Show People "Live It Good"

Time was when sideshow people were ominous-looking characters who lived like gipsies. A walk down sideshow alley at the A. & P. Show last month would suggest that the old order hasn't entirely changed, but it also reveals that in many cases the entertainment business on the fairgrounds is big business, run by reputable men. Their wives and families help out on the day, but off duty they live normal lives in comparatively luxurious "homes on wheels".

Take the ease of Smoky and Penny Phillips, who on show day could be found in charge of a brightly-decorated stall in sideshow alley.

Behind the "counter" was Smoky's baby John. Across the way was her husband, who runs a number of different enterprises. And in back of the stall was the family's caravan, where the pictures on these pages indicate that sideshow folk live as well or better "on the road" as most of those who throng the ''alley" on People's Day.

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In luxury caravan, Smoky prepares to cook chicken for evening meal. Kitchen has both gas and electricity available.

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On settee which converts to bed, Penny (left), baby John, and Smoky pose for camera