C.W. Parker History Lesson: (From the Leavenworth Courier, Saturday, April 29, 1916)

Submitted by the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

THE AUTOMOBILE HELPS AMUSEMENT BUSINESS - - - The presence of Thousands of Automobiles in Outlying Districts welcomed by Amusement Enterprises.

Until they become accustomed to the automobile habits of the people, the management of the amusement enterprises became alarmed.- - - A great amusement enterprise like that of PARKERS GREATEST SHOWS with its massive steel trains of cars would arrive, be unloaded and the city of tents and different entertainments erected and parade ready to start.  Show people down on the Main street noticed that few people were in town and it was about parade time.   But, when the trumpets did sound, and the street pageant reached the center of the business district, it was difficult for the parade to get through the streets on account of the crowds.  After the parade, the crowds would disappear, and again the show managers would be alarmed, regarding the prospects for the business.

However, when the time came for the different attractions to open, the grounds would be filled with an apparently healthy, prosperous and well-dressed people.  Of course, the management was pleased.

The secret of the inability to show folks to foretell what business would be done that night was due to the automobiles.  Formerly the people drove in from out of town.  If it was a busy day or the horses were tired, they could not come.  Now the farmers can work until late in the day, have supper and arrive in town for all the different entertainments, and it is no unusual sight to see hundreds of automobiles on the side streets and even parked in the front yards or on lawns of homes near the showgrounds. 

THE SHOW BAND - - - Although they may not get credit for it, the musicians with a great amusement enterprise are as hard workers as anyone with it. 

This season "PARKERS GREATEST SHOWS" has engaged Bandmaster La Banco and his forty soloists to furnish the musical entertainment for the great attraction.  Professor D.B. La Banco has directed many of the principal musical organizations and festivals in both Europe and America and late Bandmaster of Havana's Municipal Band, Havana, Cuba.  Special programs arranged to please and appeal to all classes will be one of the great features of this gigantic amusement enterprise.  Descriptive overtures, classical and popular music will be rendered, also solos by the different artists, thereby insuring the public of a great musical treat.