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This web site is a collection of information
devoted to Canada's PREMIER family of showmen known as;
CANADA'S CONKLIN SHOWS
and their involvement with
Automated Musical Instruments with The Great Canadian Nickelodeon Co.
1970-2023
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This web site is a collection of information
devoted to Canada's PREMIER family of showmen known as;
CANADA'S CONKLIN SHOWS
and their involvement with
Automated Musical Instruments with The Great Canadian Nickelodeon Co.
1970-2023
******************************************************
James W "Patty" CONKLIN 1892-1970 Ron Schmuck Nickelodeon Co. with Jim CONKLIN 1968 approx. 2020
Very Sad news today March 22 2023,
Passing of
Mr. Jim Conklin
Passing of
Mr. Jim Conklin
James CONKLIN Follow story
Text SizeJames Conklin died March 22. He grew up at home in Brantford, at Ridley College in St. Catharines, and on a private rail car with his parents, Patty and Edith, as they travelled across Canada with their carnival, Conklin and Garrett Shows.
Jim attended McGill University before joining his father in the company. He married the beautiful Norma and they had three children, Patricia, Frank and Melissa. While they called Brantford home, they travelled extensively, enjoyed skiing at Blue Mountain and relaxed at their cabin in Collingwood. Of course, the children learned the amusement business from 'the ground up."
Jim brought his imagination, creativity and vision to both his company, Conklin Shows and the amusement business in general.
Jim took the "reins" of Conklin Shows in 1970 and revolutionized the industry. The amusement business is time consuming but, when at all possible, Jim enjoyed many diverse interests. He loved to fish, curl, play and attend tennis events. Rarely without a book, he was a keen reader and liked to share opinions on books and authors.
But above all else, he adored his Westies, of which he had 2 or 3 at any one time. After retiring, which really never happened, he became an avid cook, and spent much time collecting, cooking and developing recipes (most very spicy).
Jim influenced many lives, and was an inspiration to countless careers. He was interested in what was going on and mentored all to think outside the box. Fortunately he lived independently until the end. He spent his last years actively curating both personal and industry associate's memorabilia to create a North American vintage carnival museum.
Jim's "last call" will be at the Canadian National Exhibition, Withrow Common Gallery, Saturday May 6, 2023 from 3 to 5 pm.
For those that would like to make a donation, please go to Ontario SPCA website and click on yellow donate button to make a gift in memory of Jim Conklin
To plant a tree in memory of James Conklin, please visit Tribute Store.
Published on March 31, 2023
Text SizeJames Conklin died March 22. He grew up at home in Brantford, at Ridley College in St. Catharines, and on a private rail car with his parents, Patty and Edith, as they travelled across Canada with their carnival, Conklin and Garrett Shows.
Jim attended McGill University before joining his father in the company. He married the beautiful Norma and they had three children, Patricia, Frank and Melissa. While they called Brantford home, they travelled extensively, enjoyed skiing at Blue Mountain and relaxed at their cabin in Collingwood. Of course, the children learned the amusement business from 'the ground up."
Jim brought his imagination, creativity and vision to both his company, Conklin Shows and the amusement business in general.
Jim took the "reins" of Conklin Shows in 1970 and revolutionized the industry. The amusement business is time consuming but, when at all possible, Jim enjoyed many diverse interests. He loved to fish, curl, play and attend tennis events. Rarely without a book, he was a keen reader and liked to share opinions on books and authors.
But above all else, he adored his Westies, of which he had 2 or 3 at any one time. After retiring, which really never happened, he became an avid cook, and spent much time collecting, cooking and developing recipes (most very spicy).
Jim influenced many lives, and was an inspiration to countless careers. He was interested in what was going on and mentored all to think outside the box. Fortunately he lived independently until the end. He spent his last years actively curating both personal and industry associate's memorabilia to create a North American vintage carnival museum.
Jim's "last call" will be at the Canadian National Exhibition, Withrow Common Gallery, Saturday May 6, 2023 from 3 to 5 pm.
For those that would like to make a donation, please go to Ontario SPCA website and click on yellow donate button to make a gift in memory of Jim Conklin
To plant a tree in memory of James Conklin, please visit Tribute Store.
Published on March 31, 2023
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Please click on the various pages below; To learn more of the exciting history
of ......The ONE, the ONLY, Canada's CONKLIN SHOWS.
**About Conklin Shows by Rob Connelly**
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*** Life and times of Patty Conklin and Conklin shows
**https://www.docsmidwaycookhouse.com/carnivals/the-life-and-times-of-patty-conklin-the-conklin-
***The Conklin Year's Conklin Shows Photo Archive by Rob Connelly
**** YouTube video is an excellent Historical item complete with wriien history and video
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CONKLIN'S FAMOUS TRAVELING CONCERT ORGAN
Step right up to hear the largest travelling concert organ in the world,
This wonderful instrument will astound and delight you,
Bought to you without heed to the death-defying cost of more then $40,000.00 by the CONKLIN family.
This magnificent one-of-a-kind instrument was lovingly constructed
by Herr Karl Frei, Master builder of musical marvels from the fabled
Black Forest of Germany. There's magic on the midway .
(Above taken from LP Record jacket of the Concert organ sold in the 1960's)
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CONKLIN'S FAMOUS TRAVELING CONCERT ORGAN
Step right up to hear the largest travelling concert organ in the world,
This wonderful instrument will astound and delight you,
Bought to you without heed to the death-defying cost of more then $40,000.00 by the CONKLIN family.
This magnificent one-of-a-kind instrument was lovingly constructed
by Herr Karl Frei, Master builder of musical marvels from the fabled
Black Forest of Germany. There's magic on the midway .
(Above taken from LP Record jacket of the Concert organ sold in the 1960's)
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The wonderful Conklin shows "Karl Frei 112 key, "Traveling Concert Organ" is now returned to
"The Seewen Museum of Musical Automations, Switzerland"
by Martin Conrads
Nov. 2022 after a full restoration
https://www.musikautomaten.ch/mma/en/home.html
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"The Seewen Museum of Musical Automations, Switzerland"
by Martin Conrads
Nov. 2022 after a full restoration
https://www.musikautomaten.ch/mma/en/home.html
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Conklin Shows Carl Frei 112 Keyless
TRAVELING CONCERT ORGAN
at Springfield Mass, USA.1971
by," Thomas E McCarthy" Feb 23 1972 for "The Keyframe Magazine" UK
Special thanks to Fred Dahlinger
Conklin Shows Carl Frei 112 Keyless
TRAVELING CONCERT ORGAN
at Springfield Mass, USA.1971
by," Thomas E McCarthy" Feb 23 1972 for "The Keyframe Magazine" UK
Special thanks to Fred Dahlinger
The Great Canadian Nickelodeon Had the pleasure of maintaining this organ as well as many other for Canada's Conklin Shows which included full restorations
Before this instrument was offered for sale in 1980 it was move to one of our shops at London Ontario from Conklins head office in Brantford Ontario for a complete go-over to be sure it was operating 100% before being offered for sale. Below are a few pictures of the instrument being loaded for export to Switzerland etc.
Time has unfortunately made some pictures weak
Before this instrument was offered for sale in 1980 it was move to one of our shops at London Ontario from Conklins head office in Brantford Ontario for a complete go-over to be sure it was operating 100% before being offered for sale. Below are a few pictures of the instrument being loaded for export to Switzerland etc.
Time has unfortunately made some pictures weak
James Wesley PATTY CONKLIN "Showman Exceptional" 1892-1970
..................................LOTS MORE TO SEE BELOW................................................
..................................LOTS MORE TO SEE BELOW................................................
MORE GREAT FAIRGROUND ORGANS NICKELODEON CO.
RESTORED FOR CANADAS CONKLIN SHOWS 1980'S
RESTORED FOR CANADAS CONKLIN SHOWS 1980'S
