Mom and I doing a two together while spinning a rope.
Cowboy Tricks
I did a whole routine of spinning ropes on the globe. I learned from my father, Cliff and my uncle, Glen Henry. My uncle was fantastic with ropes. I also pick up a few tricks from Frank Dean a true cowboy.
Ivan doing Contortion Hoops
Two hoops crossed though each other forming a small hole that I had to pass through. I didn’t like this trick either. Many was the time I would get stuck and Dad would have to lift me off the globe.
Ivan is Ready For The Stage
Ivan M. Henry, 1950… the fourth generation of a circus family was ready to perform. We lived in El Monte, Calif. there were many other show folks that wintered there. Our home was not to far from the rest of the Henrys.
Serpentine
While the J.E. Henry’s circus was in winter quarters, Mom and Dad would leave and do Christmas shows and USO shows for the military. Many shows were performed on the bases between San Diego and San Francisco. After the New Year, they went back to winter quarters to get ready for the next season.
The Teeter Board
Cliff and Mary Henry performing at the Paris Inn, San Diego, CA. The width of the teeter board was 6″.
Mary Henry Spinning Plates
This photo was taken at The Paris Inn Night Club where USO shows were put on for the Military in San Diego, CA … 1940s.
