O.C. Buck Shows

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Carl Johnson
OC Buck Shows
O.C. Buck Shows

In the mid-twentieth century, when traveling carnivals and fairs were much bigger business than they are today, O.C. Buck Shows of Troy was one of the big players in the region.

Oscar Buck was a big player in the showmen’s associations of the day, was on the board of the Altamont Fair, and ran his operations from the Hotel Troy and his home on Point View Drive, near Frear Park. They put on midway and side shows all over. They had rides, a motorcycle show, and sideshow acts like the Alligator Lady. (For a remembrance of the O.C. Buck shows, search this page.)

I’m not sure if the Troy connection was ever all that explicit, but I do like the “Aunt Sam” figure.

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11 responses to “O.C. Buck Shows”

  1. Paul szafranski

    OC Buck shows in the mid 60s. Is there Any way to get the route and the locations of the carnivals in up state new York? I metal detect now that I am rretired I use to live next the the grounds in Ogdensburg my.

    Reply
    1. Carl Johnson

      I doubt it, honestly. They didn’t seem to advertise where they would be from week to week, just advertised in the cities they were in.

      Reply
    2. Sandy

      I know where they were In Yorkville NY every year.

      Reply
      1. STEVEN HARDY

        Yes they were on Pelnick’s property every year. We looked forward to it.

        Reply
    3. George Donnahie

      Hi I lived in Saratoga springs around 1960-1970. I believe the show played in a field across the street from triangle diner or up 9 north a bit

      Reply
    4. Rick french

      They came to Massena every summer and set up at the bottom of water st next to the grass river during the ‘50s I’m in VA but on my last visit to massena that piece of property was still unused. Probably a metal detector dreamland

      Reply
  2. Ken Sumrell

    They used to play the Pitt County Fair in Greenville, N.C. in the early 60’s.

    Reply
  3. oakland dupree

    Oscar Buck jr. ( Bucky ) was my friend and his old man ran the carnival. I believed they wintered in Florida and played the Southland , then came up North for the summer, all over upstate NY. I believe they might have had Joie Chitwood’s Hell riders motorcycle thrill show, but maybe not. In 1960, i saw my first beaver shot when we snuck under a tent into the striptease show. She flashed a beaver. This was at OC BUCK Shows in Menands.

    Reply
  4. Johnny Vick

    I was born in 1967. My grandparents and Father traveled with the OC Buck Show. I have memories of the show from a very young age. My dad rode the motordrome.

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  5. Tom Murray

    I remember going the OC Buck Show with my parents in Colonie, NY (Albany County) It was held on a lot next to the Mohawk Drive-In-( the present day Kohl’s site) The carnival was set up roughly where the USPS-GMF now sits. I was fascinated by the goings ons, bikers, carnies and tons of racy stuff to see..lol MY favorite to this day was the strip show barker exclaiming: The Mini Show, They Twitch It! They Twatch I! And You Can Watch it! Low Down & Blue, It’s Waiting For You! At The Mini Club! Just as my dad yanked me away by the ear!!!!

    Reply
    1. Carl Johnson

      Thanks for sharing! Sorry it took so long – your comment went into some kind of limbo.

      Reply

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