Rare Photo Scrapbook Capt Frank Pillips Leo The Lion MGMa and Downie Bros Circus

Sturgis Antiques is fortunate to have this amazing 1920’s personal photo scrapbook of the famed trip of Leo The Lion and his personal trainer, Capt. Frank Phillips. This photo and scrapbook is a young lady who toured with Capt. Frank Phillips and the Downie Bros. Circus, both who were at the height of their stardom. The Downie Bros. Circus was one of the largest Circuses at the time, almost as big as Ringley Bros and Capt. Frank Phillips was the youngest Wild Animal trainer in America.

This 21-page scrapbook is filled with personalized photos, intimate and fun portraits of Circus performers and backstage antics of the Downie Bros. Circus. The young lady, who put this together, was obviously involved in a relationship of some kind with Capt. Frank Phillips.

First, Leo the Lion is the famed Lion that roars at the beginning of the MGM films. In 1927, the studio decided to take this famous mascot out on a nationwide tour. Leo had an elaborate decorated and state of the art traveling cage that made his traveling easy and fit for the star that he was billed as.

Capt. Frank Phillips was a young, famous and attractive wild animal trainer who grow up in the Circus performing with large cats and at the age of 20 was given the auspicious right to be Leo’s Personal Handler.

The first couple pages of the scrapbook have glued in newspaper cuttings giving the background history of the Lion as well as the Trainer. By the third page the book starts to have photo snapshots as well as a RARE business card of Capt. Frank Phillips showing off the “World Tour” of Leo. The Fifth page and on there are some amazing photos of the “Capt.” As well as other circus performers all mostly in 1927. One of the many rare photos we have a group shot of Frank Phillips posing with Native Americans in full traditional clothes and head wear.
The women who made this book took sometime to pose in some of photos with Clowns and some with animals. One great photo is her posing with Mr. Downie himself.
There are a few photos with “The Strong Man”, what looks like Fred Aberg who is posing and doing his feats of strength. Another great photo is of a barker in front of a Sideshow Banner, “ Largest Rat in the World”.
The Photo a book end with some wonderful photos of Atlantic City and the very last page is of add for Atlantic City.
As you can see this is one amazing photo/ scrapbook and a piece of Circus Memorabilia that deserves more attention.
If you have any questions or need additional photos, please feel free to email me.