Miami County History

Miami County history is unique for many reasons:  it was the winter quarters for important circus corporations (1880's to 1930's), it was a significant railroad hub, the Miami Nation of Indians are headquartered in the county seat of Peru, it was a significant site for the Wabash and Erie Canal, it has a long military history with the Grissom Air Force Base (now reserve status), and was the birthplace of Cole Porter.  The county's national and international impact defines the Museum's identity through its collection, exhibits, and outreach programs.

Other cultural institutions in the community are devoted to this rich history, such as the International Circus Hall of Fame, Grissom Air Museum, Circus City Festival Museum.  The Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre, Inc., and Circus City Festival, Inc. (amateur circus) provide delightful and thrilling entertainment.  Through preservation and interpretation, the Miami County Museum portrays the entire history of this unique county.  Visit our links page to find out more...

Benjamin Wallace, a livery stable owner from Peru, Indiana joined with his partner, James Anderson, and bought a circus.  They presented their first show in 1884.  The show eventually traveled under the name of "The Great Wallace Show".  In 1890, Wallace bought out his partner, and in 1891 established the Wallace winter quarters on land purchased from Chief Godfroy.  In 1907, the Carl Hagenbeck Circus became the property of Wallace and thus came into being the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.  After buying out the other partners, John Talbot was Wallace's only partner.  In 1913, (the year of Peru's largest and most devastating flood), Wallace suffered greatly financially and otherwise.  He sold the show while it was on the road, but maintained ownership of all the land and buildings.  Members of the syndicate who purchased the circus were C.E. Cory, John O. Talbot and Edward W. Ballard. 

The American Circus Corporation was formed in 1921 with Jerry Mugivan, Bert Bowers and Ed Ballard as directors.  During the 1920's, Peru became known on the maps as the "Circus City".

John  Ringling purchased the entire A.C.C. holdings, including the Peru quarters and farms in September 1929.  In November of 1941, 126 circus wagons burned, effectively ending the old circus era in Miami County.

Many famous performers gave their talents to the circuses and called Peru their home including:  Mickey King (and husband), Antoinette and Art Concello, Emmett Kelly, Otto Griebling, Terrell Jacobs, Clyde Beatty, Tom Mix, Ken Manard, and The Hodginis.  Many others were also a part of Peru's golden age of the circus. 

The old winter quarters is now the home of the International Circus Hall of Fame.  Circus performances are conducted there throughout the summer months. 

In July, Peru hosts the Circus City Festival, a full week of circus performances the young people of the community.

Both of these events keep the rich circus heritage of this area alive.

Cole Porter

Composer-songwriter, Cole Porter, (1891-1964), was born in Peru, Indiana.  During his lifetime he wrote over 1500 songs for Broadway productions, movies, and television.  He wrote his first song at the age of ten and had his first musical produced in 1919.  Some of his songs include "Night and Day", "Begin the Beguine", "Friendship", "Anything Goes", and "Be a Clown". 

Porter is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru. 

The Museum has a Cole Porter exhibit, including his 1955 Fleetwood Cadillac.  The Historical Society sponsors the Cole Porter Festival the second Saturday in June, which includes live music and driving tours.  Memorabilia is available for purchase at the Museum Gift Shop.

Indians of Miami County

Benjamin Wallace, a livery stable owner from Peru, Indiana joined with his partner,