In This Issue:
Strates Shows' Lot Manager, George Ellison, is truly a carnival veteran.
George grew up in Syracuse, New
York, and at the young age of 13 ran away to join the Cole Brothers Circus. 
He traveled with the circus
all over the United States for almost three years until joining Strates Shows in 1939.
George met James E. Strates and found work with one of the concessionaires as a
roustabout, a transient laborer. Shortly after, George left the show for several years to
join the United States military forces in World War II. He was trained in construction
engineering where he learned many things that he applies to his job today. After the war,
George rejoined Strates Shows and worked with concessionaire Bobby Noell to build the
first water race game.
Over the years, George had the opportunity to watch and learn from other "Lot Men" as they carefully laid out lots. Today, he uses those skills himself to handle the critical job of Strates Shows Lot Manager. His job requires him to travel ahead of the show to the next event site so that he can designate specific locations for all of the rides, concessions, travel trailers and other support vehicles. Using a measuring wheel, string, tape and spray paint, he clearly marks off the grounds so that the arriving equipment will be properly positioned.
George enjoys traveling with the carnival and says that although he looks forward to the close of each season, he is always ready to get back into the action of a new spring season. He enjoys the challenge of solving whatever problems arise each day and considers it the best part of his job. George also claims the everyday challenges invigorate him and keep him a young "37"(his age reversed, which is actually 73).
George and his late wife Jenny had five daughters and a son. He is now the proud grandfather of 24 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his free time he enjoys Big Band music and dancing and is an avid basketball fan.