The Eagle is pleased to be playing a small part to help the Butler County Historical Society save and maintain the model circus that Butler native Jimmy Bashline spent decades creating.

The Eagle is providing a temporary home for the model circus while a more suitable place is being prepared by the Evans City Public Library.

You have to see this circus to really appreciate its volume, its detail and its creativity.

Some pieces are store-bought but many others were created by Mr. Bashline’s own hands.

There are stories that go with each and every aspect of the miniature circus — including the big top, which was created by Ringling Brothers specifically for it. It has lights and remarkable replica signage.

It is wonderful that the circus is back in Butler County where it belongs and where it will stay.

Now we have a request of some of our more senior readers.

Vernon Wise Jr., longtime publisher of the Eagle, would tell stories of the circus coming to town. He spoke of how it would unload down where Oesterlings Lawn & Garden is now and parade through the town and up to the Butler Fairgrounds, which was located where the Intermediate High School is now.

Imagine being a young child and seeing elephants walking through the city.

We would like anyone with firsthand experience with the circus to give us a call and tell us about your memories. Call us at 724-282-8000, extension 252. Maybe you still have tickets or a poster that we could photograph?

We would like to tell the circus stories one more time for the current generation. Please help us.

We will keep you posted about the circus and let you know when it can be viewed. Bring your own popcorn.

— RV