Mary Hartline
2004 Old Settlers Grand Marshal

When Mary Hartline of Hillsboro leads the 2004 Old Setters parade as the Grand Marshal, it will mark the 53rd anniversary of her first Old Settlers appearance, when record setting crowds came to Hillsboro to see, in person, the hometown girl who’d become the star of ABC television’s “Super Circus”

Thousands lined the parade route that Thursday morning in August 1951, when Mary wearing her signature bright red costume, directed the ten-piece Super Circus band on a huge float provided by Canada Dry company, sponsor of her TV show.

This year, Grand Marshal Mary Hartline will greet the Old Setters crowd for the “Life Is A Circus” theme parade on Thursday evening August 19, 2004.

Many will recall watching Super Circus, which was broadcast live from Chicago on Sunday’s from 1949 to 1955.

From “This Is Montgomery County” Spring 2004
Provided by Nancy and Richard Slepicka