By Thomas Palmer
Here Comes the Show!
On August 27, 1880, the quiet streets of Galion buzzed with anticipation as Forepaugh’s famed circus rolled into town. This wasn’t just any production—it was a traveling marvel of the era, complete with two full rings, 15 trained elephants, performing giraffes, and 100 top-tier entertainers.
Among them was Ella Zuila, the Australian “funambuliste” whose feats on the high wire had captivated audiences across the world.
As the procession wound through the town, children and adults alike lined the streets, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the performers. First came the elephants walking down Main Street (Harding Way), their massive forms adorned with intricate costumes, swaying gracefully to the rhythm of the band. Giraffes followed, their long necks towering above the crowd, while acrobats balanced precariously on horseback, tossing dazzling plumes of color into the air.
Inside the big top, the atmosphere was electric. The smell of sawdust and popcorn mingled with the sound of the calliope, setting the stage for an unforgettable performance. The show began with a flurry of activity: acrobats leapt through hoops of fire, clowns tumbled in comical disarray, and trained horses pranced in perfect unison.
But it was Ella Zuila who stole the show.
Dressed in a glittering costume that sparkled under the gaslights, Ella ascended to her high wire as the crowd fell silent. Her act wasn’t just about walking a thin wire strung high above the audience—it was a daring display of innovation and fearlessness. She cycled across the wire with the ease of a stroll in the park, then returned, pushing a wheelbarrow containing a wide-eyed child. Gasps echoed as she donned stilts to cross again, wobbling ever so slightly before steadying herself with practiced grace.
The audience erupted in cheers, but Ella wasn’t done yet. For the grand finale, she hung upside down by her knees, suspended high above the ground. The crowd watched in awe as a cannon boomed, launching her husband, Loyal, the Human Cannonball, into the air. With precision and strength, Ella caught his hands mid-flight, swinging him to safety. The audience leapt to their feet in a raucous standing ovation, their cheers shaking the very walls of the tent.
As the Forepaugh Circus packed up and left town that evening, it left behind a lasting memory of one of the greatest spectacles Galion had ever seen. For years, locals spoke of Ella Zuila’s daring feats and the majesty of the Forepaugh Circus, a reminder of a time when the world’s wonders came to small towns across the Midwest, bringing with them magic and marvel.
A Legacy of Innovation
While Ella Zuila’s star would tragically dim years later, her time with the Forepaugh Circus cemented her place in history as a trailblazing performer. Forepaugh himself continued to innovate, shaping the golden age of American circuses and leaving a legacy of awe-inspiring entertainment.
Galion’s day with Ella and the circus was a moment when the extraordinary felt within reach, reminding all who witnessed it that bravery, creativity, and a touch of daring could make the impossible possible.
Each Saturday, we share a post about local history. We call this series “Galion History Corner,” and we will be sharing not only stories about our shared heritage but also updates on history news here in southeast Crawford County.
This series is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Bernard M. Mansfield, whose “Your Historical Galion” was a fixture in weekend editions of the Galion Inquirer. Dr. Mansfield was a friend and family physician, and he inspired the current generation of Galion historians to continue his work.
