Patterson-Circus

The Patterson Circus

James Patterson moved to Paola, KS in 1912 and
established his winter quarters for his travelling Circus
which continued until 1925.

In 1925 Patterson purchased the 15 car Gentry Brothers
Circus and on April 28, 1925, he was ready to perform as
Gentry Bros. - James Patterson Show.

Patterson Circus performs on the
Paola Park Square in 1913

Cover of 1924 Program Book, used
as sample for wall mural at
106 W. Peoria Street in Paola

This painting of James Patterson was done
in 1916 and is painted above the fireplace
in his former home office

Circus performers
group picture ca 1915

Circus busy loading train

Crew and animals gathered
in front of entrance to the
big tent ready to perform

clowning around

Christmas Dinner at the Patterson home,
the last remain structure of the "winter quarters"
in Paola, Kansas

1894:
Purchased his first merry-go-round

1902:
Organized a carnival with “Pop” Brainerd

1905:
James Patterson became sole proprietor of the Great Patterson Shows

1916:
James Patterson purchased the Gollmar Brothers Circus and toured as the
Gollmar Bros.-Jas. Patterson Circus for the 1917 season only

1918-1922:
The Great Patterson Show was a carnival

1923:
Purchased the Gentry Brothers Circus

1925:
Gentry Bros.-Patterson Shows was foreclosed on September 18

1926-1936:
James owned and operated a carnival ride called the “Hey Dey”

1937-1941:
James leased the “Hey Dey” to North Beach Amusement Park in Texas.

1948:
James died May 26

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600 N Mulberry, Paola, KS