Not far away from our summer place in Baraboo Wisconsin is the Ringling Brothers museum and circus. Many people in the area collect clowns and circus memorabilia. There are thrift stores in the area with a large assortment of circus stuff. I suspect when someone either moves into assisted living or passes away, family members just get rid of the stuff.
My father was a Shriner and clowns were a big part of that organization, but dad wasn't a clown. I never felt creeped out by clowns growing up but as I am growing older they have a negative effect on me.