2006-2007 Speakers Bureau Catalog
FRED DAHLIINGER, JR.
Fred Dahlinger, Jr. is the director of the world's largest circus archive. His credits include three books and over 60 articles, a video documentary,
and two compact discs. He has also appeared as an authority in other documentaries and has been quoted in numerous national publications. Dahlinger is particularly interested in outdoor musical instruments and the specialized art forms developed by traveling shows, amusement parks, and World's Fair midways.
Address: 451 Roblee Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone: 608-356-1030
E-mail: afdj@g2a.net
American Steam Music
In 1856, a Yankee inventor perfected his idea for a musical instrument that utilized steam to make music. The "calliope" was originally envisioned as a safety device for locomotives and steamboats, but it became an icon of the circus, river packets, excursion steamboats, and the floating theater. Fifty years later, the portable air calliope was developed to provide music in additional venues. No other place on earth has embraced this musical novelty that embodies American character. The intriguing story of the calliope is celebrated in this sesquicentennial tribute presentation.
Fighting the Flames
The exciting world of the fire fighter was celebrated a century ago in "Fighting the Flames" shows, produced for presentation on World's Fair midways, at amusement parks, and in traveling format. These remarkable demonstrations of fire fighting skills and technology reinforced the heroic status of the brave men that battled a common danger in American life. Public fear of this destructive agent rose with the advent of the skyscraper. The American public still gets a thrill out of dangerous spectacles on screen and at theme parks, but there is no modern equivalent to these live action spectacles that were staged from 1904 to 1907. Dahlinger will share this interesting piece of American history in this presentation.
