I’ve always been able to recognize Emmett Kelly’s sad clown face, without know much more about him.

Researching for this week brought my attention to the Hartford Circus Fire on July 6, 1944. Raph Emerson caught a photo of Emmett Kelly rushing towards the fire, carrying a bucket of water.

While it is true, I am afraid of fire, I am still less afraid of it than of clowns. I’ve actually enjoyed sitting around a fire pit with my friends. Definitely wouldn’t want to stand next to a clown on a cold night.

This week will feature many historical clowns. As part of box 400 in this year’s Clown Charity. CLICK HERE to see what other boxes might be in my future. Or CLICK HERE to conveniently get to the donating. All donations go Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

-Jimmy Purcell.