Did you know The Al G. Barnes Circus was once located in Culver City? This is just one of the “not so wellknown facts” shared recently during the Culver City Historical Society’s Car Rally and Scavenger Hunt! The circus was located in the western portion of Culver City, beyond Sawtelle. The Barnes property included the current Department of Motor Vehicles site. It extended to Berryman Avenue and from Washington Boulevard to Culver Boulevard.
Early on, the Barnes Circus was housed in tents, but eventually a building (pictured) shows the zoo, with regular hours, which were in effect when they were in town. It was known as the circus’ winter headquarters. Many “home growns” like Fred Machado and his cousin Pat Machado, have shared first hand experiences that are on file in the Culver City Historical Society Archives and Resource Center. Other residents in this area have been surprised when they dug up rings in their yards. The rings were used to tie down the circus animals at night.
One of our local celebrities, Ben Pitti, who was known for his riding, rope and knife tricks, entertained at the Barnes Circus on occasion. The Pitti home, located on Lincoln Avenue at Farragut boasts Landmark status through the city’s historic preservation ordinance. The Pitti sons, Carl and Paul, and their families were also wellknown in the city.
In the 1920s, there was an area called Barnes City further west at Centinela and Louise. Although it was never actually incorporated, it was “dissolved” in 1927. You might remember the Centinela Feed store in that area, which housed their city hall.
The Barnes Circus, after some transitions, was eventually folded into the Ringling Bros. Circus.
Julie Lugo Cerra is the city historian. She has written five books.
