In 1935, the publication Billboard, ran an article about the “Backstein’s Miniature Circus,” which at the time was the largest complete 1/2 inch scale circus. The article was read by thousands of readers, one of which was Charlie Bennett. Charlie was also building miniature circus wagons. Charlie wrote to Bert Backstein and they discussed their respective shows. They wondered how many other people were building circus models and discussed the idea of forming a hobby club so members could exchange building techniques, pictures, and other ideas. Thus the “Circus Model Builder & Owner’s Association” was born.
In January of 1965, the organization was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the corporate name was changed to “Circus Model Builders, Inc.”
Today there are over 750 members located in the United States, Canada, & several other countries.
