Walter L. Main

Walter L. Main (July 13, 1862 – November 29, 1950) was an American showman and circus proprietor.

Early life Main was born on July 13, 1862, in Medina County, Ohio, United States.

Career Walter Main began his circus career in 1867 at the age of five. He worked as a bill passer for his father William Main's show and had become an advance agent by 1872.

He went on to take charge of the small circus his father had purchased. The circus, created in Trumbull County, Ohio, began with three trained horses from his father, two pigs, four ponies leased from C. G. Philips of Cortland, Ohio, five hay-rack wagons, equipment from a local livery yard, and a single-pole tent.

He was general agent for the Great Sargeant Show from 1881 to 1883, earning $50 monthly plus expenses, then joined Hillard's (England's Greatest) Show, touring America. His performances took place at fairs and local gatherings, saving money by using existing crowds instead of drawing them into town. The train wreck near Tyrone, Pennsylvania claimed the lives of eleven of Main's performers and numerous animals.

Legacy His show was once ranked alongside the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, with his career lasting over fifty years.