All the world loves a clown — especially Boonsboro, final home of Tommy 'Bozo' Snyder

Shannon Baker, Curator
·2 min read

Many clowns named "Bozo" have performed for enthusiastic audiences over the years. But did you know that one of the first is buried in Boonsboro?

Tommy Bleistein, better known as Tommy “Bozo” Snyder by the thousands he delighted, was a clown with a career that featured performances with the Ringling Bros. Circus, in vaudeville and burlesque with comedians including Red Skelton, and in U.S.O troupes.

Tommy "Bozo" Snyder perches on a box, clad in his tramp clown duds — including the enormous shoes now in possession of the Washington County Historical Society.
Tommy "Bozo" Snyder perches on a box, clad in his tramp clown duds — including the enormous shoes now in possession of the Washington County Historical Society.

Bleistein's Bozo — which long predated the TV "Bozo the Clown" — was, of course, more than just a typical birthday party clown; Bozo was a prolific comedian who garnered fame across the nation for his performances.

Thanks to the generosity of Judy Nalley, the Washington County Historical Society has acquired a number of items from Snyder's career — including his trunk, which held his props and other materials related to clownery, and his rather impressive shoes.

Oversized shoes are a staple of the classic clown wardrobe, and Bozo Snyder's wardrobe was no exception. These elongated leather clodhoppers measure a full foot long.
Oversized shoes are a staple of the classic clown wardrobe, and Bozo Snyder's wardrobe was no exception. These elongated leather clodhoppers measure a full foot long.

The character of Bozo was considered to be a tramp clown, a comedic type of clown often based off of stereotypes of homeless people. Bozo was perhaps inspired by Snyder’s own migratory life with the circus.

Born in 1891, Snyder left his home in Bedford, Pa., at age 13, and performed with the Ringling Bros. Circus. Snyder left the circus in 1911 and began going by the name “Tommy Snyder,” playing vaudeville and burlesque shows. His “The Piano Movers” skit, in which he portrayed the pantomime character "Bozo," was presented on almost every vaudeville stage in the United States over a period of 10 years.

During World War II, Bozo went overseas to entertain and amuse American soldiers as a part of a U.S.O. troupe.

Bozo even made his way to Broadway — he saw his debut at the Winter Garden Theater in 1950’s "Michael Todd’s Peep Show," in which he originated the roles of “2nd Rube” and “Second Paperhanger.”

Bozo became known for his trademark silent humor, and variations of his skits are still performed today as other entertainers try to match the comedic powerhouse that was Tommy Snyder.

Thomas Foster Bleistein, who went by the stage name Tommy "Bozo" Snyder, performed in venues ranging from the Ringling Bros. Circus to Vaudeville and ultimately Broadway. He spent his final years with family members in Boonsboro.
Thomas Foster Bleistein, who went by the stage name Tommy "Bozo" Snyder, performed in venues ranging from the Ringling Bros. Circus to Vaudeville and ultimately Broadway. He spent his final years with family members in Boonsboro.

Like many clowns, Bozo had comically large shoes; his brown leather clown shoes measure a full foot long. With such a large footprint, Bozo certainly left his mark everywhere he performed – including Washington County.

After World War II, the demand for silent comedians waned as movies and television became more popular. Snyder eventually resided with family in Boonsboro, though he still found opportunities to entertain. He would perform for audiences large and small throughout Washington County, bringing laughter and joy.

Thomas Bleistein, known onstage as Tommy "Bozo" Snyder, used this trunk to hold his props. It will be displayed with other items associated with the comedian this spring.
Thomas Bleistein, known onstage as Tommy "Bozo" Snyder, used this trunk to hold his props. It will be displayed with other items associated with the comedian this spring.

Snyder passed away in 1974, though it is said he kept telling jokes to anyone who would listen until the end.

The Washington County Historical society is thrilled to have these memories of a great comedian, and is honored to be able to help the community remember a man who made things just a little bit happier.

Bozo’s trunk, shoes, and photographs will be on display at the historical society (135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown) beginning this spring.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Tommy 'Bozo' Snyder clown collection donated to historical society