Working Wagons

Al G. Barnes cookhouse wagon in 1930

Restored water wagon at Circus World Museum

The spool wagon was used to simplify the transport and placement of the massive canvas tents.

The ingenious seating wagon. Park it where you need seats, unfold, and insert jacks.

Baggage wagons carried the performers' dressing trunks. They often had the show's title painted on the side and were therefore popularly used as the background for group photos.

Al G. Barnes mechanized stake driver

The circus was essentially a travelling, self-sustained town on wheels. Numerous types of vehicles were necessary for it to run smoothly: the cookhouse, water wagon, pole wagons, baggage wagons, seating wagons, spool wagons, and many others were vital to the day-to-day operation of the circus. These wagons were not included in the parade.