2026, Can you imagine! For those of us over 90 it really seems impossible to consider we have been around so long! I started clowning when I was 60 and I remember those early years so vividly. There were actually 3 main categories for makeup, Whiteface, Auguste and Tramp, and Tramp clowns were few and far between. In the early years this was a major category for circus clowns, but by 2000 you saw probably 6 at a convention out of a few hundred. I was a full whiteface in the early years, which means I had no visible skin showing! I used a lot of white grease paint, long sleeves, gloves, and costumes that covered everything. The clown costumes were made by 2 exceptional clown costumers and mine were custom made for me. The costumers came to the main conventions and brought ready-made items, which they made themselves and also took measurements and designed sketches of what the customer wanted to order. Then I picked out the fabrics and about 6 weeks later my costume came in the mail. As a testament to Priscilla Mooseburger, my 5 outfits still look new. Even in the early 2000s a three-piece costume (blouse, dress and bloomers) cost over $500. Today, dress is much more casual and very few costumers have survived. Makeup has become minimal, and few clowns bother to buy big clown shoes, since sneakers have become so colorful. But – everything changes, some for the better and others a little disappointing. I still love to clown and hope I can continue a lot longer.
Those of you who came to the clown show in December really enjoyed our silly performances. The kids cheered loudly and all seemed to appreciate the special gift we gave out, as well as lots of balloons and happy face stickers. The photos show it all!
We are very happy to be a part of Tri-County Animal Shelter’s 30th anniversary celebration on Jan. 31. All 7 of us are planning to be there and it should be a great afternoon. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for events we might attend. Clowns always add a lot of color and smiles just from our being there!
So long till next month. Happy Valentine’s Day and don’t forget to wave if you see us on campus!
and Twinkle Toes
