Time period/Baraboo:Submitted by:

Baraboo businessman Wilbur Deppe (“WW) was the often underpublicized benefactor of the early days of Circus World. He was prominent in the efforts begun in 1952 to establish the museum, which began its existence on paper in 1954. It opened to the public in 1959. It was then that he really caught the fever, evidently from Chappie Fox. Their business relationship evolved into a firm friendship, to the benefit of the community and circus in general.

In 1960 Wilbur’s contributions to the new and struggling Circus World Museum were invaluable. Without state funding and with limited help from the city, his behind-the-scenes contributions were essential. Indeed, some may never be known.

In 1961 Wilbur decided that Circus world needed an elephant. In typical Deppe boldness he just went out and bought one. A small circus with an elephant had just gone bankrupt in Beaver, Wisconsin. WW Deppe gave “Bertha” a new home in Baraboo. In time the Deppe menagerie grew and became a significant summer attraction at the Museum.

The inventive Deppe devised a large trailer that could accommodate all of the animals and a performing ring and when the Circus World season closed in Baraboo the Deppe Classic Circus travelled throughout North America. After seven seasons Wilbur sold his circus to Ringling Brothers, a recognition of its quality.