SARASOTA, FL—United States Awning and its history of tent making for the circus industry was the subject of a first-year research project for a Yale University School of Architecture Ph.D. Student, Devin Jernigan.
When it came time to pitch a theme for his project, Jernigan wanted a festive, socially, and culturally rich subject. He chose the architecture of the American circus and the iconic, lightweight, temporary structures known as Circus Tents.
“My interest in the subject goes back to my grandfather,” shares Jernigan, “he played trombone when he was in the military, and I have fond memories of him playing his instrument with the local Shriners club at the circus.”
Consisting of two parts, Jernigan’s project began with the design and construction of a Concession Tent which was erected in the North Gallery at Yale University. With only about a month to make it, and having never done anything like it before, the project proved to be both fun and challenging.
“As part of my research into the subject I found the United States Awning website and learned about their history of making circus tents for the Ringling Brothers Circus in Sarasota, Florida,” he recalls. “They put me in touch with the retired previous owner, Ray Hautamaki, who was able to help me design the tent based on historical records.”
“It’s always flattering to be recognized as a leader in our industry,” says Mark Schwalm, President of United States Awning, “but when we heard a student from Yale was interested in our unique history with the circus, we were thrilled to be part of the project.”
The Concession Tent was on display from mid-January through mid-February of this year, and comments from the students and faculty who saw the exhibit were encouraging.
The next phase of Jernigan’s project consists of 200-by-500-by-60-foot tall Big Top. Deliverables include the historical background of Big Top Circus Tents, the methodology used in his research, blueprints, drawings, quantity takeoffs for materials, and instructions to erect the tent.
“Of course, many of the materials used in the early twentieth century are no longer available, and most of the people who knew how to build these structures aren’t with us anymore,” says Jernigan, “but I would love an opportunity to build one myself one day.”
About United States Awning
Founded in 1870 as United States Tent & Awning Co. in Chicago, Illinois, United States Awning has been in the shade business for more than 150 years. The company has been owned and operated by the same family since 1938 and relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 1957.
We serve residential homeowners and commercial building owners throughout Southwest Florida by designing, fabricating, and installing fabric and metal awnings, retractable awnings, canopies, pergolas, and motorized louvered roofs. For more information, please visit our showroom located at 1935 18th Street in Sarasota or visit our website at www.unitedstatesawning.com.