Rev. James Challancin Circus Collection, 1905, 2011, undated
13.5 cubic ft. (in 16 boxes, 12 Oversized folders)
This collection of circus-related materials encompasses a wide span of years, 1905, 2011, and undated, many formats, and many circuses, both foreign and domestic, and circus-related organizations in 13.5 cubic ft. (in 16 boxes and 12 Oversized folders). Included are correspondence, photographs, postcards, posters, programs, newspaper clippings, advertisements, scrapbooks, coloring books, food containers, stickers, badges, arrows, articles, maps, tickets, and Christmas tree ornaments, among others. Some of these materials are reproductions. There are some carnival-related materials mixed into the collection. Although most of the materials are written or published in English, some items are written or published in other languages, notably Spanish which relates to his work with the Little Sisters of Jesus. A folder of biographical material and several of related correspondence with the Little Sisters of Jesus documents Father Jim’s life and activities. Some parts of the collection were donated to Father Jim by other circus fans, among them Kent Ghirard.
One of the most interesting aspects of this collection is the documentation of two organizations that provide and discuss pastoral care to those in circuses and other traveling shows: The Little Sisters of Jesus and the International Congress for the Pastoral Care of the Circus and Traveling Show People.
The Circus Fans Association, various Shrine circuses, Circus City, Circus World Museum, and the Circus Hall of Fame are documented, as well as many circuses, both foreign and domestic. For a complete list of circuses documented in this collection see the finding aid for both the boxes and oversized folders.
Please note: the collection has a strong mildew smell. Researchers and staff using the collection with allergies or asthma may wish to take precautions.
Processing Notes: A wide variety of publications, 94 titles, donated by Father Jim with his collection, have been separately cataloged as either books or serials, depending on their format.
Acidic materials have been copied and the originals withdrawn from the collection, as were duplicates. The total amount withdrawn from the collection during processing was 5 cubic feet.