16 Jun Totem Chronicle: The mysterious case of the missing Madame Saks
July 1951
Record rainfall drenched the state of Kansas. Once peaceful rivers were now torrents, leaving towns and fields submerged under six feet of murky water. Many families found themselves stranded, clinging to rooftops and vehicles, all seeking higher ground. The only lifeline was the rail line, elevated above the floodwaters, and there, the Ringling Bros. Circus was making its slow, steady journey across the inundated landscape.
As the train chugged along, the Circus passengers watched the dramatic scene unfold around them. In every direction was a desperate sight: cars, homes and businesses, submerged is murky water as far as the eye could see. As the train went on a family was spotted huddled on the roof of their bus, waving frantically for help. The train conductor wasted no time, blasting the horn to get their attention. The sound echoed, giving the family hope amidst the chaos.
A man, drenched but determined, began unloading what looked like a large, raft-like object from the top of their bus. With teamwork, he and his family paddled their makeshift craft toward the train, navigating around the floating debris. As they drew nearer, the train’s doors slid open, revealing the helpful circus crowd, reaching out to receive them.
“Welcome aboard!” greeted the Ringmaster, with a broad smile and his top hat slightly askew. “You’re remarkably prepared bringing that raft along with you.”
The father, catching his breath, chuckled as he climbed aboard with his family. “Actually, it’s not just a raft. It’s a valuable piece of art. We call it the ‘Totem’,” he explained, “Please accept it as a gift for saving my family.”
The Ringmaster was intrigued as he examined the Totem. He nodded approvingly, “This will be a fabulous addition to our show! It is strange and interesting. Madame Saks, our psychic, will surely find a way to incorporate it into her act,” he remarked.
As the train continued its journey, the family enjoyed the entertaining refuge among the vibrant chaos of the circus. The laughter of children, the shouts of performers, and the aroma of different foods filled the air, providing a much-needed distraction from the troubles outside.
Madame Saks was a renowned psychic. She had been with Ringling for many years. She was particularly taken with the Totem. She began to incorporate it into her performances, claiming that it held mystical powers that enhanced her readings.
As the days turned into weeks, the circus grew increasingly popular, and word of Madame Saks’s uncanny abilities spread like wildfire. Spectators flocked to see her show, eager to witness her predictions unfold. The Totem always stood nearby her, seemingly radiating and captivating everyone who laid eyes on it.
Then, something curious happened just as the circus reached the peak of its cross-country tour. One afternoon, after a successful performance, both Madame Saks and the Totem vanished without a trace. Despite extensive search efforts, no one could find them.
The Ringmaster and his crew were left pondering this enigma. Regardless, the circus continued. The story of the disappearance lingered for decades, forever binding the tale of Madame Saks and her Totem to the legacy of the Ringling Bros. Circus, reminding all who listened of the magic that flourished even in the most unexpected circumstances.