Costume, Performance
Object number2015.101.2 a-j
MediumCotton, thread, ink, metal, plastic, nylon
Credit LineIn memory of Edward "Buddy" Farrell
DescriptionClown costume comprised of:
White bucket hat with many silver jingle bells attached all around the brim and crown of the hat. Light and dark blue band around the bottom of the crown. Blue patch with red lettering on the front. Several blue star patches adorn the brim and crown and are accented with clear, circular crystals. Many varied metal and plastic pins are attached to the brim and crown.
Pair of white wrist-length gloves. Metal snap on underside of wrist. Three parallel ridges sewn on the top.
Pair of white arm sleeves with thumb hole. Two blue star patches and six clear circular crystals decorate the top.
White, pointed collar with silver jingle bells in between and at the tip of each point. Clear and blue crystals decorate each point of the collar in a cross pattern with a blue crystal in the center.
White pants with red stripes, blue star patches, and silver jingle bells all over. Bottom of pant legs has white fringe with blue trim. Two hip pockets and one back p. left pocket that is sewn over. Two silvery circles with star patches in the center on the front and back of each pant leg.
Blue t-shirt with eight silver star patches across the front and silver jingle bells attached around them. In the center of the shirt is a round patch with an eagle and American flag. Vertical silver stripe down the right and left side panels and white points at the end of each sleeve with silver jingle bells at the tips. Patches on sleeves. On the back of the shirt outlined in red sequins is clown name with silver jingle bells across the center. Below that are patches and three silver stars surrounded by jingle bells.
Pair of white sneakers with blue accents, laces, and tongue. Red, clear, and blue round crystals decorate the toe and sides. Four large, silver jingle bells attached.Dimensionsa) Folded in its natural position: 14.5" W, 8.5" H, 1.5" Db,c) 9.25" L, 5" W, 0.50" D
d,e) 20" L, 6" W, 0.25" D
f) 19.5" L, 20" W, 1.25" D
g) 36.5" L, 19.5" W1.25" D
h) 28" L, 33" W, 1" D
i) 12" L, 4.5" W, 4.25" H
j) 12" L, 4.5" W, 4.25" H
Inscriptions(a)
Blue patch with red lettering on the front reads: "CAUTION / BIONIC / POWERED".
On inside of crown: "ROLL-UP HAT".
(h)
In the center of the shirt is a round patch with text "ENGLE . COVEY . LOUNGE . FISHER . VAN HOFTEN".
On the proper right shoulder is an oval patch with text "INTERNATIONAL / ISCA / SHRINE / CLOWN / ASSOCIATION".
On the proper left sleeve is a square "U.S.A." patch with an American flag; below that is a white, circular patch with text "MID ATLANTIC SHRINE / CLOWN ASS'N".
On the back of the shirt outlined in red sequins is "WHITEY".
Below that is a patch with text "U.S.A." above five interlocking Olympic rings.
Historical NotesRonald “Whitey” Baldinger clown costume. Whitey was a local water performance clown who first performed at local swim clubs in the 1950s. He chose a patriotic theme to differentiate himself from other performance clowns. His performances were often with his clown partner Edward “Buddy” Farrell. Whitey and Buddy were instrumental in forming TRIAD, the precursor to the Three Rivers Regatta. They performed every year at the TRIAD festival both driving boats and water skiing.
Previous owner
Ronald Baldinger
Related institution
Shriners International
(founded 1870)
Related person
Edward Farrell
Related institution
Three Rivers Improvement and Development Association
On View
Not on view
Andrew Pendro, Jr.
Jackson China Incorporated
1960-1965
1944-1946
1950-1959
