Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BAILEY, Harold L.
BAILEY, Harold L. (Hills, MN, Apr. 28, 1895--Dubuque, IA, Mar. 11, 1953). Entertainer. Bailey became well known in Dubuque for his performances as a clown during celebrations and parades. An advertising and display manager of Montgomery Ward and Company in Dubuque, Bailey was once a professional clown recognized for his original and grotesque costumes. His biggest successes were during Dubuque's centennial celebrations when his paddle shoes and electrically lighted most were frequently seen.
Bailey began his clown act as a boy in Clinton, Iowa, where he was a friend of Felix Adler, a famous clown with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. Bailey was often visited by Adler in their later years. In addition to performing in parades, Bailey accompanied the Dubuque Retail Merchants Bureau on their goodwill trips around the community.