When I was doing research for my new book coming July 2, I was looking into historical events in 1914 in the town of Pendleton, where the story takes place.
One of the happenings that fit in with the time frame of my story was the arrival of the Sells Floto Circus and Buffalo Bill's Wild West in June, 1914.
From the article that ran in the Pendleton newspaper, it seems the residents were a bit disappointed with Buffalo Bill, since all he did was ride around the ring, but otherwise loved the circus.
I have my hero and heroine attending the circus together. Thanks to several photographs and articles I found, it was fun to incorporate many details into the scene.
The first two owners were Frederick Gilmer Bonfils and Harry Heye Tammen, owners of the Denver Post as well as the Kansas City Post. The circus was created in 1902 and originally titled "Floto Dog and Pony Show." It was four years later that Sells was added to the title, when Willie Sells joined the show. The newspapers gave publicity to the circus and it thrived when others struggled financially.
Los Angeles Record, April 14, 1914
The circus traveled all over the United States and received glowing accolades in many newspaper articles, such as the one above from their performance in Los Angeles.
In 1921, the circus was incorporated into the American Circus Corporation. In September 1929, the corporation's circuses were acquired by John Ringling, and by 1933 Sells-Floto ceased to exist. There was a brief revival in 1937-38 as part of the Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto Combined Circus.
You can read about the circus from a fictional viewpoint my my book Luna, releasing July 2. I incorporated details from old photographs and newspaper articles to make the experience feel as realistic as possible.
She’s searching for peace and grace
He’s ready to step into his next big adventure
Haunted by memories of the fateful day that changed her life, Luna Campanelli seeks a fresh start in Pendleton, Oregon. Life in the wild western town is nothing like she imagined, although the rugged beauty of the area soothes her troubled spirit. An unlikely friendship with one of the area ranch hands lifts her hopes, until she discovers the cowboy isn’t who he’s led her to believe.
Hunter Douglas didn’t intend to hide his identity from the woman he met on the train, but when she assumed he was his sister’s hired hand, he didn’t correct her. He never anticipated forming such a deep connection to her, especially when thoughts of her continue to infiltrate his carefully made plans. As a recent college graduate with an inheritance he intends to use to start his own ranch in Pendleton, Hunter must decide if he is willing to open his heart and include Luna in his future.
Will they embrace the unexpected love that has blossomed between them, or let fear tear them apart?
This sweet and wholesome romance is a story of love, healing, and the power of hope in a delightful western setting. Join Luna and Hunter on their journey as they discover what it truly means to love unconditionally.
Shanna loves to hear from readers.
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