The Skerbeck Family enters the new century as it did the last one, with confidence in the future of the outdoor amusement business.  Joe and Bill are the 5th generation of the family in the business and the next generation is already involved in the management of the show.  The 7th generation won’t be far behind.  In keeping abreast of the latest trends in the industry, we are innovative and proactive in producing our midways.  We cherish and practice the value of honesty, integrity and fair play that has guided this family in the business for almost a century and a half.

1857 was the year when Frank Skerbeck traded his linen factory for a circus in Aussig Bohemia.  His son Frank (pictured above) toured in America with P.T. Barnum’s show in the 1870’s.  Frank fell in love with America and immigrated here in 1880.  Frank settled in Dorchester, WI and after a short failed experiment with farming started up a circus with his family in 1882.  Frank toured the Great Lake States in the 1880’s and the 1890’s.  In 1893 he was at the Columbian Exposition (which featured George Ferris’s Giant Wheel) on a lot across from the fair grounds with other shows.  This conglomeration of showmen

led to the birth of the American carnival.  Frank bought his first Merry-Go-Round in 1897 and over the next few years moved from the traditional circus format to a carnival operation.  His son Joe in the late 1890’s was the impresario of Wild West shows, medicine shows, and traveling attractions of all types.  By 1908 he joined his father in the carnival business.

Joe’s Children Eugene and Pauline took over the ownership of the show in 1952 and operated it as Skerbeck Amusement Co. until 1971.  Eugene’s sons, Bill and Joe, took over ownership in 1972 and have operated it as Skerbeck Brothers shows since that time.

Since Bill and Joe took over ownership, they have more than doubled the size of the organization through acquisition and growth.  They have established a carnival business that is robust, creative, well-maintained, and suited to fit any fair or festival's needs!