Portage County Historical Society

Extraordinary Circus Artists & Friends

Frank and Ruthie's Friends

Over the course of nearly a century of work in Vaudeville, the Circus and the Entertainment field, the name "Engford" became well known and widely acclaimed for its family appeal.

Photos and information regarding Robert Engford's acquaintances in the entertainment field is currently not available (actively performing from about 1905 to 1939). His son, Harry, performed from about 1912 until retirement in 1967. Again, information about his acquaintances in the entertainment field is also currently very limited.

However, Ruthie Engford Clark and Frank Clark have an extensive network of Circus/Entertainment friends. Below are just a few of their friends. Ruthie provides most of the commentary.

Much of the information about the Artists presented here will be provided by Frank & Ruthie Engford Clark.

According to Frank (Francarro) & Ruthie (Estreleta) Clark:

"There have been many hundreds of Outstanding Performers in the Circus and Theater World thru the years. In any given field of endeavor, the attributes that make a performer outstanding are:"

• The degree of expertise in their chosen field.
• Classy presentation is very important emphasizing a pleasing, "I love what I'm doing" projection to the audience.
• Stunning State-of-the-Art Costuming.
• Good looks and manner.
• The individual's "Ethic of Excellence" that each demands of themselves for every performance.

The following are some examples of this combination of attributes comprising "Extraordinary Artists" who most certainly deserve this Honor.