2018.022.015 [Autograph]

Frank "Felix" Adler signed this piece of paper in 1938. The writing reads: "Best Wishes Felix B. Adler 'King of Clowns' 1938." Frank Adler, who later used the stage name Felix Adler, was born in Clinton, Iowa on June 17, 1895. At the age of 15, Adler began working as a comedian around the Clinton area. Sometime around 1914, Adler joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. Shortly after, however, Adler left the circus and served in the Army during World War I. In 1919, Adler returned to the circus and became "Funny Felix the Clown." During his career, Adler appeared in movies and TV shows including The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), The Jackie Gleason Show, Person to Person, Howdy Doody Show, Super Circus and Martin Kane Private Eye. He was the first American clown on television. Adler also earned the nickname, "The Whitehouse Clown" for the many times he performed for United States presidents, including Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1948. Adler married Amelia Irwin, who also was a circus clown. The duo became the first husband and wife circus clown team. The pair retired from the circus in 1959. Frank "Felix" Adler passed away on February 1, 1960 and was buried in Clinton, Iowa. To celebrate his life, the town of Clinton celebrates Felix Adler Day each June. Content can be used with the following standards: 3rd grade SS 3.28 Cultural Contributions in a lesson on entertainment in the early 1900s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.