Chappie Fox facts for kids
Charles Philip "Chappie" Fox (born May 27, 1913 – died September 12, 2003) was a special person who loved circuses. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chappie Fox was a circus historian, meaning he studied and wrote about the history of circuses. He also helped others through his giving.
He made the Circus World Museum much bigger and better. He also helped start the famous Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee.
Chappie Fox took charge of a small museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin in 1960. He started to collect and fix old circus wagons. These wagons were made of wood in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of them were old and broken all over the United States and Europe. Today, the museum has more than 200 of these amazing wagons.
In 1963, Chappie Fox and Ben Barkin worked together. They started the Great Circus Parade. The Schlitz Brewing Company helped them make it happen.
Chappie Fox taught himself a lot about circus history. He wrote and edited many books about circus animals, advertisements, and pictures. He also wrote many fun stories for children.
He passed away in a nursing home in Baraboo due to heart problems. He is remembered by his wife, Sophie, and his daughter, Barbara Fox McKellar.
Books for Young Readers
Chappie Fox wrote several books especially for children. These stories often featured animals and adventures.
- Frisky, try again. Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1959.
- Come to the circus. Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1960.
- A fox in the house. Chicago : Reilly & Lee, 1960.
- Mr. Stripes the gopher. Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1962.
- Birds will come to you. Chicago : Reilly & Lee, 1963.
- Mr. Duck's big day. Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1963.
- Snowball, the trick pony. Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1964.
- When autumn comes. Chicago, Reilly & Lee, c1966.
- Opie Possum's trick. Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1968.
- Sweet Sue's adventures (story by Sam Campbell). Brushton, N.Y. : TEACH Services, c2002.
