Susanville’s 1918 Circus

That is right, a camel at the intersection of Main and Lassen Streets. B. Dorsey Collection
That is right, a camel at the intersection of Main and Lassen Streets. B. Dorsey Collection

In 1916, the Al G. Barnes Circus advertised that his “The Only Real Wild Animal Show on Earth! was coming to Susanville. It was announced that there would be 65 animal acts and exotic animals from around the world. The circus never arrived, as the circus train derailed near Flanigan, Nevada.

Two years later, Barnes’ circus finally did make it to town. On May 8, 1918 crowds lined Main Street for a mile-long parade with exotic animals.  At Halltown tents were set up for the performances. The only problem encountered this time was the typical erratic spring weather witnessed a few snow flurries during the day.

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