I was born on the road. While growing up the road was all I knew. The circus was a small traveling community that was self-sustained. Everything the circus needed was portable. In the 1920’s we traveled mostly in motorized caravans with heavy equipment using trucks. Thirty-eight weeks of one-day stands was a circus season, from March until November. The warmer temperatures were essential for a tent show. Circus season was mostly one-day stands with the occasional two-day stands or a Sunday off usually in the Bible belt part of the tour. Two shows on weekdays, three shows on Saturday, and two matinees Sunday. Circuses were hard work for those who chose to be a part of them. The promise of a certain kind of freedom that was unique compared to other professions.
Gertrud Strada 