Cool pic. This will be the first time in almost 45 years that I will not be putting on greasepaint as "Autie the Clown" in my Model T Touring clown car for a Thanksgiving/Christmas parade. One parade requires you to take a course on driving in a parade. No stopping to do any routine/drills. Having a shotgun under the car shooting blanks (backfire) no longer allowed...it scares kids, liability, and less and less enthusiasm over the years for clowns and now children and some adults are downright scared makes me think it might be time to hang up the big shoes, small top hat and put away the geasepaint for good. One more American institution fading away.

The lead horse sure look's in a bad mood! Bud.

Tim, it's nice to see this. The little runabout and the big crowd are wonderful.
Keith, it is their loss but things do change.
Rich

Your right Richard. This past Halloween a city in Michigan banned clowns for Trick-or-Treat because they were to scary for the kids but brain eating zombies and all the blood and gore was OK. I don't get it. In regards to parades, it's probably better not being in them anymore. The parade Masrhalls are getting waaaay to cranky. Just because I accidentally used 00 buck shot one year instead of blanks for a backfire effect,they waaaay over reacted. It wasn't like I meant for Santas sleigh to take a few rounds...Geesh. NAW, just kidding Folks! But, you are right about change. More than likely part out the "T" if I retire. It was built with many different year parts/motor on a 22 frame with a 27 Touring body. Time will tell I guess.

Very sad, Keith. I knew a couple part time (but registered and legitimate) clowns through work for quite a few years. The dad passed away about twenty years ago, the son was continuing in his dad's BIG footsteps for several years after. They had worked together for a long time. Mostly they did special events for children, hospitals, fund raisers, and special gatherings set up by local fraternal organizations.
Truly, a proud calling.

I am second generation and my son is third. My Father got his start while working on the Detroit Police Dept. They had a Clown Troupe that I can date back to and have photos from 1927. My Dad joined the Troupe in 1967 and they use to do performances in the Detroit Police "Field Days" and Detroit's Thanksgiving Parades along with going to hospitals. My Dad started me at 4 years old at the Field Days and I became an "official" member in 1993 when I got "on the job". My son started when he was 4 years old and my wife is also. For parades we would have a special needs child ride with us in the Model T. Sometimes I would ride around in an old Shriners mini Model T. Fun times. This is what it is all about....."As I stumble through this life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more cheer than gloom, spread more cheer than despair. Never let me become so indifferent, that I will fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child, or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and forget momentarily, all the unpleasantness in their lives. And in my final moment, may I hear You whisper: "When you made My people smile, you made Me smile."

Definitely excellent words to live by!
Beautiful.
Thanks again Keith K.

And, by the way Tim R, wonderful photo. Thank you for posting it.

I'm 2 days behind.
I'll echo exactly what Wayne said.
Speaking of clowns, did ya see the fella on the roof of the car? BIG hat and plaid, possibly puffy pants...
Is he getting ready or getting OUT of costume? People scared of clowns... Uff da. People are weak.

(Message edited by duey_c on November 16, 2018)

I had my eye on him too and asked myself the same thing. Perhaps this is the beginning or the end of the parade.

Santa has always been at the end of the parade and people start crowding the street. Still the same today.

To Keith Keller: Your thoughts on being a clown made me think of the song, Smile. It is interesting that the music was composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times. I always like the 1954 version, with added lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, sung by Nat King Cole. In some ways we are in a new, Modern Times, today.
Thank you Keith.