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Harry Leonard and I formed a partnership that was to last
until his death nineteen years later.
An accomplished side show performer, Harry excelled at knife
throwing, Punch and Judy puppets, and illusions.
Returning to Texas, we went to San Antonio, where we joined
Ray Marsh Brydons "International Congress of Oddities",
which had set up shop in an empty store building on Huston
Street, directly across from Woolworth's.
Business in this excellent location was still going strong
when after six weeks word was received the show was to be
closed due to the "Bally" obstructing pedestrian traffic.
That night we loaded out through the back door as Jimmy
Herron moved his wild animal exhibit in the front.
The "San Antonio Light" reported the next evening:
"When police arrived this morning to close the traveling
freak show and arrest the old lady in the front window (Jean
Jeanette) for blocking traffic by making obscene gestures
with snakes, they discovered the freaks had stolen away as
Gypsies in the night. The lewd window display was replaced
with a scarlet macaw and in place of the freaks there were
cages of beasts. The city health department and animal
control are taking the matter under advisement."
Jean drank a lot. When in her cups she would hold a snake
between her legs stroking it in parody of male masturbation.
Photograph Harry
Leonard
and Ward Hall |
