Collection, 1955, 2010.

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Collection, 1955, 2010.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/669165533

The collection, 1955-2010, and undated (4 cubic feet) documents Ray Genter's fascination with, and collecting of, carnival equipment and collectibles under the business name of Genter Bros. Shows and Rides, Inc., and his carnival, Great Lakes Amusement. Boxes 1-6 include subject files of general carnival and circus information; financial records of the purchase and sale of equipment and collectibles; catalogs and fliers; advertisements; insurance; various forms; correspondence with committees, suppliers, and concessionaries; contact information of various suppliers and concessionaires as well as fair committee members; and information documenting how the Muskegon Optimist Club brought circuses to Muskegon. A few newspaper clippings (copies) are included. Of note is the material concerning the formation of the Amusement-Safety Act of 1966 and its related board, minutes and correspondence of the Michigan Amusement Association, an organization of carnival owners, 1985-1987. These folders are organized alphabetically and chronologically. Boxes 7-8 include the route lists, 1984-1987, and financial documentation, forms, booking agreements, inspection logs, correspondence, and other materials relating to specific route locations and events. This information is alphabetical by town or event. Posters and window cards of circus and carnival advertisements, mostly late 20th century and Michigan-related, are included in an oversized folder at the end of the collection.

4 cubic ft. (in 8 boxes, 1 Oversized folder): ill.

Clarke Historical Library

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 7962720

Related Entities

There are 7 Entities related to this resource.

Genter Bros. Shows and Rides, Inc.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6zq25dz (corporateBody)

Great Lakes Amusement Co.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6r0097h (corporateBody)

Optimists (Muskegon, Mich.)

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6xt3q7f (corporateBody)

Genter, Ray.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6dp1ssn (person)

Ray Genter was born April 28, 1935 in Ludington, Michigan. He grew up across from the local fairgrounds. As a child, Ray became ill from drinking some pink lemonade at a carnival one night and since then has been fascinated with carnivals. He helped when the carnivals came to town. An an adult, Ray married his first wife. He attended model builders' conventions. He later married Sharon Genter with whom he attended circuses and carnivals. Beginning about 1970, Ray began purchasing carnival equipm...

Carnival-Amusement Safety Act 225 of 1966.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6104z3k (corporateBody)

Circus World Museum (Baraboo, Wis.)

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6809t9p (corporateBody)

The museum was established in 1959 by a group of circus fans and a former Ringling Bros. attorney, John M. Kelley, under the auspices of Circus World Museum, Inc. Its mission is to document and disseminate information on American circus history. The site was chosen because it was the original winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus. At the museum's creation, ownership of all collections and property was transferred to the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. A lease management agreement w...

Michigan Amusement Association.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w69h5768 (corporateBody)