In 1857, the Frank Skerbeck family decided to trade their linen factory for a circus in Aussig, Bohemia. After a period of training, Frank’s son (also named Frank) toured as a circus performer in America with P.T. Barnum’s show in the 1870’s. Frank “fell in love” with America and immigrated in 1880. Frank settled in Dorchester, Wisconsin, and started up a circus with his family in 1882. Frank and his children toured the Great Lake States as circus performers in the 1880’s and the 1890’s.

In 1893, Frank attended the Columbian Exposition World’s Fair in Chicago. At this event, Frank saw George Ferris’s innovation, the Giant Ferris Wheel. This tremendous mechanical invention directly led to the birth of the American carnival. As a result of what he saw at the Columbian Exposition, Frank bought his first merry-go-round in 1897 and over the next few years transitioned his business from the traditional circus to a carnival operation.

Frank’s son, Joe, operated Wild West shows, medicine shows, and traveling attractions of all types. By 1908, he joined his father in the carnival business.

Joe’s children, Eugene and Pauline, took over the ownership of the show in 1952, and operated it as Skerbeck Amusement Company until 1971.

Eugene’s sons, Joe and Bill, took over ownership in 1972 and have operated it as Skerbeck Brothers Shows since that time. Since 1972, the show has more than doubled in size through acquisition and growth.