Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Train JOMAR was a private car built especially for the use of circus owner John Ringling. The heavyweight car was built by Pullman in 1917. Its name was a contraction of the first names of John and Mable Ringling. For years it would run on excursions and with the circus train. Upon John's death in 1936 the car was taken over by his nephew John Ringling North who modernized its previously Victorian interior and added air conditioning. It was numbered 32 at least until 1946. Image: May 15, 1955 Jerry LaBoda collection.
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The car often ran with the circus train. Initially painted Pullman green, it was later painted silver and with louvers on the windows, much like the former hospital cars used from 1947. On the road, it was both residence and office for the Ringlings. Image: Circa 1953 (State Archives of Florida/Steinmetz) |
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After North's refurbishing, its dining salon featured a series of circus murals by Charles Baskerville. Later, the car housed circus managers (Aubrey & Jim Haley and Art Concello among them) on the road.
Image: John Ringling North aboard his refurbished and modernized private car on October 19, 1953 (State Archives of Florida/Steinmetz) |
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Still later, it served as the home of John Ringling North and his family at the circus' winter quarters in Sarasota before they sold the business in 1967. After that it served as employee housing at the winter quarters. By 1973 it was in storage at Port Tampa and later given to Rudy Bundy, a friend of John Ringling North. Later to Harry Fraser of Ruston, LA. Image: JOMAR car on the left. Circa 1949 (State Archives of Florida) |
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Image: Ringling Vice President John Ringling North watching Father Elslander bless the circus train, an annual tradition before departing Winter Quarters. March 29, 1948 (State Archives of Florida/Steinmetz) |
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