From the July 26, 1929 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:

Prancing steeds, tumbling clowns, riders in fantastic costumes, a dignified ringmaster, hundreds of cars parked in neat rows about the big, cleared circle in the centre while their occupants occupied ringside seats on the grass, — who says Martha’s Vineyard has never had a circus?

The biggest and best as well as the first of its kind was played without a mishap at Woodsmeadow in West Tisbury on Wednesday afternoon for the benefit of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, netting $769 for that institution, with a possibility that the total may reach $800. What the big field itself thought of the proceedings, deponent sayeth not, not knowing, but it probably grew reminiscent over the colorful days of a past generation when the drumming feet of horses echoed from the old West Tisbury race track a few rods up the road.

The circus, only being on Martha’s Vineyard a less threadbare word was employed to characterize it, the gymkhana then, began as all good events of the kind should, with a grand parade, led by the Belden sisters, Elizabeth and Alison, dressed as sailors, and bearing the American flag. They were followed by a two horse trap, equipage better expresses its dignity and uniqueness in these horseless days, driven by Mrs. Rosewell Skeel Jr., who handles the reins in truly masterful fashion.

Another of Mrs. Skeel’s horses came next, driven by her niece, Mrs. Bailey. Then came the horses and ponies, about 30 of them, which were later to compete in the races, ridden by pirates, cowboys, jockeys, a witch, the Queen of Hearts, a flower girl, and other gaily costumed individuals.

Two small ponies from Hart Haven pulled a small hay rick with four small children dressed as farmers atop the load. The ponies were full of pep and spirits, for they had made the long jaunt from home at their ease in a truck. Two dogs, led by Robert and Eleanor Shultz, introduced a note of variety into the procession and this was supplemented by two goats, led by Everel and Drusilla Greene.

And then of course there were the clowns, a coy little creature in a ballet gown of blue chiffon who turned out to be none other than Everett Whiting, a harlequin who played amazing tricks and catapulted casually to the ground from his broad backed steed after sorry attempts to duplicate the feats of other riders, who turned out to be that well known athlete and Yale student, John Wesley Mayhew Whiting. He was aided and abetted by a college classmate, Leslie Smith, also in clown costume, and a brown horse, Anne, whose name should surely appear in this story, for she is a true clown with an excellent sense of humor and an abiding patience.

The thrillingly beautiful horses owned by Mrs. Frederick N. Woods, to whose efforts the gymkhana and its remarkable success are very largely due, were among the most attractive features of the show. Honest John, Sunshine, Daffodil, Happy Harvester and Firefly, these graceful, gentle amazingly speedy horses were a joy to behold. To see them ridden by their mistress and by Miss Virginia Woods whose bareback riding, standing erect on the back of her horse, was probably the best feat of horsemanship displayed during the afternoon, and by the two Woods boys, was really a spectacle in itself.

Other excellent riders there were, many of them, both among the older riders and the children. Four members of the Belden family also competed, Lawrence and Hastings appearing, as well as the two sisters. Dundas Leavitt, dressed as a jockey, rode a big, upstanding chestnut with a lot of speed. Miss Martha Moller, on a big grey, Safety, and Richard Mayhew, the grandson of Orlin F. Davis, one of the judges, were others who caught the public fancy. Richard bestrode a determined and sporty looking brown pony which entered into the raves with a will. A white pony and its rider, Doris West, were always near the front and won the walking race for ponies.

The concluding number, a favorite old game of childhood parties enacted on horseback, provided considerable diversion both for players and for the spectators.

Johnson Whiting as ringmaster, in a costume of a decided Dickensian flavor, presided in the ring with considerable skill and with Mrs. Whiting, in an old time costume, added appropriate atmosphere to the events.

Marshals and willing helpers: George G. Gifford, Carl Magnuson, Rev. Haig Adadourian, Rev. Willard F. Johnson, Hariph Hancock, E. F. Littlefield, Robert Folsom, Mr. Foster, S. N. Riggs, Mr. Fruse, Mrs. Theodore Ellis, Miss Ruth Brown, Mrs. Howard Butcher Jr., Mrs. Johnson Whiting, Mrs. Harold B. Mayhew.

Some riders taking part: Miss Hellen Howland, Miss Elizabeth Turner, Miss Lydia Howes, Miss Barbara Foote, Miss Patricia Kayes, Master Richard Mayhew, Master Hart, Wesley Whiting, Mr. Bailey, Hastings and Lawrence Belden, Natelie Pulsifer, Oliver Prior, Martha Moller, John Reese, Virginia Kayes, Prudence Pease.

Compiled by Hilary Wallcox

[email protected]