Mabel Stark holding a Baby Leopard
Submitted by Jil Loewit
Mabel Stark (called the "Tiger Queen") was a friend of the submitter's great-grand uncle, James Leo Duffy ('Bert Leo"). I am not sure what circus she was performing with at the time these photographs were taken. Bert Leo performed as a clown in the following circuses: Al Barnes' Circus, John Robinson's Circus, and Sells-Floto Circus. Mabel probably worked for one of these circuses.
Photographs from the collection of Eileen McCummins Stickle, great-grand niece of James Leo Duffy.
I just finished the book by
I just finished the book by Robert Hough-"The Final Confession of
Mabel Stark". It was a very interesting read. I would like to find more
books about the circus life in the early 1920's on to present day, if
possible.
Thank you for your pictures of Mabel. The book had a few pictures,
but it is nice to be able to find more pictures of not only Mabel Stark,
but some other circus performers of the era.
This book is a memoir of Enid Haney Barber
My name is Enid Haney Barber. I am a niece of Mabel Stark, (Mary Haynie). I have proof of this. Robert Hough's book is a novel. It is only loosely about Mabe Stark. He really trashed Aunt Mabel. There is another book which is the true autiobiography of Mabel Stark called "Hold That Tiger" by Mabel Stark and Gertrude Orr. It is a factual autiobiography. It can be found on ebay, but the price is exhorbitant unless you are a true collector. Not many copies are left. I have one, and my children have one, but we would not part with them for any amount of money.
Our family contacted Mr. Hough about the novel about Aunt Mabel, but he plainly states all through the book that it is a novel. It had been leased to someone to produce a movie, but the funding fell through, and that is not going to happen right now.
My book, "Cotton Fields" covers some items about Aunt Mabel, but not extensively.
Enid H. Barber
mabel stark
Dear Ms Barber,
I would like to be in touch with you about your aunt, Mabel Stark, and about your own book.
With best wishes,
Barb Jungr
"Hold that Tiger"
Hello Ms. Barber:
I appreciated reading your posting about your Aunt, Mabel Stark.
I, too, just read the book by Robert Hough, and I though I am dismayed to learn that it's mostly fiction, I would love to find a book about the "real" Mabel & her amazing career, training circus tigers!In that era, I would imagine that she had many obstacles to overcome - she was undoubtably a very brave & strong woman!
Just a thought - It sounds as though Mr. Hough's book has sparked alot of interest; is there any possibility of a reprint of Mabel & Gertrude's book, "Hold that Tiger"? Reading about her life in her own words would eliminate the speculation brought about by Robert Hough's book.
Wishing you & yours the best... Joy