I saw a post in another circus group that I'm a member of, from an 84 yr old man who had just discovered who his biological father was. He asked if anyone had any information to share about this person and when I read the surname, I immediately recalled an old, Pathe video from 1937, showing this exact person. I sent the man this video and he was ecstatic to say the least. I'm now trying to help him contact possible relatives, though it's a bit of a minefield as he lives in Thailand and some family members live in Germany and others in the US.
Here's the video of the Karpi Troupe, an Icarian/ Risley Act – foot juggling with people. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/FnqYE3LzMcI?si=vTEdPVjcsEsZ0fmW
” NEWSFLASH!!!
Tom’s incredible detective skills changed my life! After taking a MyHeritage DNA test and posting a question in a circus group about a 1930s Icarian artist, Tom quickly responded with a 1937 video of an Icarian family. Within 72 hours, he had identified a potential relative, leading to further DNA tests that confirmed my biological father’s identity. Thanks to Tom, I’ve also connected with relatives worldwide. His expertise, dedication, and kindness are unmatched – he’s truly a modern-day Sherlock Holmes! I’m forever grateful for his help and can’t recommend him highly enough.” J. B. Thostrup.
A few weeks later, I received this email:
“Tom – Just would like to tell you that we have found my biological father. A second DNA test was conclusive. For good measure I have asked a genetic specialist to corroborate the results.
Thanks to you finding The Karpis , it was possible to conclude our research.I have to day learned that The Medrano Circus has Museum in Vienna, where the Karpis are also on display. As you know Nicolai (Kola) Karpis, who is my father was married to Stefanie Svoboda. the owner of Medrano. Thank you again. Best regards, J. B. Thostrup.
This was my reply to his news:
“This is terrific news! Wow! How wonderful it must feel to finally have such evidence. I'm ever so happy for you, and I really enjoyed the journey. It's amazing what can happen in three days with a laptop, the internet and an inquisitive mind! I'm very interested to know why your biological father, Nicolai, had the nickname “Kola”. I wonder what that was a reference to? I have shared your post as a “NEWSFLASH” to the Acrobatic group you originally asked for help with your research and also elsewhere in this group. That way, other people who followed the story, will also be able to learn about this fabulous ending. Or is it the end? Here's a bit of a curve ball, that I've only just learned myself.
Circus Medrano-Swoboda is NOT the same as Circus Medrano!
“The name of that circus was homonymous to that of the legendary Parisian circus, but had no connection with it. It was “the other Medrano”—and still is today, since the title has survived and belongs now (2011) to the Italian Casartelli family.”
