The William Shondell Family

William Shondell was born in Defiance, Ohio. In 1885, he was a clown in the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Wm. Shondell, Ringling Bros. Clown in 1885

Wm. Shondell's airplane ride at local street carnival

Wm. Shondell's novel airplane ride

He came to Napoleon in 1887 and worked first in the Bitzer undertaking parlors.

Mr. Shondell started the first automobile garage in Napoleon. He owned the first moving picture show in Napoleon named "The Royal." Later he sold the theatre to Mr. Bowdish who changed the name to the "Dreamland." In 1927 William Shondell invented a novel "airplane ride" for the children which was displayed at the local fair and street carnivals. He headed the company known as the Shondell Manufacturing Company to build the machines. He first conceived the idea of the plane ride when he made the toy for the pleasure of his grandchildren.

William Shondell passed away December 29, 1936.

Submitted by Unknown Person