Today was mostly a research day and catch up day, with no pictures again, I'm afraid, so I'll try to make this short and sweet. I woke up early enough to catch Nancy, though post-breakfast, and the two of us discussed the day's plans. She called over to the Gage County Museum to see if they would let me in, even though they're closed on Mondays. They said that if I could hustle on over, that they would be there til noon. So, I gulped down my coffee and headed on over.
There, I spent almost three hours pouring through their circus documents, which was incredibly helpful. I learned of a few lots in town where different circuses set up (hopefully I can get some directions out to them so that I can see them before I leave tomorrow), read many colorful descriptions of different circus parades and performances, and learned some interesting facts about circus travel in the area. For example, Beatrice (as you will note above, the town is pronounced Bee-Aah-trice...emphasis on the second syllable)imposed an occupation tax on circuses starting it seems around the 1920s to pay for any damages incurred by the circus parade on the town's paving. The rates got higher and higher until they became a deterrent for many circuses, until 1936 when Ringling Bros came to town. Circus parades were never seen again in the town though. I'm trying to get some specific dates and see just how much damage this did to circus business in town, since I seemed to come across some contradictory information, but still, interesting stuff.
After my time at the library, I returned to the Wilson's house and had lunch with them. Then Nancy offered to take me out to the State Developmental Center, which, back in the time period of my character, was known as the Institution for Feeble Minded Youth. A little explanation is probably needed here as to why this would be a draw: my main character, Aggie, has a severe stutter that makes her almost completely mute for much of the novel. As a result, the Institution would have been a possible looming threat to her growing up, and being so close to it. As luck would have it, Nancy used to work at the State Developmental Center, so she showed me around a bit. It has of course been completely renovated since the time period of my novel (which is why there are no pictures) but it was helpful to see the location. I also learned that during that period they had a farm connected to the institution where some of the patients would work and even live. Surprising to find out what's hidden deep in those corn fields.
After our visit, Nancy and I parted ways and I made my way over to the library. I was hoping to find some images and resources about what Beatrice would have looked like in the 1900s-1920s, but there wasn't much to be found. So, instead, I am here, dear readers, updating you all on my activities. Perhaps I'll even get the opportunity to make some of the many (and extensive) edits I need to make to my novel after learning everything that I have learned so far on this wild journey.
Hopefully, there will be more pictures and entertainment for you all tomorrow. Between the Gage County Museum and my sojourn to Omaha, I'm sure I can come up with something.
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