MARCH • APRIL • 2013
Circuses in America provided delightful entertainment that brought amazing performers, artists, menageries of animals and vendors, and transformed empty fields or parking lots into magical places. A little known fact is that Jackson County had its very own circus. Owned by Paul and Mae Lewis, the circus wintered on a farm in Grass Lake, Michigan. It spent the rest of the year traveling thousands of miles to cities and towns where their trapeze performers would defy gravity, the jugglers would amaze, the clowns would entertain, and the trainers with their animals would defy expectations. This exhibit will tell the story of the Lewis Bros. Circus through photographs, posters, and artifacts, as well as the recorded memories of Paul and Mae’s niece, former Museum employee and long-time member, Barbara Stanton. It will also take a look at other Michigan circuses and their performers as well as address the unique cultural importance of the circus.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Sugaring & Shearing at Hillside Farm
Charlie: ‘Thank You’ (pg. 2)
Welcome Spring’s arrival at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History’s annual Sugaring and Shearing festival Sunday, March 24, from noon to 4 p.m. Rain or shine, there is plenty to do indoors and out.
Civil War Momentos (pg. 4) Spring Classes (pg. 5)
Farm Lane will be bustling with activities such as Puddingstone Farm’s petting zoo, sheep shearing and docents in all the historical buildings. Don’t miss the “sap to syrup” demonstrations at the sugar bush and Haigh’s Maple Syrup will be back selling their products in the Country Store. We will also see the return of the working dog demonstration, where Marilyn Terpstra will show how she uses her trained dogs to herd sheep. The working dog demonstrations will be at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., allowing guests to also see the sheep shearing demonstrations that will begin on the half hour. All six museum galleries will be open, and children can create a spring-themed make and take project in the art studios.
Photo by Tim Bair.
Sugaring and Shearing is a free, non-ticketed event with nominal fees for food and some activities. For more information call (517) 787-2320 or visit us on the web at ellasharp.org and on Facebook.
517•787•2320 march-april13.indd 2
Allegiance Health is proud to support the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History.
Find valuable tips for helping you stay healthy at AllegianceHealth.org/Wellness.
EEO/AA Employer
ELLASHARP.ORG 2/24/13 7:20 PM