Musician and band leader Harry Shell's circus career dates back to the early 1920s when he played trumpet with the Hagenbeck - Wallace Circus band. Harry played for many circuses in his long career, including Mighty Haag, Christy Bros., Orange Bros., Moon Bros., Russell Bros. and King Bros. circuses. Shell had a great knowledge of 20th century circus history and was always happy to share this with anyone interested.
Harry had a great affection for steam calliopes. Harry made his home in Farmington, Missouri from which he restored and toured his calliopes at fairs, celebrations, centennials and steam engines events across the country during the 1950s .
Late in life Harry married circus organist Isla Garcia, whom he had worked with for many years.
Harry Shell died in May of 1987 in Tampa, Fl. |
