This ½ inch to one foot scale model of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus was given to the Joplin Museum by the builders Columbus native Ned and Helen Aitchison. The circus was hand carved and painted by the couple.
Throughout the life of Merle Evans was his deep devotion to the people of Columbus. He seldom spoke that he did not mention growing up in Columbus.
He always said his best friends, and high school chums, were Ned Aitchison and the renowned artist Dale “Duke” Wellington.
The feeling was mutual Merle often visited Ned and Helen during his winter vacations. All three of the men were Columbus natives an…
