Anyone who has studied logistics knows that it can make or break a successful military campaign. Could you imagine having to make sure 100,000 soldiers had enough food and water every day? It’s almost miraculous if you think about it.
The Army was so impressed by Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus that they had the Army Core of Engineers study their practices in order to make our military more successful at their troop movements.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who lost their jobs because of the circus shutting down. A majority of these employees had unique skills sets that would be difficult to apply in the business world. Many also had a proud family legacy where previous generations were also circus performers so psychologically it had to be difficult for them to see it all end.
Any company lasting for 146 years is outstanding. There’s no doubt that as more entertainment venues became available the draw of circuses diminished. Could you imagine how excited people must have been to see a circus before radio and television came along? People would show up to cheer the circus as it came into town.
It’s hard to see them go. I realize that some people say that the only thing you can be assured of are death and taxes but I believe we should also add “change” to that list.