c. 1878 – 1953
Emma Lesch was considered one of the first women to train a performing tiger. Posters said she was the only woman to include a tiger in a “mass animal” act, with other types of animals. Other articles said she was, “the only woman ever to handle a tiger in public.”
In 1912, Emma was profiled by the Sunday Call for training two twin lions: Nero and Leo. She and her husband also had a black bear, Teddy, and pony, Trisky. he animals lived in the basement of a warehouse at 68-72 Shipman Street. Emma trained the animals in tricks such as hurdles and swings.
Emma took the lions on the road later in 1912. The profile mentioned she4 had done various shows with animals including the “untamable act” at Hillside Park, entering a cage with an animal. She had also worked with dogs and elephants. She said, “I have never felt fear with the animals and took naturally to the training.”
Emma had trained and traveled with a Bengal tiger named Prince, traveling for a year with the tiger through the Midwest and East during 1909 and 1910.
Born Emma Smith in Honesdale, PA, Emma lived in Newark from at least 1902-1912 (according to the 1912 profile) and 1920-1953. At age 15, she went to Germany and France, working with her father and brothers in an animal training business including for the Hagenbeck Circus. Several articles state that Carl Hagenbeck was her great uncle.
On Newark censuses Emma is listed with no occupation in 1920, living at Shipman Street. In 1930, she lives on Washington Street as “head of household” with 5 roomers. In 1940, she is listed as a Seamstress and lives on Springfield Avenue. In 1950, she lives on Farley Avenue.
Upon her death in 1953 Emma lived at 95 Parker Street with relatives.
Bibliography
“Woman Trains Lions Within Two Blocks of the Courthouse” Sunday Call Jul 7, 1912
“Mrs. Robert Lesch” Newark News Jul 18, 1953
“The Play” Newark News Jul 13, 1912
Ad Kingston Daily Freeman Sept 23, 1912
“Jersey City Air Dome” Jersey Journal Sept 3, 1912
“At the Parks and Theaters” Dayton Herald Aug 4, 1909
“Tiger Trainers Narrow Escape” St Albans Daily Messenger Aug 8, 1910
“Madam Lesch Injured by Tiger” Wayne County Herald Aug 9, 1910
1920-1950 Federal censuses
“The Lady and the Tiger” The Gazette (York, PA), Feb 26, 1910
Ad, Allentown Leader, Dec 27, 1909