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| (left) Schlitzie's debut as the "Last of the Aztecs" at the World's Museum in Philadelphia, Jan 9, 1921. The earliest reference to Schlitzie billed as the "last of the Aztecs" was May 1920 when he was exhibited by Steven Mills with the Rubin & Cherry Shows. There is evidence to suggest that Schlitzie was known previously as "Princess Nadine", "Princess Ha Ha", "Minnie Ha Ha" and the "Aztec Princess". The World's Museum was one of the last Dime Museums in America. I could find it mentioned only the three years from 1920 - 1922. It is interesting that Prince Randion is also appearing at the World's Museum at the same time. The careers of Schlitzie and Randion were intertwined, often appearing in the same venues over the years. Schlitzie appeared again at the World's Museum early in the following year and was advertised as "Schlitzie, the Mysterious". |
| In 1921, a lady named Bernice Zerm was exhibiting "Slitzie". Bernice was the wife of Charles Zerm who at one time was the manager of the 10-in-1 for the Wortham and Rice Carnival (1918). Charles had come to know Steven Mills when both worked the show grounds of the Rice & Dore Water Carnival in 1914. The Zerms lived in Venice, Calfornia "The Coney Island of the West" (left) so it is possible Schlitzie may have appeared here at one time under their auspices. Apparently, Bernice was Charles' second wife. His third was Patsy Kennedy whom he married in 1945. Patsy was known as "Lady Patricia", sword-swallower with RBB&B in the '40's and '50's. |
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| This is the grand entrance to the Dreamland Circus Sideshow, 1921 which was then managed by Sam Gumpertz. Schlitzie appeared here in 1922 as "Schlitze, the Aztec" |
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| Schlitzie with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, Congress of Freaks. (left) 1924 and (right) 1925. These are photo details from Barth and Siegels's "Step Right This Way: The Photographs of Edward J. Kelty" |
| 1924 |
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| author's collection |
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