Museum to go behind the big top

When people think of the circus, they may think about a lady riding horses, a man swinging the trapeze or clowns creating laughs.

But Harold Flood said the most intriguing part of the circus was what happened behind the scenes.

There was a commissary, a blacksmith, equipment, plus the animals and performers. And in every city they would set up tents, lighting and seating and then take it all down and move on to the next city.

"It was like moving a city," said Flood of Wildwood.

Flood has recreated a circus train unloading and starting a parade that is on display through May at the Grayslake Historical Museum, 164 Hawley St.

This is not the first time Flood's toy collection has been displayed at the Grayslake museum. A few years ago, Flood displayed 300 fire trucks there.

Charlotte Renahan, president of the Grayslake Historical Society, said his exhibits draw people to the museum.

"Since the collection is from a person who lives in the area, we feel that is a benefit," she said.

Flood grew up collecting metal Tonka trucks, which he said he now has about 1,000 pieces. He enjoys picking up treasures in antique shops and garage sales.

Five years ago, collecting circus trains, wagons and specialty cars sparked from the love of trucks.

"I can't have one or two. I have to have more," he said.

While all the trains were bought, Flood has made many of the specialty cars and wagons that carry animals and gear. He uses blocks of wood, finds wheels, and a friend helps paint them.

Flood said many circus wagons were handmade, customized to be strong and heavy to handle the abuse and to last. Circus organizers also had to be clever to lower costs. Train companies would charge per car to transport. So the circus built 70-foot-long cars instead of 40 feet to hold more.

Flood also has created many circus figures, saying, "you won't find circus figures in a store." The figures found in fast food child meals work well after he makes alterations. He has used cowboys, action figures and fairy princesses whose dresses look like what women wore to ride the horses.

At the museum, Flood has more than 100 figures, including performers and animals. To make the display more fun, there is a man wearing big glasses, a striped shirt and a hat he wants people to try to find.

"Tucked in a corner is Waldo," Flood said.

The exhibit also includes old circus posters. Flood said circus organizers were clever advertisers, displaying posters on every barn fence.

After taking two weeks to prepare the exhibit, Renahan said she wonders where Flood puts it all at home.

Flood said every room, except the bathroom, is filled with his toys. And to accommodate the circus collection, he built a garage in the backyard complete with a track near the ceiling for trains to run. He calls himself a big kid.

Flood, who has displayed the circus collection at the Milwaukee State Fair, recalls the heyday of the circus from 1880 to 1940 when people were starved for entertainment. Towns would shut down because everyone went to the circus.

While the arrival of technology changed the desire to see the circus, Flood said he hopes the exhibit may again spark past memories.

"There is a magic about it," he said. "It brings back good memories."

As part of the exhibit, people can make an appointment to attend a program that revolves around the exhibit. Retired teacher Marjie Jobes will read a circus story, offer an activity and explain parts of the exhibit.

To make an appointment, call Jobes at (847) 223-5897.