Hell, press play and read on.

I've been a 'fan' of Harley Newman for better than 20 years. Ever since my friend John Tunney and I saw him hanging upside down wearing a straight jacket in Lockridge Park. As the story goes John and I were walking in Lockridge when saw this nut trying to escape a straight jacket while another cat was shooting pictures. We stopped and watched the free show. Not at all what we expected to see and with that first sighting the day turned into a three hour introduction into the world of Harley Newman. Like I said, I've been a fan ever since.

I would go out of my way to catch Harley's (back then he went by 'Harley the Clown') shows which were a combination of slapstick, misdirection, escapism, and general buffoonery. He played well to the kids and adults alike. When I'd see him cruising in his van with his sidekick Elvis (a stuffed goose) I would honk the horn and yell, "Harley! What's up you crazy fool." He'd smile in that massive toothy (really a good match for the Joker) grin of his and honk back waving to just another one of his fans (who really knows how many he had back then). This dance went on for 13 years until I lost track of him. For all I knew he just quit doing the clown thing and he disappeared from my weekend agenda.

Lord knows I tried to find him. If you tap out 'Harley the Clown' into a Google search there is no mention of the dudes where abouts. I tried 'Harley the Clown', 'Elvis', 'Allentown', 'Lehigh Valley' and all I ever got was a guy from the UK and Harley Quinn, Batman's on again off again girlfriend. Harley pulled off one of his greatest tricks and managed to disappear from the Internet. He was gone and I was relegated to telling the story of the crazy man in a straight jacket over and over to anyone with ears. You know me, I have a super human ability to ramble and digress, sooner or later this first story comes up.

To recap.

• 1. Meet Harley. Get to hang with the guy and he gets into my head.
• 2. I look for his shows. Caught about 20 or so in the course of 13-14 years.
• 3. Talk about Harley to everyone I meet when the subject of clowns, straight jackets, hanging, nails, Guinness Book, Ripley's, Harleys, weirdos, Lockridge Park, cool things I've seen, magic, and beer comes up in conversation.
• 4. Look in vain for the guy. Poof!

About a month ago I was doing some research on carnies and sideshows and I came across this awesome site.

Ballycast is run by a fella named Wayne Keyser. His aim is to document the sideshow/carnival/burlesque world. As these professions get older so do the practitioners. Hell Harley is old compared to me. ...... ...... Let's make this interesting.

If you can guess Harley's age within 2 years I will give you a heads up and a round of applause. If you can guess Harley's weight within 2 pounds I will send you an "Alphundo' t-shirt from Dorney Park. Size Med.

Give it your best shot.

Anyway, one day I was listening to Wayne's interview with George The Giant (the Ballycast link goes to that podcast page) and it was something that George said that struck me like a bolt of lightning. Please download the podcast because you'll hear George give 'mad' props to Harley (around 9:00 and again at 19:50) . The bolt of lightning was the fact George mentioned Harley's last name. Holy Jesus! I felt the tingle on the back of my neck and I suddenly became light headed. I knew Harley's stunt on the 4 nail bed. Holy Jesus Mother Of God! My Google search landed me here;

Harley Newman

From there I am here.

Since I found out Harley's last name I've called him, emailed him, ate dinner with, and hope to stay in contact with him.Total and complete serendipity.

I've been a fan for years and my guess is I will always be a fan.

Additionally, Thanks to Wayne for providing the interview and George for making my day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I know he will read this sometime.

When you do Harley I hope you realize your not getting any younger. Stay safe. I know you will be, it just makes me feel better saying it.