1891 - Donovan & Lowande Circus

   The Donovan and Lowande Circus visited Jamaica early in 1891, at the time that the 1891 International Exhibition was in full swing on the lands just north of the Race Course, where the Wolmer's Schools are today. The circus was not, however, incorporated into the Exhibition programme, and there were complaints that it was diverting people from attending the Exhibition.

   The Lowande family were prominent circus performers in North and South America and the Caribbean from the 1860s for some seven decades.

The Donovan and Lowande Circus in Kingston in February 1891:

Daily Gleaner 1891

January 8
THE CITY COUNCIL
The Use Of Race Course.
   The use of the race course was granted to J. W. Foster, representing Donovan and Lowande's circus company from the 13th to the 26th and in the meantime a conference would beheld with the amusements committee of the Exhibition as to the further control of the Race Course.
The meeting then adjourned.

February 9
   Donnovan and Luande's Circus troupe which was engaged in giving a series of performances in Hayti, has since left for Santo Domingo and may not arrive here before the end of the week. Another Circus troupe is on a visit to Aux Cayes and is expected to pay this island a visit.

February 10
   The R. M. C. steamer Dee Capt. Pope, from London and the Windward Islands last Hayti and Santo Domingo, arrived here early yesterday morning, bringing 1139 packages of merchandise for Kingston and 284 for the outports. She also brought eight horses and the property of the Donnovan and Luande Circus Troupe from Santo Domingo, and the following passengers comprising the company:— Mr. Donovan, Mr. McDonald, Mrs. Martinez and two sons, Mr. and Mrs. Devignee, Miss E. Noble, Mr. C. Stickney, Miss Nilli Wilson, Miss Marietta and 12 deckers, also Mr. E. W. Abrahams.

February 14
   In the Police Court yesterday before the Resident Magistrate, a yonng man named Alexander Wallace who was arrested on Thursday night for misconducting himself at the Circus was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of 40/ with the alternative of 30 days hard labour in the St. Catherine District Prison, the Magistsate remarking that the prisoner was a disgrace to humanity.

The American And Brazilian Circus Company.
This company gave their first performance in Manchester Square on Thursday evening to a packed house; every available seat in the gallery being occupied. The first act was the introduction of Miss Strickny's wonderful dogs, among them the three tumblers calling forth loud applause. This was followed by a riding act by young Oscar. Miss Emma Noble on the flying trapeze gave « most daring performance. Then the trick pony followed by the bareback riding of Martinho Lowande Jr. concluded the first part of the entertainment,
   After the intermission the Daves gave their wonderful flying trapeze act which called forth such prolonged applause that we would recommend its repetition. Senor Martinho Lowande gave an exhibition of his skill as a horseman, riding and driving four horses at the same time. The company will give a matinee this evening at 3 o'clock and a performance to-night at 8 when several changes will be made in the programme.

February 16
   THE AMERICAN AND BRAZILIAN CIRCUS COMP ANY.
This company gave their second performance at Manchester Square on Friday evening to a fairly attended house. From the manner in which we spoke of the first night performance and judging from the rounds of applause which each act received then, we looked for a much larger house on Friday night. The Circus-going public should not loose the opportunity now offered for their amusement and we are sure that we only have to give this hint to ensure a good attendance during the time the company will remain. Friday night's performance was equal to if not better than Thursday night's and the Davenes again appeared in their wonderful flying trapeze act calling forth rounds of applause; Miss Nellie Wison in her wonderful riding hurdle act was very good, Miss Marietta and Master Oscar in their two horse carrying act brought down the house and those who were absent missed a great treat. James Taylor, the man without bones, did his part with composure and was allowed a fair share of applause. Martinho Lowande again appeared - riding and driving four horses and handled these well although the horses did not seem up to form and gave a little trouble.
   Martinho Lowande in his programme asked that every one should remain in their seats until the laughable clown dogs act under Prof. Lunez's charge was over and if any left they missed a rare treat, the dogs performed to the very best and their tricks were well worth seeing.
   The prices for admission have been reduced to Reserved seats 3s, Gallery to 1s.

February 25
   Donnovan and Lowande's Circus troupe left here yesterday on the R.M.C. steamer
Atrato for Barbados.
 

The Circus was located at Manchester Square, presumably on an

empty lot, rather than on the Race Course just to the north. The

permission to to be on the Race Course given by the City Council

in January, had presumably been withdrawn in February, perhaps

at the request of the Exhibition amusements committee.               

February 21
[from editorial]
ATTRACTIONS AT THE EXHIBITION.
. . . . We think that it was a big mistake not to make terms with the Circus Company so that they played under the auspices of the Exhibition Commissioners or at least were rented the Race Course, so that some of the takings should have found their way to the Exhibition Coffers.

February 28
 - one big mistake I think is not having all amusements in Kingston within the Exhibition grounds. Passing up Duke Street one night on my way to the Exhibition, I was surprised to see the number of persons at the Circus. This should have been within the grounds.

Hoping you will insert this, I remain
'Yours truly,
J. D. ORMSBY.
Endeavour, St. Ann's Bay.
Feb. 22, 1891

   Col. J. W. Foster, who represented Donovan and Lowande before the circus arrived, had something of his own going, but there do not seem to be any refernecs to his Palace Gardens beyond the advertisements.