(1885-1936)
Alexander Gilbert ("Buzz") Bain-bridge was born in Pittsburgh. At 17, he was hired as a bill poster for Sells-Forepaugh Brothers Circus and quickly rose to be advance agent. From 1905 to 1911, he was a press agent for Barnum and Bailey Circus. He spent the circus's winter layoffs in Chicago as general manager for E. J. Carpenter's theatre enterprises. After gaining managerial experience with Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show, Buzz Bainbridge settled in Minneapolis to run a stock company with Willard Mack. For the Shuberts, he oversaw construction of their theatres in Minneapolis and St. Paul and served as an advance agent for Shubert attractions. Bainbridge served in France during World War I as a first lieutenant in field artillery. For 20 years, he ran his own stock company with his wife Marie Gale as leading lady. Elected mayor of Minneapolis in 1933, he served a two-year term.
The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater. James Fisher.