Objects

The circus coming to the pre-war town was always a major event for the local residents, especially for children. As the author reminisced, ‘I always looked forward to the arrival of the circus. Its beautiful caravans were gaily painted. […] Men and women walked beside the caravans, which were followed by large platform wagons carrying all their equipment. […] When the tent was ready, the circus performers lined up for the parade. […] Everyone, young and old, turned out to see the circus parade’ (M. Kirshenblatt, B. Kirszenblatt-Gimblett, They Called Me Mayer July: Painted Memories of a Jewish Childhood in Poland Before the Holocaust, Berkeley 2007). He also mentioned that he would help give food and water to the horses in exchange for a free entry to the circus, and sometimes he would sneak inside under the tent tarp.

Małgorzata Bogdańska-Krzyżanek