THE FIRST Tripoli clown group was formed in 1955 by the late Noble E. Hemingway as part of the Director's Staff. In 1958, the group was reorganized as a regular Unit on its own.

In the 27 years since, we have touched the hearts and hands of children and adults in hospitals and convalescent homes, in parades and other festivities — sharing moments of happiness . . . spreading infectious smiles . . . knitting hands . . . generating laughs.

A Noble must petition to become a Tripoli Clown. If accepted unanimously by the Unit, he becomes an apprentice under the tutelage of a Clown Daddy. After an apprenticeship of about a year, he must present an original pantomime skit before the Unit. Upon approval of Unit members and final acceptance by the Director, he qualifies as a full-fledged Clown.


Dky the Clown
Director for 2008:

Dick Petarius
1825 E. Racine Ave. #6
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-896 9656