Backyard Circus: The Life and Times of Grace Jr. and Arvel Victor Allread

Discover life under the Big Top in the 1940s–50s! Join our presenter Terry Allread as he recounts his unique childhood. Terry’s parents, Grace Jr. and Arvel Victor Allread, introduced their children to such circus luminaries as Clyde Beatty, Big John Strong, and Victor Robbins. Terry recounts waking up on Saturday mornings to the melodious tones of his father Arvel playing “Entry of the Gladiators” on his baritone horn, finishing his chores like mucking out animal cages, and then playing hide-n-seek in his family’s “Backyard Circus.”

Terry Allread will be signing and selling copies of his latest book; Backyard Circus: The Life and Times of Grace Jr. and Arvel Victor Allread after the lecture.