Traveling regularly is a part of my day job as an independent consultant for Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP). I enjoy it almost as much as photography. Having the opportunity to visit other locations and discover hidden gems along the way are one of the many perks of this type of employment.
While working in Wisconsin, I took a side trip to Delavan and found a city within a town. In fact, the city of Delavan overlays the town of Delavan. Confusing, right? Don’t be. Both entities operate politically independent from each other, but you will get to enjoy the benefits of this quaint area filled with history located about 45 miles southwest of Milwaukee. Nearby is Lake Geneva with a large tourist draw and another popular destination.
The coolest discovery about Delavan was the circus history. Between 1847 and 1894 it was home base for 26 circus companies and operations. In fact, the original PT Barnum Circus was founded here in 1871 by William Coup. Visit the cemeteries of Spring Grove and St. Andrews to discover over 130 members of the 19th century circus performers buried there, some with elaborate headstones. The US Postal Service issued the five-cent American Circus commemorative postage stamp on May 2, 1966 and Delavan was selected for the first day issue cover.
On a side note, nonetheless important to our American cultural history, Delavan is the home of Gary Burghoff, better know to many as “Radar” on the TV series “M*A*S*H”. Born in Bristol, Connecticut and moved to the area at a young age, he gained experience acting with the Belfry Players of Williams Bay, Wisconsin, near the previously mentioned Lake Geneva.
Here are a few images taken with the Pentax Super-Takumar 24mm f3.5 mounted on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 with a Pixco Focal Reducer Adapter.
