Duke of Paducah Circus

In 1960 Bob Snowden opened the Duke of Paducah Circus. The show featured Grand Ole Opry country comedian Benjamin Francis Whitey Ford "the Duke of Paducah".

The show opened June 25 Poplar Bluff, MO. and closed Oct 8 Plant City, FL..

The circus traveled on 7 trucks, had a 70 foot round top with two 30 foot middles, carried three elephants and toured mostly southern states.The staff included;Bob Snowden owner / manager, Bill Garvey general agent, Roger Boyd Sr. sideshow manager, Dick Loter pit show manager and Capt. Matt Laurish elephants, Eddie Mellon boss canvasman.

Show performers were Rita Snowden singer, Johnny Jessick one finger stand / hand balancing, Matt Laurish elephants / pony drill, Mary Laurish dog act John Friday trapeze / comedy trampoline and Archie Silverlake clown.

Duke of Paducah Circus elephants
presented by Matt Laurish

Whitey Ford the "Duke of Paducah"

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