1877 - Murray's Grand Oceanic Circus
Murray's Grand Oceanic Circus paid
a brief, and somewhat understated,
visit to Kingston in late January/
early February 1877. It was located,
somewhat unusually, at Emerald Park,
later to be the site of the Holy
Trinity Cathedral.
Daily Gleaner 1877
January 30
Shipping Intelligence
ARRIVED JANUARY
28 - Amn. 3-Masted Schr. John M. Cobly, Wilcox, 4 days, Porto Rico, ballast and Murray's Oceanic Circus Company, to Messr's M. DeCordova & Co.
Mr. Murray's Grand Oceanic Circus Company gave their first entertainment last night under their magnificent tent, erected on the grounds of Emerald Park, North St. The Tent is the largest ever erected in this island and was tastily and prettily decorated. The Company made a splendid entry into the ring with 10 horses performing wonderful evolutions, making tbe grand chain, forming four deep, this act is really one of the finest ever seen in Jamaica. The bareback riding was quite equal to the popular Sebastian - while the tumbling contortions and leaping were of a superior character. The Clown kept the Audience in a continued roar of laughter with his clever and quaint sayings and his droll ways. The little ponies are pretty and well trained, and were very much admired. The stud of horses is certainly a magnificent one, and the Murray Circus Company deserve the most liberal patronage that can be bestowed on them. An afternoon performance will take place at 2.30 to-day; and the usual evening entertainment at 8 o'clock. Seats can be secured at this Office.
January 31
MURRAY'S CIRCUS.
The Murray Circus Company gave their second entertainment, under their magnificent canvas last night, introducing a number of new acts, embracing feats of most extraordinary daring and strength. The educated horse is certainly a wonderful animal, obeying the commands of his master, dancing, marching, trotting, galloping and performing various posturings at will. The entire entertainment was most chaste, amusing and well worthy the most liberal support of the public. The Company will not remain in the Island after the present week, and as their stay is so short we advise all to avail themselves of the opportunity of enjoying a most delightful evening.
February 1
The Murray Circus Company, during their pilgrimage through the Islands, visited Barbados and found the Howe and Cushing Circus Company performing there. Professional etiquette compelled them to leave, without making an attempt to play. Should the case be reversed here, there cannot be the slightest doubt that the Howe and Cushing will extend similar courtesies to the Company now performing in this city. We regret to learn that Miss Ida Isaacs left the Company at Demerara. This lady was the female Clown and daring Rider. She has appealed to the public there for a benefit, and was receiviug assistance from the Amateurs.
REDUCTION OF PRICES.
The Murray Circus Company have consented to a reduction of prices, to afford an opportunity to all classes to visit the pavillion, where an evening can be spent with satisfaction. The Artistes are all of rare ability, and the Circus well worthy of patronage. At three shillings for reserved chairs and one shilling for gallery-benches, we expect to see an immense audience.
February 2
We have received a letter from the husband of Miss Ada Isaacs, late of the Howe & Cushing Circus Company, by which we are informed that Miss Isaacs, the celebrated Clown and daring Rider, left the Company at Demerara; that Mr. Howe, the Ring Master, left them at Barbados, and that the balance of the Company have gone to South America, and cannot possibly be here before the month of May.
February 3
MURRAY'S CIRCUS.
To-night will be the last entertainment given by the Murray Oceanic Circus Company; and as there is no possibility of the Howe and Cushing Circus arriving here prior to the month of May, we recommend the Public to visit the magnificent Pavillion in North Street, where they will witness feats of daring, strength and agility, combined with horseback riding, which will be the principal feature of this evening. Messrs. Rivers and Ducrow performing an act specially arranged for the Kingston public. Mr. Ducrow will also appear on his magnificent daring bareback act, which has astonished all who have witnessed it.
The Company will sail on Sunday morning, in their Schooner John M. Cobly, for Key West.
Let the public, then, turn out en masse to witness a bill specially arranged for the last performance, when new acts will be introduced.
There is this much to be said for the Company - a better Circus Company has never visited these shores.
February 5
The Murray Oceanic Circus Company gave their last entertainment under their magnificent tent on Saturday evening. Although the weather was inclement a very large number of persons assembled. During the evening Mr. Barry announced on behalf of the management, that Mr. Davis had postponed his benefit at the Theatre Royal, on account of the rain, and would take it during the present week - he hoped that the proprietor of the Colonial Standard would extend more courteous treatment to Mr. Davis than he had done to the Circus Company, strangers in the Island, he having advertized the Howe and Gushing Circus Company as momently expected, without the slightest chance of their being here; and which had been done with malicious intent.
The Company was received with great applause, and gave an entertainment of a superior character. Immediately after they packed up their paraphernalia and sailed at 10 o'clock, yesterday morning, for Key West.
February 6
SAILED - FEBRUARY.
4 - Amn. 3-masted Sch. John L. Cobly, Wilcox, Key West, with Murray's Circus
Company.
