letters

Rod Taylor's Backward Glance at P&G's (infamous) Oxydol Circus generated fond recollections from the daughters of producer J.T. “Call-Me-Jim” Hetzer.

Dad was a showman

I was just sent the article regarding the Oxydol Circus…My father was Jim Hetzer, the theatrical and circus producer for this 1967 show. I have continued his business after his passing in 1987. What an enjoyable read, [although] I have another side of it.

Much is mentioned about the large bear, but the most famous part [of the show] was that this was actually a full circus and a full ice show combined! My father actually put a girl ice skating on an elephant's back — the only time in history! This article has warmed my heart.

Cathy Hetzer Rogers
Hetzer Theatrical Productions

I can't tell you what fun your article is to read! Now you know why I “ran away from the circus to join the civil service.” My father's business was either feast or famine, and there was never a way to plan for unforeseen contingencies.

I am currently putting my father's Depression Era and WWII letters into a book. He was in Special Services, performing with Mickey Rooney and other leading entertainers of the time. After the war, he continued to be a theatrical producer.

Since he was a Shriner, it's curious to see how one slip of communication foiled an otherwise great plan for [the P&G Circus]. I had moved on to the State Department in Washington, DC, by the time he was negotiating with P&G, but I recall his enthusiasm for the plan and his great disappointment when it didn't fly.

[My father] did accomplish successfully many other entertainment feats: He was the first to take the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes on tour for the Canadian A Circuit of Exhibitions including the Calgary Stampede; in the 1950s, he produced “Pharoe & Moses” with live camels, Jerusalem donkeys and paired teams of horses behind chariots, playing in stadiums around the country. He was made an honorable “Kentucky Colonel,” the equivalent in his home state of West Virginia, and hangs on the “Wall of Fame” in the Huntington convention center for his many civic contributions.

Thanks for this revealing history. I have printed it for my archives of memorabilia that I trust his descendants will relish.
Carolyn Hetzer Zuttel

Savoring summer

Truly loved the Homework column in the August issue. I was recently in Oshkosh for the weeklong EAA AirVenture convention and fly-in, where we exhibit. More than once during the week I passed a lemonade stand at the end of the block nearest the airfield. Being in convention “on the go” mode, I only thought about stopping. Having read your column, you can bet that the next time I pass such a scene, I will pull over.
Ron Kaplan
Director of Marketing
National Aviation Hall of Fame

I enjoyed Betsy Spethmann's essay on raspberries [July Homework]. I was waiting for the punchline to be: Don't be like the typical marketer and cut down next year's new growth, clean off this year's too early, and expect last year's to deliver more fruit.
Jim Holbrook
President, Zipatoni