| Dave
and Maude Umbach are alumni of the Redlands YMCA Circus. In
fact, Dave was once the Circus Director. The two knew each other
back in those days, but never dreamed they'd someday be happily
married...to each other!
Dave was an awesome gymnast. He was the
master at handstands and balancing acts.
Click here
to see photos of Dave in his heyday!
Maude (Mc Manus) was a trapeze artist, she was
one of the only performers to swing on the trapeze by her heels at the
time! She also performed in balancing acts including the perch.
Maude is Wendy and Cheryl's mom!
The Umbachs are long time supporters of Tumble
City. Recently, Dave donated the original circus balancing
chairs and platform. Thanks Dave!
Hubert and Lou Bell have always
played a role in supporting Tumble City.
Hubert is Wendy and Cheryl's father. He
helped build the vaulting runway in our gym. He was an accomplished
saxophone and guitar player. Hubert played the sax in the YMCA
Circus band. He and Maude met as neighbors, attended Redlands High
School, and married in 1958.
Hubert owned a Chevron station in Calimesa for
many years, there Wendy and Cheryl spent many Saturdays. |
John
and Lonnie (Mc Manus) Pace were performers with the Redlands YMCA
Circus for many years. Their children continued the tradition as
well.
John was the base for most of the circus'
balancing acts. He had the lives of many performers literally in his
hands.
Click here
to see photos of John in action!
Lonnie performed on the ladders, as did her
daughters!
Jerine (Mc Manus) Mulvaney was a
barrel racer and trick bareback rider. She takes after her
Grandfather, Art Buchanan.
Evelyn Mc Manus is the Matriarch of
the family, she cheered her children on and covered her eyes in fear for
many years.
The Mc Manus family are a long time supporter of
Tumble City. |
Dick
Gaskell was instrumental in getting women's collegiate gymnastics
started in southern California. He and Dave Umbach worked together
for years coaching women's teams to greatness.
Now a fitness expert, Mr. Gaskell has been a
pioneer in the acrobatic and fitness world. A gymnast and performer,
Mr. Gaskell could be seen on Venice Beach often in his younger days.
He was generous enough to donate much of the
original equipment Wendy and Cheryl have used over the years. The
boys' high bar is one Dick and his friend Dave did giant swings on when
they were young. They don't make them like they used to!
Our salute to Mr. Gaskell and all of his
accomplishments. Our gratitude for his continued support.
Jesse James Dinkel is Wendy's
husband and has been there for Tumble City from the beginning. Jesse
is an actor, director and stage set & lighting designer for theatrical
productions. He has also been in several commercials and movies.
Jesse is now an associate producer with
Theatrical Arts International. His home office is the California
Theatre in San Bernardino.
Jesse and Wendy sing together in duets that bring
down the house! |
