Born Merlin Hinkle in Mt. Carmel, PA on Nov. 13, 1905. Known in the circus world as Shorty Hinkle.
In 1929 Shorty, not wanting to work in coal mines or silk mills as his family did, answered an ad in "The Billboard"magazine for clowns on the "All American Circus". The Circus folded 2 months after Shorty joined leaving Shorty stranded. He then found work on the Downie Bros Circus for 15 dollars a week.
Shorty worked with many shows during his 50 year career, Hagenbeck Wallace, Millers Bros. 101 Ranch, Cole Bros. Pickman-Gerty (carnival), Clyde Beatty Circus, E. K. Fernandez Circus, and many years with the Clyde Beatty Cole Bros.
Shorty Hinkle was an excellent semi driver and drove for Clyde Beatty Cole, in a truck with pedals raised to accommodate his four feet six inch height.
Shorty passed away Feb. 25 1977 in Sarasota. Fl. |
