The Savidges were known for providing clean, family-
friendly entertainment. Despite the bad reputation of
"carnies," the Savidge crew "is not made of crude fellows
who 'fl op' in strange places, no indeed," said the Omaha
World-Herald. "Savidge and his company are welcomed with
open arms each year in towns that he has played before."
Interest in the show dwindled in the late 1930s, probably
due to newer forms of entertainment, such as movies. The
Savidges closed their show and retired in 1941. Walter died
eight years later. Mabel lived until 1989, dying at age 104.
N
Adapted from Rebecca A. Buller, "The Walter Savidge
Amusement Company," Nebraska History (Summer 2017).
history.nebraska.gov
The "Eli Wheel,"
a competitor of
the Ferris Wheel.
History Nebraska
RG1667-3-1
View from the stage of Savidge Players tent theater. H istory Nebraska RG1667-1-13
Long Pine Journal, June 2, 1916.
