Past President History
Bernard Thomas was born in Hurley, South Dakota on November 28, 1923,.
He attended school in his present home town of Lennox. Bernie was in reality
born into the show business and has trouped ever since he can remember. In
1943, at the age of 20, Bernard, like so many other young fellows of his age,
joined the army. He served throughout the war in a Tank Destroyer unit in the
European Theatre of Operations, being released in 1945. In 1951 he bough the
Thomas Shows which he now manages and books, having played a route of major
engagements in the United States and Canada with the show for the past several
years. As the outgoing President he flies his own Navion plane and does most
of his booking by flying from one spot to another. Bernard was married in
1944. He and his wife, Marvis, have three daughters, Deanna, Margaret, and
Caroline. President Thomas is a Past Master of his Masonic Lodge, belongs to
the Elks, the Showmen's League of America, Greater Tampa Showmen's Association,
Miami Showmen's Association and Hot Springs Showmen's Association.
Fred C. O’Neil was born in Greene County, Missouri January 25, 1907. Fred
attended grammar and high school in Springfield, MO, and in Sedalia. In
1925 Fred started work for Phil G. Little who operated cook houses at the
Missouri State Fair held in Fred's home town of Sedalia and at most other maj-
or fairs in the Midwest. This association continued for many years until
Phil's death. In 1949 the company O'Neil, Shankle and Little was formed to
handle ride operations in Como Park, St. Paul. Under the guidance of Fred
this organization because highly successful with Fred taking over sole owner-
ship in 1956 when he changed the name to O'Neil Amusements. In addition to
Como Park, Fred operates concessions at the Minnesota, Oklahoma and Louisiana
State Fairs as well as handling a number of county fairs in a four state area
for carnival midways as well as concessions. At present O'Neil is operating
a unit of rides and concessions in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Fred is a joiner
as attested by this long list of organizations to which he belongs: Charter
Member of Midwest Showmen's Association, belongs to St. Paul Athletic Club,
Showmen's League of American, Greater Tampa Showmen's Association, Miami Show-
men's Association, Minnesota State Sheriff's Association, State Highway
Patrol Officers Association, Elks Lodge No. 59, Eagles Lodge No 33, Midway
Lodge No. 185, Minnesota Consistory of St Paul, Osman Shrine of St Paul,
Osman Drum and Bugle Corps, Royal American Shrine Club, Business and Profes-
sional Men's Association, Chamber of Commerce of St Paul and United Commercial
Travelers. Fred married Louise Henninger of St Paul on January 18, 1934.
They have three children, Ted, Fred, Jr, and Leah.
William D. Stanley was born August 1, 1930 at Fergus Falls, Minnesota and
attended school at Fergus Falls and Pelican Rapids. Bill served in the
United States Armed Services as a member of the famous 82nd Airborne Division
---the 15th Infantry. Bill was born in show business and is the nephew of
the late John Flink, one of the pioneers of show business in the Midwest.
Bill and his pretty wife Cassie reside in Fargo, North Dakota and have four
children, alice, Billy, Jr, Daniel and Amy. Bill is a member of various Show
Business and Fraternal Organizations throughout the United States. As incoming
President of the Midwest Showmen's Association he is the youngest officer as
President to date and the membership figures that his tenure will be a very
successful one---all are behind him. William D. Stanley owns and operates
the Wm. D. Stanley Shows which he has played throughout North Dakota and
Minnesota for 13 consecutive years.
Jack G. Thompson was born in Minneapolis on July 28, 1935. He is a nephew
of the late John and Carl Flink who were pioneers in the carnival business in
the Midwest. His mother, Mrs. John Jackson operated a small carnival in Minne-
sota and the Dakota's during the 40's. When Jack's mother decided to sell
the show, Jack built a popcorn wagon, bought his mother's Chair-O-Plane and
started in business for himself at the age of 17 just after he had graduated
from Pelican Rapids high school. Jack's first ambition was to play pro foot-
ball after a successful high school career in the sport. In 1957 Jack married
Hope Haugen, daughter of the late Ole Haugen former President of the Cass
County Agricultural Society. Hope's former home was in Pillager, Minn.
Since his start in the business, Jack has been an independent ride operator
with various shows where he operated major rides from 1952 until 1963 when he
purchased all of the rides and equipment formerly being operated by Jack
Vomberg of Milwaukee. During the past two years he has toured with his own
Greatest Show of Shows playing fairs and celebration dates throughout Minnesota
,Illinois, Iowa and the deep south states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Jack
belongs to the Masonic Lodge of Bloomington, Minn, holds honorary titles in
several cities and states and is an Associate Member of many fair associations
,including the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. His showmen
organization affiliations include memberships in Showmen's League of America,
Tampa Showmen's Ass'n, Miami Showmen's Ass'n and Hot Springs Showmen's Ass'n.
Stan Muckle apparently has had show business in his blood for many years without
really realizing it. A native of the Upper Midwest, Stan was born June 12, 1908
at Island Lake, Wisconsin, but moved to Clearwater, Minnesota where he started
school. Later moved to St. Paul and attended St. Thomas Academy. In May of 1925
his father started the Muckle Manufacturing in Owatonna while Stan was having a
whirl at touring with bands. The death of Mr. Muckle, Sr in 1932 forced Stan
into the management of the company which produces metal lines products chiefly
for the dairy business. Besides management of Muckle Manufacturing, Stan is an
officer in two other Owatonna company's. In 1951 Stan married Doretta Hamann of
Owatonna, and they now live in a beautiful home on a hill overlooking the city,
close by Interstate Highway 35W. Brother Muckle has been in the fair field for
18 years first starting as Secretary of the Steele County Free Fair. In 1949 he
served as Assistant Superintendent of Speed at the Minnesota State Fair and
continued in that post until his election to the Board of Directors in 1955, a
positions which he still holds. Stan was the first Treasurer of Midwest Showmen's
Association, a post that he held from the start of the organization for a period
of five years. He is a member of the Elk's, several Masonic bodies, and
Minneapolis Zuhrah Shrine where he plays in the band. The election of Brother
Muckle to the presidency of Midwest Showmen's Association marks the first time that
a fair man has headed up any Showmen's organization as its president. Stan's
hobbies are hunting, fishing and music.
Leo Overland has a wealth of show business background in his favor and is known
in the business for his easy going nature and knowledge of the trade. Leo Overland
was born in Minot, North Dakota on March 22, 1919. His first efforts in show
business came in Minot when Royal American Shows played Minot. At that time he
worked for Robert Finke in a pony ride operations. From pony rides, Leo graduated
to driver for Barnes-Carruthers salesman Rube Liebman. It was at this time that
he became acquainted with Frank R. Winkley and went to work for Sinkley who at
that time operated a Thrill Show under the Jimmie Lynch banner. Overland also was
with the Imperial Show carnival which at that time was owned by Eddie Hock.
Leo served four and a half years during World War II with the Armed Forces of
Europe. After wartime service Leo Operated his own Thrill Show units under
banners of Jimmie Lynch, Joie Chitwood, Trans World Auto Daredevils and of late
years with a Chitwood unit. Overland took his Thrill Show (under direction of
Earl Newberry and Abe Saperstein) to Europe for two seasons. Leo is married
( Marie Harriet Harzler ) and they have two children, William and Dana.
West Spence of Minneapolis is a charter member of M.S.A. He was born in February, 1922 in Mankato, Minnesota and has spent all of his life except for an Army hitch as a resident of the state. Wes started in show business back in 1937 as a ride operator for Bazinet Shows Inc. He spent two and half years in the United States Army during World War II as member of the famed 511 Parachute Infantry of the 11th Airborne Infantry Division. Completion of his service, Wes returned to civilian life and to show business. this time as a ride operator for Veterans United Shows. He has remained in show business on a full time basis since that time and in recent years has been a concessions operator. Wes was married in 1944 ( Evelyn ) and his wife is on the road with him each year. His wife Evelyn is a past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. In his show career, Wes has spent time with most of the carnivals of the midwest area.
Paul Rollins has a solid background of over 30 years in Show Business. Paul was born June 29, 1907 in Agenda, Kansas, He has been a resident of Albertville, Minnesota for the past 14 years. Paul married his wife, Madie in Olathe, Kansas on July 18, 1936 and shortly after moved to Dallas, Texas. In 1937 they started on the road in the concession business and operated a small Arcade. this operation was interrupted by World War II. Paul served four and a half years as a security guard at Hickam Field, Honolulu, Hawaii. On completion of his service Paul returned to the United States and was back in show business. this time as an independent ride owner on W.G. Wade Shows and others. In 1951 Paul framed a new traveling Arcade which grew to one of the largest and finest in the midwest. Over the years he was booked with most of the shows in the midwest and also played a Canadian circuit for 6 years. In addition to the Midwest Showmen's Association, Paul also is a member of Hot Springs Showmen's Club, and the Lone Star Showmen's Club of Texas.
James Murphy and the Murphy family name spans over a half century in show business. Jerry and his wife Connie, make their home in Fremont, Nebraska, permanent winter quarters for the show. Jerry was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on February 21, 1939. He attended grade and high school at General Beadle at Madison, SD. He was born into show business as his Dad (John) and Mother (Gladys) were with several shows in their day including Art B. Thomas, Northern Exposition and Howard Amusement Company. In the Fall of 1945 his father and mother bought out the Howard Amusement Co. out of Howard, SD., and renamed it Tri-Star Amusement Shows and moved winter quarters to Madison, SD. During the next ten years the Murphy Family ( Jerry included) toured and played some of the better county fairs of Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. His father decided to retire and he sold the show to Al Brown and it remains in that name to date. In 1957 Jerry started out with one major ride and three kiddy rides. It has grown to State Fair quality and today are playing many of the major Fairs in mid America. Jerry's mother and father still visit the Murphy Shows and lend a helping hand on occasions. Jerry and his Connie, have added two "carnys" to the business, Nerry Junior and Bryand Wesley Murphy.
Nick Nachicas is of Greek origin. Nick was born in Minneapolis, MN on March 5, 1920. Lived in Watertown, SD., 1927 through 1931. His wife Flo is a native of Louisianan, but in the 13 years residence in Minneapolis she has become a hard bitten Yankee.....Y'all. Nick is a Charter Member of Midwest Showmen's Association, showmen's League of America, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis until he met the late Frank Winkley in 1948, and was introduced to the Outdoor Show Business and I worked for him in auto racing in the capacity of announcer, public relations and some time manager of racing events. since Frank Winkley's death in 1968, I have been associated with National Speedway and MAR-Car, Inc., in presentation of racing events and with Leo Overland in Demolition Derby presentations. Nick served in the Navy prior to World War II and then went into the Army in the summer of 1941, and served in the Southwest Pacific Theatre during World War II and sustained leg injuries in 1942 causing my discharge from the Army as a Sergeant in 1943.
Porter G. “Dick” Stack was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, December 18, 1920. He ran away at age 14 to join the Carnival Business and has never left. He worked as Ride Boy, Concession Roughie, Concession Agent, Concession Owner and finally as Concession Manager and Owner. Among a few of the shows that he has been associated with include: Dodson Show, J.J. Page, C.D. Scott, World of Mirth, Cetlin & Wilson, Thomas Joyland and for the past seven years a Concession Manager and Owner on the Megerle Show. He will start his eighth year there in 1978. In 1953 Dick married Revue Owner, Honey Lee Walker. Dick was an active member of the Tampa and Miami Clubs and was on the Board of Directors for both Clubs, and was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge 504 at Midland City, Alabama.
Arthur P. Forcier, Jr owner of the Fabulous Midway, Gopher State Expositions, is the President of the Midwest Showmen's Association for 1979. Art was born on December 26, 1936 in St Cloud, where he grew up and attended both grade and high school. he then joined the Air Force in 1958 and, after serving his country, he came back to the show business. Art's father and mother ( Art Sr. & Mildred), started in show business in 1946 with an amusement park and later went into traveling the five state area. In 1968, Art bought the show from his father and since that time has purchased several rides and plans to add more. The show not only has grown in size, but also in routes. The show now travels from the Canadian Border to the Gulf of Mexico.
Art and his wife Shirley live in St. Cloud with winter quarters on Route 5. Art's father, now retired, spends much of his time on the road working his grab bag trailer and helping Art in the office. His mother owns a big Antique shop ( A&M) in St Cloud.
Art and Shirley have added two "Carneys" to the show business. Tony (12 yrs ) is the Kid Ride Foreman and Randy ( 6 yrs ) helps wherever he can. Art's brother Robert has been a good friend and Ride Superintendent for 10 years. Art's youngest brother Gordon will be taking over the M.S.A. yearbook this year ( 1979 ). Art is also a member of the Hot Spring's Ass'n, the Showmen's League of America ( St Louis Chapter) and all Fair Ass'ns from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico, plus member of O.A.B.A.
Joe Mandrick was born June 23, 1923, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He attended King Edwards School and St Johns Technical High School in Winnipeg. He joined the Canadian Army in June 1941 and spent two years overseas with the 3rd light anti-aircraft regiment of the first division. Was discharged in November 1943 with rank of corporal. Joe went in the carnival business in 1945 as a concessionaire with the Conklin Shows of Canada. Was with Conklin for three years then with the Hennie's Brothers Shows, the Royal American Shows and for the past seven years with Wm. T. Collins Shows as concession manager. ( 1962). Married for ten years Joe and his wife Adele, who was also born in Winnipeg, have two children, Kimberly Ann and Darrell Joseph. Mandrick is a member of various show organizations and is a United States Citizen.
Sheldon Shorter was born in waterloo, Iowa on October 14, 1929 and started in outdoor show business with his parents, the Floyd Shorters pony ride on the Art B. Thomas Shows. This start came in 1937. A short time later rides and concessions were added and the Shorters went with royal United Shows for five years. A short stint with the Vavidous Shows followed. In 1948 Sheldon married his favorite long distance operator, Mary Ella ( Mickey ) and on December 24, 1973 they happily celebrated their 25th anniversary. the Shorters have three children; shelda Sue 17, Steven Craig 12, and Sandra Kay 9. Sheldon served in the Army in 1952-54 and was discharged a sergeant. Sheldon Shorter is also active in Showmen's League of America, Hot Springs Showmen's Club, Heart of America Club, Masonic Lodge of Waterloo and O.A.B.A.
Rodney Hopp is a young go-getting type that has made a success in the Carnival business by operating a super clean and neat appearing midway. His route of operations is growing each year and Midwest Showmen's Association proudly hails him as President of the organization in 1978. Rod started in outdoor show business with a few rides in 1966, Prior to that date he was a food salesman for a Food Company and owned his own grocery store. At present the Rodd Hopp shows, Inc. is made up of 20 rides, 35 concessions with two backend shows. His pride in the business is reflected in his every day dealings with show people. Headquarters is at Savage, Minnesota.
Bennie Hazen was born in September, 1915 in the Harlem area of New York City and spent his childhood there. In 1935 a carnival was playing and Bennie joined and has stayed in the business since that time ( that's almost half a Century ). In the intervening years, Bennie has worked as a concessionaire throughout the Eastern States as well as covering the entire middle-west areas. In 1946 he was with the Sather Valley Shows playing through Louisiana and Arkansas and from there he joined the World of Today Shows. His next move was to the Charlie Carroll Shows where he remained for 8 years as a concessionaire. For the past nine years Bennie has served as concession manager for the William D. Stanley Shows. Bennie ( with his wife Geneva ) has lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the past 25 years and is past President of the Hot Springs Showmen's Association. He is also a member and strong supporter of the Tampa and Miami Clubs and also in the Showmen's League of America.
Lee Moss was born in Tobias, Nebraska on January 10, 1912. He spent his childhood in Omaha. the depression, starting in 1930 also saw the launching of Mr. Moss's carnival career. He started as a concession agent with the Macy Barnhart show. He started buying Diggers in 1934 and leasing to agents. He bought out the Erie Manufacturing Company out of Connecticut and moved the operation to Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1947. In his 45 years in the business his operation has grown so that his units play to over 500 County, District, and State Fairs. He has been involved in the Trade as a Carnival owner and Concession operator. Married in 1935, Lee is now in business with his sons, Scott Lee Moss. Lee also has a daughter ( Nancy Lee Moss Wharton ) and is the proud grandfather of four... and one more coming. Mr. Moss is a Charter member of the Midwest Showmen's Association, also a member of Hot Springs, Chicago, St Louis, Tampa and Gibsonton Showmen's Clubs. Also a member of Masonic Lodge and Shrine.
Lee has been permanently appointed as Director Emeritus of OABA.
Arthur Forcier, Sr was born November 23, 1907, in Hitchcock, Saskatchewan, Canada, and came to America at age 3 with his parents and is a naturalized citizen of the U.S.A and resides in St. Cloud, MN. He formerly owned and operated the Fox Hotel in St. Cloud from 1932- 1969. He owned and operated the Gopher State Shows from 1949- 1968 with his sons, Art, Jr., bought the show and later changed the name to Gopher State Expositions. Art and his wife, Mildred, now own and operate the A & M Antique Shop located at So. Hwy 10 in St Cloud, MN. They are the pound parents of 6 boys, 2 girls, 21 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. One son, Dale, was killed in a car accident in 1965 while the show was playing the Rice Diamond Jubilee north of St. Cloud. Art is also a member of OABA.
Arron “Mike “ Smith was born December 1, 1911 in Beloit, Iowa. His parents moved to Worthing, South Dakota, when he was 16 years old and he went to high school in the same small South Dakota town. Mike started in the show business during the depression days of 1930 with side show and concessions. In 1946 he organized his own show called the Northern Exposition Shows and for many years had a solid route of Montana fairs. For the past several years he has played many Western Canada Fairs and is highly thought of across the border. In 1960 Mike changed the name of this shows to the Smith Wonder Shows Mike married his wife, Wilma on August 14, 1952. Wilma assists him in the business office of the show and with bookings. Brother Smith is a member of El Riad Shrine of Sioux Falls, the Elks of Sioux Falls, the Eagles of Mandan, North Dakota, and the Old Fellows of Worthing, South Dakota, and well as the Masons of that city. He is an Honorary member of the American Legion of Baker, Montana and belongs to the Congregational Church of Worthing. In addition to the Midwest Showmen's Association, he belongs to the Showmen's League of America and the Greater Tampa Showmen's Association. ( 1966 )
Douglas A. Reiter
was born in St. Paul, MN on December 26, 1949. Started out in the
business with Carnival Time Shows of Fontana, CA in 1975. He brought his
concession business to Minnesota in 1979 and joined on with Gold Eagle
Amusements. Douglas has been President of Olivia Kiwanis Club twice, a Past
Master of Olivia Masonic Lodge #220, Vice President of the Board Of Education,
BOLD School District, Olivia,MN, Chapter Advisor for Colorado Springs Chapter,
Order Of DeMolay, Honorary Member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor, Vice Dean of
the Denver Preceptory DeMolay Legion Of Honor. He is a member of Olivia Lodge
#220, Scottish Rite, Valley of St. Paul, and Osman Shrine Temple, St. Paul.