Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
GROSSTICK, Gus
GROSSTICK, Gus. (Dubuque--Dubuque]]. One of the boys who practiced acrobatic stunts in the sawdust pile at Day's Mill or worked on other physical traits. Eager to work they joined any show. Without managers, their pay was generally low. Often the show would fail, leaving the boys to work their way home by any means they could fine. Grosstick was proud that he never joined a carnival; circus work was his only choice.
Grosstick toured the country in 1891 with the RINGLING BROTHERS' CIRCUS and later the Marshall Brothers' Show. Pitched as the strongman, Grosstick was the "understander" meaning he stood on the ground while his two partners climbed over him doing stunts. In the Ringling show, the three men were billed as the La Moore brothers.
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Source:
"Circus Strong Man and "Human Hinges" Both Are Dubuquers; Recall Tours," Dubuque-Herald and T8mes-Journal, March 3, 1927, p. 6