‘The World’s Strangest Married Couple’: Circus Life In The 1930s

A Childhood In The Circus

Her biological mother decided to enter Jeanie as a circus performer at such a young age. Jeanie worked at “pumpkin fairs” in Indiana.

She also began traveling to different cities in the Midwest. Her performances usually consisted of gymnastic feats such as handstands, cartwheels, and climbing up a ladder. By the time she was 11 years old, Jeanie advanced from performing alone at agricultural fairs to performing with some of the larger organized carnival and circus outfits.

Abusive Childhood

Jeanie’s biological mother died when she was just 13. Jeanie was still performing at a fair in Texas when this happened. She and her two brothers were placed into an orphanage.

Jeanie was adopted at age 15 by Lizzie Weeks who was psychologically abusive towards her. She kept Jeanie locked up in her home when she wasn’t performing and would charge a fee for anyone who wanted to see her.