  Circus
  • -  Circus performers
  • -  Cole Brothers Circus
  • -  Entertainers
  • -  Flags
  • -  Spectators
  • -  Tents

Notes

  • -  Title devised, in English, by Library staff.
  • -  Original resource extent: Glass-plate negative.
  • -  Reference extracted from World Digital Library: "Cole Bros. History," http://www.colebroscircus.com/index.php/cole-bros-history-sp-1020991886. External
  • -  Original resource at: Circus World Museum.
  • -  Content in English.
  • -  Description based on data extracted from World Digital Library, which may be extracted from partner institutions.

Medium

  • 1 online resource.

Digital Id

Library of Congress Control Number

  • 2021670647

Online Format

  • compressed data
  • image

Additional Metadata Formats

IIIF Presentation Manifest

Rights & Access

The Library of Congress is unaware of any copyright or other restrictions in the World Digital Library Collection. Absent any such restrictions, these materials are free to use and reuse. Researchers are encouraged to review the source information attached to each item. For information on contacting WDL partner organizations, see this archived list of partners

The Library asks that researchers approach the materials in this collection with respect for the culture and sensibilities of the people whose lives, ideas, and creativity are documented here.

Credit Line: [Original Source citation], World Digital Library

More about Copyright and other Restrictions

For additional information and contact information for many of the partner organizations, see this archived capture of the World Digital Library site from 2021.

For guidance about compiling full citations consult Citing Primary Sources.

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Atwell, Harry A., Photographer. Erecting the Big Top, Cole Bros. Circus. United States of America, 1937. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2021670647/.

APA citation style:

Atwell, H. A. (1937) Erecting the Big Top, Cole Bros. Circus. United States of America, 1937. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2021670647/.

MLA citation style:

Atwell, Harry A., Photographer. Erecting the Big Top, Cole Bros. Circus. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2021670647/>.