DOES anyone else remember Mary Hartline from the 1950’s television show Super Circus? Well, I do. Except that when I was a kid, I always thought it was called The Mary Hartline Show! If you want more information about her and/or her show, just Google “Mary Hartline”. I liked everything about her – her beautiful long blonde hair, her costume, her boots, and her baton. As a child, I was the proud owner of a Mary Hartline doll, a Mary Hartline
dress and her paper dolls. I do still have my doll.
In the early 1950’s, I modeled children’s clothing for a number of the major department stores in Columbus (Lazarus, The Union, etc.). It was loads of fun. In 1952, Mary Hartline came to town to introduce her new line of girls’ clothing. I was lucky enough to be a part of it. Now if I could just actually remember the whole thing! If it wasn’t for having the pictures, it would have been a missing memory.
Well, if Mary Hartline had any influence on me it would have to be the following:
1. White majorette boots with tassels (came later in my junior and senior years!);
2. Baton (ditto!);
3. Long, wavy blonde hair; and
4. Loving elephants!
LIVING WITH MY ANCESTORS 
Yes, I remember. I also had the Mary Hartline boots and baton.
Yep! I think probably most little girls who watched that show probably had some or all of her items!
I’m in the right age group, but don’t seem to remember Mary. The photos are adorable.
Maybe the show was more of a draw for little girls who loved white majorette boots and batons! I know I’ve never liked circuses!
I enjoyed them. Used to go to Madison Square Garden. (Saw Roy Rogers & the rodeo there too)
If time allows: http://swittersb.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/swittersb-savors-the-praise/
As a friend of Mary I am trying to help her find new homes for many of her items. She is very private and active, but is ready to downsize and we would love your input.
Hello Mary. I sent you an email but I’m not sure if you received it.
So funny. I had The Kelogg Paper Dolls of Mary Hartline as a little child of 4. Untill the Internet, I had no idea of the merchandise. Everything you could want know about Mary Hartline is on The Internet.
I often accuse the internet of having information overload! LOL 😆
Please visit our store, newellandpaulding, on eBay. We are assisting Mary Hartline downsize many of her treasures!
Best of luck! I know that Mary Hartline was a wonderful influence on a lot of young girls — me included! Wish I had some of my Mary Hartline items autographed! 😀 Please give her my best if you are in touch with her.
I don’t know why I thought of this because it relates back so many years. It was 1954 and our play friends lived next door. Janie was my age, 6, and her younger sister, Judy was 5. Judy had to have eye surgery and the day she went to the hospital, I remember looking out the bedroom window to see her playing out back (it was a chilly day) wearing her little jacket and red corduroy pants. I was concerned for her because I knew she was going to the hospital so I went out to play with her for a bit. She was teaching me a song about the Virgin Mary. Her mother came out and told her it was time to go. I can still see Judy standing in the back window of the car waving to me as they pulled out of the driveway. She had a bad reaction to the anesthesia and died in surgery. Our family went to the wake and buried with her was her prized possession, a Mary Hartline doll, all dressed in red. One day at recess in the Catholic school we attended, it was after her funeral, because the Sister told us to pray for those who had died, I decided to leave the playground and ran to the back of the church where the cemetery was behind the church. I found her grave next to a tree and kneeled down and was praying for her when the priest came up behind me and told me I had to get back to school and I could still pray for Judy even though I was not at her grave. A memory from my childhood …
What a bittersweet memory. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. The Mary Hartline Show also originated from Chicago. The early 50’s were a little girl’s playground.
You’re quite welcome. Happier days indeed — especially for children.