She was known to the world as Agnes Lake. As a performer her talents were unequaled. Agnes's curiosity, imagination, persistence and remarkable energy carried her to greater heights than any woman in circus show business before or since. She was just five feet three inches tall, with chocolate brown hair and dark blue eyes; well built and lithe, she was daring and innovative in her performance. Ultimately, she became one of the few women to own and manage a highly successful and very profitable circus.
Perhaps she chose to marry a circus man, W. L. Thatcher because she was drawn to adventure and excitement. Obviously she didn't expect to be just a spectator. She would be a part of it, and she had no fear of the exhausting work involved. A circus presents continual problems in travel, schedules, personnel, equipment, animals, costumes, food, housing, weather and troublemakers; equipment breaks down, animals get sick and patrons cause trouble. When tragedy visited Agnes's life, her strong character, determination, fortitude and problem-solving abilities came to the fore.
As a young widow, why wouldn't Agnes marry the tall, handsome J. B. Hickok and expect to commence upon yet another exciting adventure? His past had certainly been as eventful as her own.
During more than eighty years of her lifetime, Agnes was so busy living that it didn't occur to her to write down things important to her so that those of us who arrived later might know her better. We can only guess at her thoughts, cares and ambitions from a few surviving letters she wrote or received and from other people's comments found in (unreliable) newspapers, magazines and books.
And so, Agnes's life is pieced together (here, in the Agnes Lake biography by Nancy Thatcher Cerny, 2005) for the most part, from the writings and recollections of others who cared enough to tell us about the life and time of Agnes Lake.
-by Nancy Thatcher Cerny, Agnes Lake's great-grand niece \
RECENT BIOGRAPHIES PUBLISHED:
Queen of the Circus; Wife of a Legend, edited by Linda A. Fisher* & Carrie Bowers, pub. 2009Nancy Cerny shared Agnes Lake information with Linda a. Fisher prior to the publication of her book, "Queen of the Circus; Wife of a Legend." Linda A fisher was a public health
physician. She edited a book, The Whiskey Merchant's Diary, a review of the life of one of
Agnes Lake's brothers.
Wild Bill Hickok and Agnes Lake, self-published by Jan Cerney in 2008.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
Nancy (that's me) has been adopted (sort of) by a family in Fishguard, Wales... Yes, it's true. My friend from England, a fellow writer, introduced me to her brother living in Wales and we have been corresponding 'across the pond' for several months. My friend and husband come for tea every few weeks although they live busy, artistic, international lives. Joe shoots in 'sniper' competitions while Jo is a wood carver, artist, writer and, recent student of blacksmithing. In addition to being writers, she and I have a quirky sense of humor in common. It would appear her brother in Fishguard has a quirky humor as well. I am flattered they call me Cariad - Welsh for 'beloved sister' in person and in correspondence. The letters, which he calls Paper Pigeons (P/P) are paper and pen letters. Mother was the last person I wrote to regularly in pen... thirty years ago. I find our P/P greatly enjoyable: a new friendship; learning about life overlooking a seaport, interests of people in a Welsh town, descriptions of people I've never met and places I have never been. In return, I'm taking a renewed look and interest in (previously ordinary) things around my home and town that are of interest to someone who has never visited America. WOW, it is like black and white photos of Pigeon creek, Mountain Home and the Ozarks morphing into Technicolor as I describe them to a pen pal. Even in my old age, new and interesting people and opportunities come knocking on my door.... "Come on in...."
THE SISTERS
The sisters haven't taken any bus tours recently so we had to make our weekend visit June 24-26 special! Marjorie drove down on Friday afternoon. We relaxed and chatted and went to dinner but we were up early Saturday morning and ready to whip up some of Marjorie's famous body cream. We re-strung my Westminster wind chimes anc we made our way into town to review the Annual Art Exhibit. We didn't agree with the expert's choice for 'Best of Show' and gladly completed ballots with our own selections (even Marjorie and I didn't agree on which was 'best'). Since Marjorie had never seen our huge new library, we stopped in for a grand tour. It is quite impressive in many ways - while disappointing in others (cannot download books on e-books or Kindle yet). It was too hot to do anything outdoors so we headed for home and got out paints to recolor some faded steppingstone tiles and cutesy garden ornaments before heading to the ASU College Campus for the Red, White & Blue fireworks celebration. It was spectacular! With the parking lot filled beyond capacity, it took a very long time for Carol to ease her car to the corner where we waited (and waved at friends as they drove by or pointed 'shame on you' fingers at drivers who sneaked into line - out of turn). I think we were glad to go home and get some relief from the heat.
On Sunday morning we were up and out with Carol to an excellent brunch before we drove out to Bull Shoals and surveyed Gaston's Fishing Resort. We took photos at the White river park that was so inviting that birds chirped in the trees and deer grazed in open areas between campgrounds. We watched a small private plane take off across from the bird sanctuary where free-roaming, colorful peacocks, and a white peacock, were busy showing off for girlfriends in the enclosures. We looked for a familiar gift shop, now gone, then drove to the dam's oveerlook at the National park where we watched a movie about Bull Shoals Lake, toured the museum and the gift shop before heading back to Mountain Home. Marjorie had a long drive ahead of her so we said good-bye - reluctantly. Nancy yTe\
INSPIRATION
Every day, in a big or small way, you make a difference.
STORIES TO SHARE
It was one year ago when I decided to join Toastmasters, Int'l. I found it rather expensive but decided it was worth the price to keep my speaking skills sharp. Quite by coincidence, following the first meeting, I was asked to speak on writing before a Friends of the Library group. I spoke on Haiku and 6-word stories. That talk went well but, before the year was out, it was apparent Toastmasters Int'l. was not as helpful as I hoped or needed. Was it coincdence that upon discontinuing membership I was asked to speak before two other groups? - Twin Lake Writers on public speaking... and the Bull Shoals Historical Society on writing biographies - which resulted in an invitation to return to speak on Deborah Sampson, a biography I wrote two years ago. At any rate, I seem to be an example of the adage that 'when one door closes, another opens' or 'knock and it shall be given to you.' It all depends on what you want to believe. Sooo, I prefer to believe I have not toally lost my ability to read, write and speak publicly. It is something I have a good time doing and people seem to enjoy what I have to say. (I may get a hearing aid so I don't miss any knocks on the door....) Nancy yTe\
INTERESTING STUFF
Mountain Home's Red, White and Blue Weekend Celeration included music, art, auto shows, children's programs, a rodeo, fireworks and TURTLE RACES. We did attend and enjoy several of the events. I wanted to enter the turtle races! The rules clearly indicated contestants had to provide their own turtles. None came to visit my yard all week. I was devastated to learn on Tuesday, following the races, that there were unclaimed racing turtles available at the event!
I could have been a contender! Nancy yTe \
THE BLOG
ThatcherMagazine BLOG is intended as a magazine of monthly editions with five major categories: Family History, Family Newsletter, The Sisters, Inspiration & Stories to Share. Family members are welcome to contribute to the BLOG by contacting the editor through the comment' space on the blogsite, by e-mailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net , phoning or by snail mail. To date I know little about managing a blogsite but I learn something new each month. Thank you for your patience.
Now, I am just sitting here waiting to hear from you...
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