April 3, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer
In 1885, a line of circus animals walking down Leavitt Street toward the Agricultural Fairgrounds --the site of the current town Library -- captured the attention of local residents who were delighted at the sight.
While the use of animals in circuses is frowned upon by many today, these events were a special part of Hingham's rich history from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.
Historical Commission Member Steve Dempsey would like to bring the circus back to Hingham this summer featuring human artists from around the world but no animals.
The Kelly Miller Circus, founded in 1938 and based in Hugo, Oklahoma, works in partnership with community, civic, and service organizations to put on Circus Days full of family fun, with part of the proceeds going to the sponsor -- in this case the Historical Commission to benefit its Preservation Projects Fund.
"I've been told by communities that have hosted a circus that setting up the Big Tents is an event in itself," Dempsey said. "Hingham loves family events."
He shared his idea with fellow Commission members Monday and then with the Selectmen last night (April 2) to hear what they thought of the idea. The board was supportive overall, with Selectman Mary Power offering assistance from the Selectmen's Office to put Dempsey in touch with local civic organizations that might lend a helping hand should the proposal move forward. The suggested location is the Hingham Middle School with School Department approval.
Approvals needed
Dempsey emphasized that the idea is still being researched, with much more work to be done prior to the Historical Commission and other town officials including the Selectmen (with the fire and police departments weighing in) making the decision of whether or not to welcome the circus to town. If the proposal moves forward, there would be a late-afternoon and evening show for two nights in a row.
Concession stands would offer traditional circus fare -- hot dogs, sno cones, cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apples, peanuts, funnel cakes, corn dogs, and lemonade. "This will be an alcohol-free event," Dempsey said.
In the meantime he intends to work with the Selectmen's Office on all the details. The decision deadline is May.
"This looks like a lot of fun," said Selectman Karen Johnson. "The devil will be in the details."
It may not happen this summer -- "We'll see," Dempsey said.
Fundraising
With regard to the fundraising part, the Preservation Projects Fund "is a finite account funded primarily by donors," Dempsey said, as well as proceeds from book sales such as "Hingham Through Time," by Dempsey and Town Historian Alexander Macmillan, and "A Guide To 17th- and 18th-Century Hingham," written by Dempsey.
Selectmen Chairman Paul Healey supports the idea if all the details can be ironed out. "I suggest you modify the circus poster design to include Hingham in it -- they would be good to sell for memorabilia," he said.
Getting back to the fund-raising part, the Preservation Projects Fund helps pay for bridge repairs (such as the one on Union Street near the golf driving range), repair and maintenance of the Abraham Lincoln statue in Hingham Square, the Iron Horse statue at the harbor, and historic markers and monuments, as well as programs such as Grape Island Day.
Donations from the community toward the Fund are welcome and may be sent to: Historical Commission PPF Fund, Attn: (Historical Commission Administrator) Andrea Young, Hingham Town Hall, 210 Central St., Hingham, Mass.