Life Is A Circus

I'm already looking forward to the next book that I'll be reading for Montana History up at the Heritage Center here in Shelby. Montana author & historian Lee Rostad (originally from Roundup), has put together the Ringlings' Montana stories, plus tales of the circus's ups & downs in the engrossing "Three Ringlings in Montana; Circus Trains to Cattle Ranches." It's the "Story-behind-the-story" of America's circus dynasty in Montana. 1 of the 5 Ringling Brothers, John Ringling, came to Montana back in 1903 looking for investments. He ended up building a railroad & launching a ranching company. Richard, son of circus brother Alf T. Ringling, followed his Uncle John to Montana in 1917 & built a cattle & sheep empire. He & his family settled in a mansion in White Sulphur Springs. Richard's son Paul was born in Montana in 1920 & became a prominent rancher & state legislator. The Ringling family made their mark in Montana in many ways. Lee's book includes many family photographs & is as much fun AS the circus itself. Check out the book from Riverbend Publishing in Helena at: www.riverbendpublishing.com (1 866 787 2363). I'm no stranger to the circus life myself...I took part in AND WON an elephant race back in the 1980's & almost got killed  in the process! Looking forward to sharing the book, "Three Ringlings in Montana" with you soon during Montana History Tuesday evenings at the Marias Heritage Center.