Happy Ray

What happens when a Pennsylvania boy follows the circus and never truly leaves it behind?

Happy Ray: A Real Circus Life Remembered tells the remarkable true story of Raymond Altemose, a young man who ran away with the circus and eventually became the beloved clown known as Happy Ray.

Written with warmth and affection by his daughter, Carol Altemose Larman, this family memoir takes readers behind the curtain of early American circus life. From decorated circus trains, towering tents, cookhouses, route cards, horses, elephants, hardworking performers, colorful clown acts, and life on the road, Carol preserves a world filled with excitement, sacrifice, resilience, and laughter.

Ray’s journey begins with a life changing decision made while he is still a boy. It carries him through demanding days as a stable hand, friendships with seasoned circus performers, work with animals, marriage, fatherhood, and the creation of his own family act, “Happy Ray and His Stomp Jumpers.” Along the way, his wife and children become part of the show, sharing in the hard work, constant travel, and unforgettable experiences of life under the big top.

More than the story of a clown, Happy Ray is a loving tribute to a father, a family, and a disappearing chapter of American entertainment history. Illustrated with treasured family photographs, it offers a rare personal glimpse into the people behind the performances and the laughter behind the makeup.

Heartfelt, humorous, and rich with memories, this book invites readers of all ages to meet the man who brought happiness to so many and to remember a circus life that should never be forgotten.