The Brookshire Times from Brookshire, Texas • Page 10

TEN Merry Christmas! THE TIMES Hometown newspaper of Brookshire and Katy, Texas Thursday, December 21, 1967 Greatest Show on Earth Bought TO BE LOCATED IN HOUSTON PERMANENTLY The Roy II i family has purchased Ringling Bros, and Barnum Bailey Greatest Show on Earth over $10 million after 97 years of Circus ownership by the Ringling family, by John Ringling North in Rome, Italy. The Hofheinz family purchase is in partnership with the families of Irvin and Israel Fold of Washington, D. C. The closing of the multi-million-dollar transaction was made in the Rome setting for the world's first circus and the inspiration for the world's first air-conditioned stadium, the Astrodome, which was conceived by Judge Roy Hofheinz and is now operated by the Houston Sports Association of which Hofheinz is president and his family directors. "The ownership by our family will bring additional world-wide acclaim to the city of Houston," Hofheinz said.

"We have established the greatest showplace on earth in Houston and' now establish ownership of the Greatest Show on Earth in Houston. I hope families throughout the world will be as thrilled with seeing the. show under our ownership as our family is with the purchase." This is the third multimillion-dollar transaction announced by the Hofheinz family in the past two months. They announced earlier the construction of Astroworld, the family sight quality amusement park, and the Astroworld Motor Hotel Complex, both to be opened in the summer of 1968 next to the Astrodome. "You mio'lit sav our family likes to see people have fun," Hofheinz remarked.

Hofheinz and Feld said the magic and legendary name of the Ringling Bros, and Barnum Bailey Circus will be retained, and Mr. John Ringling North will continue in his capacity as producer. Henry Ringling North will remain as vice president. The main offices of the Ringling Brothers Circus will now be located in Washington, D. the home of the Feld brothers, with a liaison directly to Hofheinz' offices in the Astrodome.

Mr. North revealed that he had received a number of offers for many years from all parts of the world, but decided to pass ownership of the Circus to Feld and Hofheinz because his relationships with them have indicated their concern and dedication to maintain the concept, tradition and artistic standards of the Circus. The Feld brothers have been representing the Ringling Brothers Circus each year in 20 major cities since 1956. It was at the Astrodome in Houston that the Circus broke its all-time attendance record in 1965, with 162,819. For one performance there, the Circus drew a crowd of Hofheinz and Feld issued a joint statement in which they expressed their "deep appreciation in the honor bestowed on us to carry on the high tradition of the Ringling Brothers Circus." The Feld brothers produce and present many of the show business' greatest attractions and spectacles throughout the world.

Frank Sinatra, Harry Belafonte, Andy Williams and the Beatles are among the super stars who have appeared under their auspices. They have also operated the Carter Barren Amphitheatre in the nation's capitol for the last 14 years. The signing took place Saturday at the main entrance to the Colosseum with a baby lion present- Ground us, the wonder of Christmas spreads its joy and warmth. The radiance of a Star shines into our hearts, as once it shone above a sacred manger, heralding the miracle of the Holy Birth. As you observe Christmas with those near and dear to you, may you rejoice anew at the true, deep meaning of this moat glorious time.

And may the peace and joy of the season be an over present blessing, to light the way for all men, everywhere. BROOKSHIRE DRYING CO INC Cecil Bcckcndorff Clarence Euton Ed Hclwig Chester Jordan George Longcnbaugh Gregory Longenbaugh Halden Longenbaugh Dale Minze Arthur Robichaux Albert Thompson Olen Thompson Lee D. Ware ed by Mr. North to Hofheinz, emblematic of the birth of a new Circus ownership. The Colosseum planted the seed for the origination of the Astrodome; Hofheinz was intrigued that the Colosseum originally had a or awning, pulled by slaves and machinery over the amphi- theatre when the sun was broiling hot or the weather unpleasant.

The Astrodome, home of the National League professional baseball team, the Houston Astros, and the Houston Stars Soccer owned by offered such attractions as bullfights, rodeos, championship boxing, football, polo, conventions, Circus, etc. Hofheinz also took the lead in the synthetic field by covering the Astrodome's ground for baseball and football with a carpet of artificial grass called Astro Turf. The Ringling Brothers Circus ended its 1967 season with a new attendance record November 19 in Birmingham, Alabama. The Circus returned to its winter headquarters in Venice, Florida, to vacation and prepare to offer the country in 1968 "the Greatest Show on Earth." The officers of the new management are Judge Roy Hofheinz, Chairman of the Board; Irvin Feld, President and Chief Executive Officer; Israel Feld, Executive Vice President and Treasurer; and Fred Hofheinz, Vice President. wish for you Christmas glow! with joy and fond frii The B.

W. HeRReke family Brookshire wish: ihul peace and unilprsfanding prevail throughout tin- inirlil. hriiiKi'iiK men Inxliiiff iinil lure. Will Gra Estate Lumber Brookshire Atuy tin- spirit of Christmas In- ever present in your home, lieariii): the pits of peace unil contentment, happiness and good cheer, for yon unil your families, now anil always. Bill Grady, Ed and Clarence Euion Fulshear Farm Supply.