1926-TODAY

1925: Karl Kae Knecht, CFA’s first secretary, gives an account of the organization's founding. Stanley Dawson, a Ringling Barnum reserved seat ticket seller, had the original idea that an association be formed. He mentioned Marshall King of Washington D.C. was writing to other fans. Knecht then contacted King and was invited to come to Washington and discuss the matter. Another fan Dawson mentioned was Robert F. Johnson. King was a Washington banker and partner in King Brothers General Wholesale; Johnson was the owner of a mill and a prominent citizen of Concord. Knecht and King talked it over and they contacted Johnson, who was in agreement to form The Circus Fans Association. King’s secretary then wrote to many prospective members. It was decided that anyone who joined by Christmas 1925 and paid $5 dues would become a charter member of the Circus Fans Association. A total of 80 had joined by then.

 

The first temporary officers were Marshall King, president; Robert P. Johnson, vice president; Karl Kae Knecht, secretary-treasurer; and Stanley Dawson, recording secretary.

 

During the formative months and on until the first official publication began in May 1927, Knecht sent periodic bulletins or newsletters to the membership, and beginning in December 1925 the Billboard carried a weekly column on CFA activities.