The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Oquawka Parks and Tourism and The Quill
Fifty years ago on July 17, 1972, the Clark and Walters Circus was scheduled to perform two shows in Oquawka’s Town Square. Unfortunately, those shows never happened. That morning a storm blew in and lightning struck the tree that the star attraction, Norma Jean the elephant, was chained to, killing her instantly.
50 years later the Village of Oquawka recruited Oquawka Parks and Tourism to plan a celebration in Norma Jean’s honor. There was no company of performers who put on diverse entertainment shows of clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, dancers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, and magicians but there was a huge crowd gathered to enjoy free food, free pool entry, and Art in the Park and the memory of the town’s part in taking good care of a beloved Circus Animal “Norma Jean” whose life tragically ended in their town’s city square.
The Committee served up hot dogs, chips, peanuts, and cracker jacks. Melissa Stanton made elephant shaped cookies and Fields of Fun had a constant line serving cotton candy, shaved ice, and popcorn and creating elephant shaped balloons. Henderson County Local Artists sponsored Art in the Park with elephant ear headbands, face painting, and a space for attendees to paint their own version of Norma Jean. Those paintings will be on display at Oquawka Village Hall until August 17th. The art portion of the event was funded by a grant through Two Rivers Art Council.
The Committee also had Norma Jean t-shirts and postcards available for sale. Earlier in the year the Committee held a contest for the best Mississippi River photo. The winning photo, taken by Don Rice, was turned in to one of the postcards. They then turned to Jay Henshaw, owner of Oquawka Qubicle, to create a postcard featuring Norma Jean’s Memorial.
The Committee said they wanted everyone to know how much they appreciated those who took part in the event, and they especially appreciated those who came from near and far to enjoy the festivities!
Be sure to follow them on Facebook at “Oquawka Parks and Tourism” to keep up to date on other activities and events they will be planning.
"Shocking True Story of Norma Jean Elephant" brought a circus to town of a different sorts Sunday in Oquawka with lots of fun for young and old.