Merle Evans Papers

Individual Collection name: Merle Evans Papers

Repository name: Special Collections in Performing Arts,
Performing Arts Library, University of Maryland

Type: Papers and memorabilia

Collection dates: c. 1880-c. 1989

Extent: 27 linear feet

Description: The Merle Evans Papers include Evans's correspondence, diaries, datebooks, memorablia, scrapbooks, business records, awards, books, articles, circus band music, photographs, magazines, circus programs, posters, route books, and artifacts. Materials primarily pertain to the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus; also among Evans's articles and photographs are items relating to the S. W. Brundage Carnival Band, the Cole Bros. Circus, and other bands and circuses. Over 1,500 photographs dating from 1880 to 1989 include images of Evans, other circus performers and circus bands, acts, and equipment. Much of Evans's correspondence concerns guest appearances with student and amateur bands. Artifacts include clothing worn by Evans, and Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey memorabilia.

Statement of provenance: The Merle Evans Papers were donated to the ABA Research Center by his sister Juanita Evans in February 1989. A second portion of the collection was given by Juanita Evans through Kenneth Slater on June 8, 1992. Additions to the collection were made by Shirley Ryon.

Governing documents: Deed of Gift signed by Bruce Wilson, June 30, 1992.

Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository.

SCPA shelf location: SCPA Collections Room, Aisle C

Access: Materials from this collection must be used in the Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10 to 5, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator.

Biography: American circus bandmaster Merle Evans was born in Columbus, Kansas in 1894, and joined the S. W. Brundage Carnival Band at the age of fifteen as a cornetist. For the next ten years, he traveled throughout the United States with theater and comedy shows, eventually becoming bandmaster of Jess Willard's Wild West Show. In 1919, Evans became bandmaster for the newly-combined Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circuses. From 1919 until his retirement in 1969, Evans played to an estimated 165,120,000 circus fans. He remained active in circus music until his death at the age of 93. For more information on Evans see Gene Plowden's, Merle Evans: Maestro of the Circus (Miami, Fla.: E. A. Seemann Pub, 1971).

Series Arrangement:
Series I: Correspondence
Series II: Newspaper and Magazine Articles
Series III: Photographs
Series IV: Programs
Series V: Awards and Certificates
Series VI: Band Music
Series VII: Circus Publications
Series VIII: Business Papers
Series IX: Posters
Series X: Clothing
Series XI: Books and Papers
Series XII: Memorabilia

Series Description:
Series I, Correspondence, contains 254 letters, both to and from Merle Evans, primarily from 1967 to 1980 (one letter is from 1949 and two letters are from 1923). It is arranged by subject and divided into four subseries: I-1, Guest Appearances; I-2, Honorary Degree; I-3, Miscellaneous; I-4; Diaries, Datebooks, and Memos. Subseries I-1 is arranged alphabetically by the organization's name and then in chronological order. The organization's contact person is listed where applicable. The letters under subseries I-2 and I-3 are listed in alphabetical order by the name of the sender. Subseries I-4 is arranged chronologically. The Guest Appearance subseries may also contain suggested programs, lists of expenses, and some contracts.

Series II, Newspaper and Magazine Articles, contains 310 clippings from between 1914 and 1983. The subjects range from announcements of appearances by Merle Evans and the Ringling Bros. Circus to articles on individual members of the Circus.

Series III, Photographs, contains 1581 photographs. It is arranged by subject and divided into eleven subseries. Each subseries is arranged chronologically. For a quick reference, copies of the photographs may be found in the Merle Evans Photo Folder.

Series IV, Programs, contains programs from some of Merle Evans's band tours throughout the United States. The programs are listed in alphabetical order by the name of venue.

Series V, Awards and Certificates , contains 34 certificates given to Merle Evans between 1931 to 1985.

Series VI, Band Music, contains 56 scores for band. All scores consist of individual band parts. Each folder contains one title, arranged in alphabetical order.

Series VII, Circus Publications, contains magazines and other publications pertaining to the circus.

Series VIII, Business Papers, contains papers pertaining to the business aspects of the circus and band appearances of Merle Evans.

Series IX, Posters, contains seven posters and oversized awards.

Series X, Clothing, contains six hats from Merle Evans's association with the Masons and the Circus. This collection also contains Evans's circus band uniform.

Series XI, Books and Papers, contains pedagogical books on brass instruments, essay, and articles of memorabilia pertaining to the circus.

Series XII, Memorabilia, contains circus as well as personal memorabilia.

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