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E. J. Casey Shows provided important respite and tangible benefits to families and communities struggling during war time and during decades of social upheaval. Individuals caught a glimpse into a wider social world through sideshow acts such as "the Great Froebess," "Alberta Slim," "Happy Dot," "Pat Mahoney's Snake Shows," the "Great Magic Show of Professor Valjean," "the Woman from Mars," and various illusionists. With an array of exotic animal displays and performers, as well as rides (including a giant Eli Ferris wheel, Chair-o-Plane, merry-go-rounds, and the Merry Mix-Up, among others), games, and food vendors, the show brought much-anticipated excitement, novelty, and modernity to small towns during hard times.

Repeat contracts were awarded to Casey on the merit of his "clean" operation. No "tricky devices"or licentiousness of "old style mid-ways" was found in his carnival. Journalists also celebrated the modernity of the E.J. Casey Show, with its dazzling amount of electrical light bulbs (replacing the fumes and danger of kerosine) and announcers with a "real radio accent." His show was further distinguished by its "capable staff" and "high type personnel" who respected and upheld his desire for a clean show. Casey treated his employees like family, as exemplified during a wedding of two carnvial workers in Flin Flon. The bride (Lottie Jacobs) met the groom (Leslie Borland) on Casey's circuit and Casey gave the bride away at the ceremony. Casey's affection for his staff can be seen in his scrapbooks with their meticulously pasted biographical profiles and obituaries of present and former carnies.

During his first year on the carnival circuit in 1935, Casey got his first taste of the impact his carnival could have in raising funds for local charities. Setting up a "full scale indoor carnival" at the newly built Civic Auditorium in St. Vital proved to be a boon to the fundraising efforts of St. Edwards Church in their effort to maintain a separate Catholic school in the district. Following the success of this indoor carnival, Casey received many similar requests from several groups, such as the Empty Stocking Fund, and he continued to support local groups through his carnival.

Casey's dedication to the communities his carnival visited can be seen in the generosity lavished upon local children during the carnival's free days. In towns along the carnival circuit, Casey, under the auspices of local community groups, would open the carnival, with its many rides and concessions, to the enjoyment of underprivileged and orphaned children. In one particularly touching story, "Kids Treated by Elks to Dreamland Jackpot: They Owned the Circus for a Day," journalist Freddie Wilmot describes the scene when a hundred children from a St. Vital orphanage explored the Casey Show for an afternoon. Wilmot interviewed "Little May," a nine year old girl who, while thoroughly enjoying her candy apple remarked "I've been on three rides already and I think Mr. Casey is wondeful." Wilmot commented that Mr. Casey "belongs to that big-hearted tribe of people you find at country carnivals." Indeed, such acts demonstrate a kind nature. He would also donate proceeds to local groups, such as The Red Cross, local Lions Clubs, and the Knights of Columbus, among others, to assist their support of local residents throughout the year.

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Edgar, Mary and David Casey
Circa 1940
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Victory Bonds Advertisement Sponsored by E. J. Casey and Red River Shows
Circa 1944
Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Advertisement for "On To Victory" Carnival Dance
Circa 1944
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Programme from "A Toast To Victory" Grandstand Performance
Circa 1945
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Pamphlet for the Dedication of Valour Road Memorial Branch Canadian Legion's New Home
15 December 1948
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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E. J. Casey Shows Flooded Winter Quarters
Circa 1950
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
University of Winnipeg Archives, Western Canadian Pictorial Index, E. J. Casey Shows Collection, Image Number 50669
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Salvaging Gear During the Great Flood of 1950
Circa May 1950
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
University of Winnipeg Archives, Western Canadian Pictorial Index, E. J. Casey Shows Collection, Image Number 50671
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Kid's Day at the Carnival
Circa 1950
Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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E. J. Casey, the Philanthropist
Circa 1960
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Edgar Casey Dressed in His Knights of Columbus Regalia
Circa 1970
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Edgar Casey in His Lions Club Uniform
Circa 1973
Rendezvous Park, Lockport, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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Invitation to the Fellowship Club Dinner Meeting
15 October 1968
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer

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St. Vital Legion Curling Club Trophy
Circa 1970
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives, Casey Fonds
Charron, Glenn
Walker, Jennifer