John Robinson's Circus
William M. Roddy, Press Representative
Advertising Car in New Orleans, circa 1900

My father, William M. Roddy, is standing next to the sign wearing a light suit and a dark hat. The sign reveals the photograph was taken in New Orleans in September during Robinson's 99th annual tour. 
He also worked for the Sells-Floto Circus, and the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
His entire life was spent as a press representative, either for circuses or legitimate theatre. By 1933 he was 60 and no longer worked. 
However, when World War II started and the younger men left for the service, his career started up again at the age of 69.  He worked for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo for five years, and other stage productions, including the Chocolate Soldier.
 He was a native of Larned, Kansas.

I have a copy of Billboard for May 12, 1951 announcing that Roland Butler, head of publicity for Ringling Brothers, had hired my father for the press staff. He was 78. He joined two veteran press men, Allan Lester and Frank Braden. Butler said A. J. Clarke would continue ahead of the show.
When I was in New York in 1952, the circus was at Madison Square Garden. One afternoon my father pointed out John Ringling North. I asked my father if had ever spoken to North and he replied, "Hell no! If he saw me he would have said "get rid of the old guy." 

I doubt it.

My father died at the Sawtelle Veterans Home in Los Angeles in 1957. He was 84.

Index to the Roddy family.