For a man who has always walked on his hands as well as his feet, Robert (Bob) Huddleston, of Fremont, Missouri, has had an active life. During 36 years of travel with circuses and carnivals he was known as the "pony boy".
An unusual condition of his lower limbs makes it impossible for Bob to stand erect. He has always walked on all fours, being unable to use crutches.
As a youth around Excelsior Springs, Mo., his birthplace, he worked as a teamster , hauling ties, lumber and logs. Once he caught and tied one of the largest wild hogs ever seen in that Ozark region. It was so big that Bob skidded it in his wagon with a mule, much as a log is loaded.
Bob gives his strong arms and shoulders much credit for the work he has been able to do. He uses small wooden blocks with little mule shoes tacked on the bottom to protect his hands from the rocks while walking. He has hiked as far as 15 miles a day.
Back on his home farm he milked cows, handled stock, and used farm implements. He is a good horseman. Mechanically inclined he is also a carpenter and blacksmith and can do shoe repairing. Right now he's making a small car to transport himself.
Always wanting to travel, he got his big opportunity, right after the first World War when he joined a show in Texas. Later he appeared with six other circuses and carnivals. With one of the biggest - the Tom Mix Circus - he crossed the United States from Canada to Mexico and from California to Florida. In one of his circus acts, he threw his right leg over his shoulder.
Now Bob lives alone in Fremont. Besides doing his cooking and housework, he has one of the best gardens in the town. His favorite hobby is raising rabbits. |
