CLEVELAND — For many, the circus holds fond memories from childhood, and that sentiment rings true for one northeast Ohio man named Edward Limbach, who has spent his lifetime collecting circus memorabilia. 

What You Need To Know

  • Edward Limbach has been collecting circus memorabilia for about 80 years

  • Limbach lives at a senior living community in Northeast Ohio called Independence Village of Aurora

  • The senior living community hosted a circus event featuring some of Limbach’s memorabilia

Limbach had the opportunity to put a small part of his collection on display this week for his neighbors at Independence Village of Aurora.

The employees at the senior living community, including Nicole Derthick, dedicated a whole day to Limbch’s collection, complete with a fire performance, live music and circus food.

“So many people have either been to a circus or or a carnival or there is always something to just look around that anyone could connect to at least one piece and bring back a memory, bring back the good times, just things from their lives you know everyone finds little ways to connect," Derthick said.

Limbach said he has been fascinated with the circus for the majority of his life.

“I’m 85 years old, and I guess I started grabbing this stuff when I was like five,” Limbach said.

He was even friends with one of America’s great circus families.

“In fact I am very good friends with John Ringling North 2,” he said. “He is the nephew of the John Ringling North.”

Limbach said he was glad to share his lifetime of circus memories with his community.

“I was really surprised,” he said. “I didn’t expect this much attention on me.”