Description:
Original vintage Franzen Bros. Circus poster for the Newville, Wisconsin show, likely from the 1960s, printed by the legendary Central Show Printing Co. of Mason City, Iowa.
Printed on heavy cardboard display stock with vivid red, yellow, and blue lithograph graphics featuring a clown, elephant, and acrobat under the big top. This authentic show-date version advertises performances sponsored by the Circus Model Builders group.
Details:
Size: 22" x 13"
Material: Heavy poster board
Printer: Central Show Printing Co., Mason City, Iowa
Sponsor: Circus Model Builders
Venue: New Field Lot, Newville, WI
Condition: Very Good (minor crease and small stain, bright colors)
Provenance: From the estate of “Giggles the Clown” (Neenah, WI)
A striking and scarce piece of Wisconsin circus history — great for collectors or wall display.
Ships flat and well-protected — Blue Goose Vintage Collectables (Top 2% eBay Seller)
Title: Franzen Bros. Circus – Newville, Wisconsin
Venue: “New Field Lot, Newville”
Sponsor: Circus Model Builders
Show Date: Tuesday, August 3 (undated year — design style suggests 1960s)
Printer: Central Show Printing Co., Mason City, Iowa
Material: Heavy cardboard poster (window/lawn display stock)
Dimensions: 22" x 13"
From: Estate of Giggles the Clown (Neenah, WI)
Design: Red, yellow, and blue litho with clown, elephant, and acrobat graphics
The Franzen Bros. Circus was a Midwest-based traveling show active from the 1940s through the early 1970s, founded by Arnold and Phil Franzen. They were known for family-friendly one-ring shows featuring elephants, aerial acts, and traditional clowning — often booked in smaller Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa towns.
Central Show Printing Co. produced most of their regional posters on thick poster board — these were meant for roadside or storefront display and rarely survived after the event. Each local date variation (like “Newville”) is unique to its stop, making them highly collectible.
Bright colors — no fading
Small surface stain near “Newville” and one crease line
Back clean, no tape or mounting residue
No corner loss
➡️ Grade: Very Good (VG)
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