Shriner Autograph Collection

In 1988, I attended the annual Tarzan Zerbini circus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This circus was an annual event hosted by the Mizpah Indiana Shriners. As attendees entered the arena, they received a program filled with advertising and information about the circus. The opening pages of the program included yearbook-style photographs of various Shriner officials, many of who were attending the event that very night, so I hung around after the circus ended, attempting to get their autographs.

As esoteric as they may appear, the Shriners were all pretty down to earth guys...not very mysterious or confounding at all.

 

The only autograph missing from my collection is Mick Ulmer, "Oriental Guide;" so if anybody knows him, hook me up.

Comments from original post on I'm Nacho Steppinstone:

"And they really DO look all mysterious and oriental!!! Absolutely NOT like average office guys only with stupid hats on,nooooo." - Sandra

"Hey, Jonnie- Mick Ulmer lives right here in Bluffton, Indiana. That is, he used to." - Andi

"WOW!!! I should've called him while I was down there! Does he live in a castle?" - Jonnie

Bonus:  A few more photos from that evening:

1. Jon Sr. in the parking lot, braving the sub-zero cold.

2. Me trying to hang with the Shriners.

3. Me and Sylvia Zerbini, accomplished aerialist & acrobat; daughter of Tarzan Zerbini himself.

4. The fantastically robust-looking fish sandwich Laura purchased at Azar's afterward.