Charles Hague Davis papers

Collection

Identifier: c-00387

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers include a scrapbook (1899-1955) containing Davis' circus business correspondence, photographs, and newspaper clippings; and a photocopy of a biographical sketch of Davis written in 1956 by his daughter, Mildred Davis Barr; and a 1908 program for the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Dates

Creation: 1899 - 1956

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Biographical Note

Davis was a showman and business manager for the Gentry Brothers Dog and Pony Shows, and the Ringling Brothers Circus. He negotiated the purchase of the Barnum and Bailey Circus for Ringling Brothers. After severing his connection with Ringling Brothers, Davis returned to his home town of Lansing, Michigan, where he became a prominent businessman and civic leader, and served as secretary of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce (1914-1928).