Murphy's Traveling Boxing Emporium--concept car

In times long past, circuses and other traveling shows had special railroad cars that transported the people and goods; there was no other practical way to travel.  Many country fairgrounds also had their own railroad spurs, where exhibits could arrive and train cars could be parked.

They also would bedeck their cars with bright colors and logos advertising the shows.  Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show had three special cars that would arrive days or weeks ahead of the main show to advertise and sell tickets, and build anticipation, in the days when there were no movies or TV, or even radio.  In rural areas, such an event was a big deal—the only spectacle from outside the immediate area they might see all year.

One spectacle that was known to show at fairs was the traveling boxing troupe.  The fighters would take on all comers, with anyone who could last three rounds with the “Champ” winning a prize.

Well, I decided that there should be a very successful one.  Murphy’s Traveling Boxing Emporium no longer crowds its members into whatever train is going its way; they travel in their own special car, hooked onto a convenient train.  Having their own car lets them move where the fairs are not, and still carry their gear.  Thus, they can travel beyond the usual fair circuit, and do.  The Murphy’s Traveling Boxing Emporium car can be seen anywhere that people might be starved for entertainment, from its home in Manchester, NH, to Iowa fairs, California shows, to independent, well advertised visits anywhere there might be people that are willing to get beat up for a chance at a prize.

Female boxers in such a troupe are clearly an anachronism, but the pic (and hopefully,later) the model are a tribute to some of the best boxers I know, including the ones that taught me to hit people, and hit them WELL.

The choice of images is not finalized; Anne Wolfe’s pic will likely not be there, for the simple reason that she’s very recognizable.  (Though she does look GOOD!)

There will be different fighters on the other side.