Joe Ellis - Stratford, NY Resident and his magic car

 

Joe Ellis Stratford, New York Hotel owner, Stratford Christmas Tree farm owner, and founder of the Stratford/Salisbury Ambulance Service 

 

 

 Joe Ellis was once an acrobat in the Circus.      Members of his family performed with the Lewis Brothers Circus, and later the Russel Brothers Circus, Ken Maynard Circus, Tom Mix Circus, Jack Hoxie Circus, the 101 Ranch Baily Brothers Circus and many others. His act “The Algerians” was tumbling/Acrobat. In WWII he was a member of the Amphibious Tank Battalion and participated in Canteen shows. 

 

When he returned from the war and moved to Emmonsburg his entertaining days did not stop.

After the war Joe purchased the Emmonsburg Hotel property. At the back of the hotel property, he set up a miniature circus lot. Those that he knew from his circus life, when they had time off would drive to Emmonsburg for a visit. An article written about Joe stated that the residents of Emmonsburg and the Stratford area would look forward to these visits as there was always a free show by the performers.

Joe also entertained at various local events with a clown act and the car pictured. From what I understand the family still own the car. 

 

For those of you that don’t know of Joe Ellis. As well as owning the Emmonsburg Hotel for several years, he owned a Christmas Tree farm, started the Stratford/Salisbury Ambulance Service and worked at the Stratford Central School.