Yankee Robinson’s Zoological Gardens and Coliseum

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Yankee Robinson’s Zoological Gardens and Coliseum
Life Span: Nov 3, 1866-May 3, 1867
Location: SW Corner State and Washington
Architect: TBD

Bailey’s Chicago City Directory for 1867

Robinson Yankee

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1870
Robinson Fayette, r. 49 Walnut

Chicago Tribune, April 29, 1866

THE CIRCUS.—Yankee Robinson entered the city yesterday forenoon with an immense cavalcade of horses, men, elephants, camels, and wild beasts, extending about two miles, which attracted universal attention. The circus was opened in the evening foot of Randolph street, where a spacious tent was erected, and every portion of the temporary constitution was literally crammed to overflowing. The performances were of an excellent description. and the collection exhibited in the menagerie was pronounced one of the finest ever brought in this city.

Chicago Tribune, June 11, 1866

YANKEE ROBINSON’S great consolidation circus will make its entree into the city on Monday morning, with a flourish of trumpets a mile in length, and of a strength to be conjectured therefrom. It has the reputation of being the largest company now travelling on this continent, and embracing very many specimens never before exhibited. Among these are a wild bear from Siberia, also a school of six performing monkeys to be exhibited with the big show for the first time in America. The canvas will be spread on the lake shore at the foot of Randolph street.

The grand procession of Monday morning will pass along the following as its line of march, toking that portion of each street lying between those mentioned before and after it:

From Randolph, Michigan avenue, Van Buren, Wabash avenue, Randolph, State, Eldridge court, Clark, Washington, Dearborn, Lake,Clark, Randolph, Halstead, Madison, Ann. West Lake, South Wells, Chicago avenue, North Clark, Lake, State, Ohio, Rush, Lake, Michigan avenue, to the place of exhibition.

Chicago Tribune, September 3, 1866

JOHN ROBINSON’S CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE will exhibit in this city, on the lot at the foot of Randolph street, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, afternoon and evening, The combination embraces the very large company of 120 men and 200 horses, and 50 performers, 4 clowns 20 educated ponies, 6 equestriennes, variety of choice animals from the Jardine Zoological, Paris, and distinct corps of voltigeurs, acrobats, hippodramatists pantomimists, equerries, &c. The company is one of the largest in existence, and is said to furnish a fret class entertainment.

Chicago Tribune, October 30, 1866

YANKEE ROBINSON’S show will be opened on Monday next. The building is now almost completed.

Chicago Evening Post, October 31, 1866

AN IMPROVEMENT. -Notwithstanding the arrangement of seats at the Zoological Gardens and Coliseum was pronounced admirable by all who had seen them as then arrayed, the manager concluded that the plan might be improved upon, and, tearing down completely the tiers of seats intended to comprise the “dress circle,” the width of the platforms whereon the chairs are placed, has been nearly doubled. This admirable improvement will, we are sure, find a hearty appreciation among the fair ones who will throng the “dress circle;” for it is certain that this enlargement of sitting-room (and skirt-room) has beea conceived and carried out with especial reference to their comfort and requirements.

But the enterprise and design of the manager to render everything as tasteful and comfortable as possible has not stopped here. He has procured from Allen & Mackey’s magnificent establishment, on Clark street, quantity—sufficient to cover the entire “dress circle”—of the very finest and most expensive carpeting ever brought to or used in this city. And, in addition to this, the Windsor chairs, which at first were intended for seating the “dress circle,” have been replaced by cosy, comfortable and elegant arm chairs. Such consideration for the comfort of the patrons of the Coliseum canoot fail to impress every one with the idea that it will be a good place to go to, in a great many respects,

Chicago Evening Post, November 1, 1866

YANKEE ROBINSON.—Our local columns have contained frequent notices of the progress towards completion of Robinson’s Zoological Gardens and Coliseum, on State street. The building is now finished; the collection of animals is about complete; the company are on the grounds; and the jardin des animaux et les hommes will be formally opened on Monday next.

Chicago Evening Post, November 6, 1866

AN IMMENSE UNDERTAKING.—A visit to Robinson’s Zoological Gardens and Coliseum building cannot fail to impress the looker-on with the magnitude of the undertaking, at the same time, with admiration of the substantial and tasteful manner in which the interior is being fitted up. A double force of workmen are occupied, day and night, in pushing the work to completion; and the public may prepare itself to be somewhat dazzled by an elegance and tastefulness of detail scarcely to be expected in such a place. While the mechanics are so busily engaged in fitting up the building, the performers and attaches are by no means idle. Old costumes are being replenished, or replaced by new ones; old “property” is undergoing repairs, and new being manufactured; the trick ponies are looking their glossiest; the educated mules are kicking their wickedest; and, altogether, each individual portion of the grand combination super to be preparing prettiest, for the evening next. But the reader must possess his soul in patience till that auspicious time, when he can see and admire for him.

Chicago Tribune, November 15, 1866

YANKEE ROBINSON’S AMPHITHEATRE.—This solid enclosure of brick and wood is far superior in point of beauty and accommodations to the peripatetic tent covering the “circus and menagerie” whose coming used to throw us all into such a fever of excitement in our younger days. The collection of animals, too, is much more extensive and varied than heretofore known, and the performances of the arena of a rather higher and more skillful grade. The attendance still confinues very large.

Mrs. Mary Ann Whittaker (Md’ile Louise) left the employ of Yankee Robinson yesterday—we need not say Howe, or why.

Chicago Tribune, November 21, 1866

YANKEE ROBINSON’S COLISEUM.-The most intense interest, joined with the heartiest laughter, continues to demonstrate the popularity of this new and excellent place of entertainment. By day and by night it is crowded by those who, having witnessed its varied and grand collection of animals, and its beautiful performance in the ring, do not fail to express in the most unqualified manner their approval and delight. A multitude of persons have already visited the Coliseum, and the cry is, “still they come!”

Chicago Tribune, November 29, 1866

YANKEE ROBINSON’S COLISEUM.-This popular and attractive place of amusement continues to gratify those who witness the performances in the ring as well as the zoological adjunct. The equestrian feats of Master Fish are especially worthy of commendation and receive, as they fully merit, the most unbounded applause. But without specifying the great variety of the entertainment, interspersed as it is with the comicalities of two admirable clowns, suffice it to say, there is hardly a place of amusement where an evening can be more delightfully passed. An event recently occurred which may be regarded as a most
agreeable episode in the professional career of the gentlemen connected with the “big show.” It was the presentation of an elegant whip, the stalk mounted with bands of gold, upon which was inscribed, “Tresented to H. W. Perry by the employes of Yankee Robinson’s Menagerie and Circus, November 18th, 1866.” The gentleman in question, as is well known, bears a valuable reputation se a finished equestrian. Another whip, with a superbly carved handle, representing the master of the ring and his clown in alto relievo, was presented to Mr. Oliver Dodge, the chief wagon master of the train, and was a handsome and just acknowledgment of valuable services to a faithful employe.

The favorite clown, John Fowler, is about to take his departure from the circus. His place will be supplied by James Reynolds, the clown and comic singer. This afternoon a grand Matinee in addition to the regular evening performance.

Chicago Tribune, December 3, 1866

At Yankee Robinson’s Coliseum, which has had its full share of patronage during the week. the celebrated American clown and comic singer, James Reynolds, will make his first appearance on Monday evening. We notice that a reduction in prices has been effected at the Coliseum, reserved seats being in future fifty cents and ordinary seats thirty cents. This will tend still further to popularize this exceedingly popular place of resort,

Chicago Evening Post, March 15, 1867

HORSE CLIMBING.—The pony which climbed up into the Court House cupola Wednesday, was the property of Mr. R. P. Hamilton, and not of Yankee Robinson. We are so accustomed to attribute everything fine and wonderful in horse and horsemanship to Yankee Robinson, that the mistake was a natural one. Mr. Hamilton is a famous horse-tamer. He will take his pony up into the cupola again next Saturday afternoon at one o’clock.

Chicago Evening Post, May 3, 1867

THE COLISEUM SOLD.-The building near the corner of State and Washington streets, built last fall for the accommodation of Yankee Robinson’s Coliseum, was sold at auction yesterday afternoon.

The building is said to contain 110,000 bricks, 50,000 feet of lumber, and 200 feet of gas-pipe, together with reflectors, brackets and other appurtenances unnecessary to mention. It was stated at the sale that its original cost was more than $10,000. It is to be moved before the 15th inst.

The sale commenced with a bid of $1,000 from a gentleman in the audience, which was increased to $1,500 by Mr. H. P. Davis, who became the owner of the property at that price. On the site of the Coliseum there will during the present season be erected a fine five-story marble-front building. The excavation of the basement of the new structure will be commenced as soon as the present one is removed.

Chicago Tribune, August 30, 1867

One tract is situated on the northwestern corner of State and Washington streets, and has a frontage of one hundred and sixty leet on each street. A part of this ground is now occupied by Volk’s marble works. Here a splendid marble front business block, five stories in height, besides a Mansard roof, and covering both the long fronts, will be commenced as soon as the grounds can be cleared.

On the southwest corner of the same street, on ground a few days ago covered by the brick circus building of “Yankee Robinson,’ and by several small frame structures, having a frontage of 127 feet north of the alley, and of forty feet south of the same. two magnificent blocks, five stories high, with a central portion of six stories, are soon to stand. A portion of the block north of the alley reaches to Washington street, on which it will have a front of forty feet, leaves a vacancy immediately on the corner of State and Washington streets, giving sufficient room for a fine bank building, to be erected by the First National Bank. with a frontage corresponding with the building of Mr. Palmer.

Yankee Robinson Bull Run. An Original Comic Yankee Song.

Publisher

Engraver,

Chicago Lithographing Co.

Chicago Daily Telegraph, June 15, 1879

Colonel Hayward and “Yankee” Robinson are organizing what is to be known as the “Brand New Show.” It will make its start at Chicago about July 1, and will travel exclusively by rail. Ten new cars are being built. The tent is a 120-foot round top, made to order in this city, and has a seating capacity of 8,000, including 1,200 iron folding seat opera chairs. The performances will consist of a dramatic, musical, vaudeville, and variety entertainment. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and “Asa Whitcomb,” a Yankee character sketch in three acts, written by Yankee Robinson, and the leading character sustained by him, will be the main attractions.

Over one hundred people are engaged to travel with the show, many of them are well-known in this city. One special feature of the show will be the method of lighting the tent, the old circus lamps having given place to calcium lights. The show is officered as follows:

Colonel Hayward, proprietor; “Yankee” Robinson, director; Frank J. Pilling, general advertising agent; G. W. Morris, advertising agent, and J. Brown, treasurer.

Chicago Tribune, September 5, 1884

OBITUARY.
Yankee Robinson.
New Jefferson, Ia., Sept. 4.-(Special.)-Yankee Robinson, the well-known showman, died at this place at 3 p.m. The Masons have taken charge of the body. He was about 66 years of age.

A Fellow-Showman’s Recollections.
“To be sure I knew Yankee Robinson,” said Mr. J. L. Hutchinson of the firm of Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson. “His real name was Fayette Ludowick Robinson.”

“Were you ever associated with him in the show business?”

“Yes; for several years I traveled with him. Once I was about to leave him and he said, ‘Stay with me one more year and I’ll make you so valuable that I can’t afford to hire you.'”

“He was quite prosperous at one time, was he not!”

“I should say so. In 1868 he had the largest and best show, circus and menagerie combined there was in the country. must have been worth 8100,000 at that time.”

“Was he a man of original ideas?”

“Yes. He was the originator of the handsome street parades, Of course one of them in those days wouldn’t look like much now, but they look like wildfire then. He was the most original advertiser I ever saw. Every once in a while—well, almost every day—we take in half dollars stamped in the metal, “Good for one admission to Yankee Robinson’s show.” Of course the half dollar was good, and is now, but there are people who keep those pieces until a circus comes along for some unexplained reason. Then he used to have a song he sung, and had a poster made of the music, each note being about two or three feet long, and he would paste it up on the fence. There would be a crowd surrounding it all day, and humming the music. He was also very egotistical. Once the advance agents got water-bound in some Illinois town in high water in the spring, and the show caught up with them, so no notice was given of our coming to the people. It was his practice under such circumstances to ride ahead one day on a horse to some little town, and, seeing a crowd of loafers in the street or in front of a saloon, be would approach them and ask them if they had ever heard of the great showman Yankee Robinson. Some would say yes, others no. He would then swell out his chest, take off his hat, and say: ‘He stands before you. Feast your eyes! The show will be here to morrow.’ But the poor old man has been down at the heel for the last ten years. He played a very successful engagement in Crosby opera house here before the fire, having Sanyeah, the first female gymnast. He made a pot of money there.

“Robinson was a man of unbounded extravagance. He presented his family physician right here in Chicago with a $500 diamond ring, when I knew that he had Just brought a horse for $3,000 in St. Paul, paying down 8500 and still owing $2,500 on the horse. You remember a play be used to have, ‘Stand Down in the Hall’ A sort o. Yankee play it was. Years ago he lived in Honeye Falls, N. Y., and I believe he was born there. The place is right near Canandaigua. He used to keep a shoemaker’s shop there many years ago, for he bas often spoken to me of it. I think he married his first wife there. His second wife he married in Chicago. He was a man of great ability, but he needed some one to curb him and sit down on his wild projects. He used to have a business manager that could control him pretty well, and then he made money.”

“Wasn’t he rather eccentric!”

“Yes. Some people used to call him crazy. I have known him at times to commence pulling his beard out a single hair at a time, and before the season was out he wouldn’t need a razor. That’s a fact. But than he understood people, too. In writing his show bills he would use the simplest language. He never called the show a ‘transcendant aggregation of wonders.’ It was always his big show, and nothing else. But when left to himself he would always go to pieces. He had no idea of management. He was a man of original ideas, but very bad executive ability. Peace to his ashes.”

Chicago History Magazine, Spring, 2012

Chicago has had three Coliseums in its history, all indoor facilities. The first Coliseum briefly made an appearance in the late 1860s at State and Washington Streets in Chicago’s downtown, hosting horse shows, boxing matches, and circus acts. This arena was a rowdy place, serving the city’s bachelor subculture. Its history is nebulous, as we know neither what year it was built nor when it disappeared from the city’s landscape.

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