Veteran juggler and magician Bob Blau of San Antonio, Tex., sat down to write

about some "gone-but-not-forgotten" juggling acts he saw during his own 50-plus years of entertaining. The list includes some familiar names and some obscure ones. But, told in the inimitable style of an eyewitness to the age of Vaudeville, Blau's short descriptions carry warmth and truth.

 

So, here are a few memories from an old-timer for the large majority of us who will never enjoy the delight of walking into an Orpheum, Pantages or Gus Sun Vaudeville theatre every day to see another talented juggler perform...

 

Alexander Brothers and Evylin: Lacrosse ball bouncing only. In full dress as were many of the leading jugglers. Tossing and bouncing singly, duo and trio. Some good moves in two person, two level formations. Special back drop had concealed pockets at various levels that caught the balls at the end of a series of bounces across the stage.

 

Belmont Brothers: Their name on the program was "Commodores of Juggling,"

and they wore neat yachting costumes, including caps and braid. Worked night clubs and halls doing an entire act with rings and diabolos. Their finale was passing with rings that must have been decorated on the beach In Hawaii - fluttering ribbons and tinkling bells!

 

Wilfrid DuBois: Best audience response I ever witnessed of a one-person act. You've heard of "whistling while you work," well, that's what Dubois did. He whistled along with the soft, smooth music. What audience could resist a juggler looking like he was really enjoying his work. 

 

And could he make jt look easy! Got a big hand for the swinging balance of glass of water on the inside, of pool triangle, swung around with a pool cue.

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Stan Kavanaugh: This was the man that Bobby May admired so greatly for his skill with clubs. Club juggler par excellence, and Bobby's mentor in many ways. His comedy act included droll appearance and actions, wry expression. His loud jacket resembled the seat covers from a Stutz Bearcat. Stan used heavier clubs than most jugglers and did very showy neck, shoulder and arm rolls. I was glad when he wanted my 18 to 20 ounce clubs and traded for some lighter ones that he had.

 

Gus Kiralfo: Formerly he worked with his brother as "The Kiralfo Brothers - The TetpsichoreanJugglers." Their advertising matter was the most colorful and profuse I have ever seen. They wore wild picturesque Viking-type costumes, including the homed hats. Juggling with dance steps, including twirling and juggling spears and swords. Gus and I were on the same program on one occasion and I'm sure that the audience didn't remember anything I did on account of all those spears and spinning capes! Gus retired in San Antonio and died at about 81 years of age when struck by a car while walking across the street.

 

Truzzi: My best recollection of this outstanding juggler was his unique style and his total command of a vast circus audience. In his long run with "the big one," all acts cleared out and the spotlight hit Truzzi's tall, lanky frame in center ring. Never before in the history of Ringling  Brothers had a one-person juggling act held center stage. All of his juggling was fast tempo and mov­ing in wide patterns, including the widest four club spread I have ever seen. He gave me permission to copy the battery-operated, lighted clubs he used in his juggle of five. My son, Dean, and I made up six for passing.