Posted 9/12/2003 3:15:58 PM by Editor
News from Ed Taylor, Circus World Museum viewed 1577 times
Friday, September 12, 2003 - Baraboo, WI
Charles Phillip “Chappie” Fox, the man who guided Circus World Museum from a powerful idea to a world-class institution, passed away today in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He was 90.
BARABOO, WIS. – Charles Phillip “Chappie” Fox, the man who guided Circus World Museum from a powerful idea to a world-class institution, passed away today in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He was 90.
Fox was the Executive Director of the Museum from 1960 until 1972, but was instrumental in the Museum’s life from its inception. Fox served on the Board of Directors of Circus World Museum, Inc. when it was first founded in 1954. The Museum officially opened to the public on July 1, 1959.
The Museum’s collection of wagons grew significantly under Fox’s leadership. Often by employing the charm and charisma that marked his personality, Fox added 125 wagons and vehicles to the Museum’s collection. Today, that collection stands at more than 200.
It was Fox who conceived of the Great Circus Parade® as a way to show off the collection at Circus World Museum. Each year from 1963 to 1973, the Parades thrilled hundreds of thousands on the streets of Milwaukee. Fox revived the tradition in 1985 that continues to this day, as a volunteer for the Museum.
“Probably no one person in the world did as much to ensure that America’s circus heritage would be preserved for future generations,” said Larry Fisher, Circus World Museum president and chief executive officer. “Our thoughts and sympathy are with Chappie’s family at this time,” Fisher said.
In his final days, Fox told family members, “More than anything, I want the Parade and the Museum to last forever.”
Charles Phillip “Chappie” Fox was born in Milwaukee on May 27, 1913. Memorial gifts may be made to the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Fund, the Circus World Museum Annual Fund, or to the International Crane Foundation.
Circus World Museum is open year-round. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets archival material and artifacts that are culturally significant and are unique components that influenced the history of the American Circus. Owned by the people of the State of Wisconsin, Circus World Museum is operated under a lease and management agreement by Circus World Museum Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit charitable organization. Circus World Museum is Wisconsin’s National Treasure. For more information, go to www.circusworldmuseum.com Ed Taylor Communications Manager
Circus World Museum 550 Water Street Baraboo, WI 53913 608-356-8341 608-963-6899 (cell) www.circusworldmuseum.com
Ed Taylor
Communications Manager
Circus World Museum
550 Water Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
608-356-8341
608-963-6899 (cell)
www.circusworldmuseum.com
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Following are the arrangements:
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 17, 6-8 PM,
Rago Funeral Home
520 East Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
608-356-4656
Services will be on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 12:00 noon.
St. Joseph Catholic Church
300 2nd Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
Family's request for Memorials in lieu of flowers:
1) C. P. Fox Wagon Restoration Fund
Circus World Museum
550 Water Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
2) or Circus World Museum General Fund (same address as 1)
3) or International Crane Foundation
E11376 Shady Lane Road
Barboo, WI 53913
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