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Displaying results for Topic "Circus"

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1870s

Header Record

Title: Portraits of circus performers

Portrait subjects include Capt. Jack Bassett, Major and Mrs. Ray (ca. 1891), Miss Millie La Mar, Lalloo, and Prince Nicholi ("The Little Russian Prince"). Photographers include Wendt of Boonton, N.J.; Obermuller and Kern of New York; and Eisenmann, also of New York. Previously identified as photographs of "circus freaks."

GLC02912.02.02

2 March 1888

Barnum, P.T. (Phineas Taylor), 1810-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. E. Barr & Co.

Begins by asking Burr to consider this letter private and confidential. Discusses the possible mistaken publication of his letter in the Times. Informs he received a request from a reporter from the Hartford Times and might have answered incorrectly. "I answered as I supposed correctly - but upon consulting with my partner & manager this A.M. I find I was 'all at Sea' on the subject. I telegraphed you just now, & hope I thus prevented publication of my letter ... " Includes a postscript enclosing tickets to his show in case Burr comes to New York. Calls the show, "by far the…

GLC02925.02

1862-1920s

Photograph

Title: Photographs of circus performers, including Tom Thumb, circus set-up, etc.

Three carte de visites, two of Tom Thumb and wife. Twelve cabinet cards featuring various circus performers, most wearing street clothes. Three 20th Century 8x10 prints ca. 1919. One shows setting up of the midway, another is of Ruth Cohen and her horse Romo and the third is of a woman sitting on a white horse with a dozen birds perched on both the woman and the horse. Separate inventory exists.

GLC05508.068

circa 1861-1877

Suluma, Melek, fl. 1861-1877

Photograph

Title: Full length seated carte de visite portrait

Imprint of H.D. Ward, North Adams, Mass., on verso. Pencil inscription on verso reads: "Suluma Melek, Circassian Lady, Born in Solder Cale, Asia Minor, Age 20 years." Melek's dress is tinted bright purple, her underskirt is tinted deep pink, and the tassels of the chair upon which she is seated are yellow-green.

GLC00241.26

circa 1861-1877

Warren, W.S., ?

Photograph

Title: Full length carte de visite portrait of twins Waino and Plutano

Imprint of W.S. Warren, Boston, on verso. Printed caption in lower margin on recto reads: "Waino and Plutano, Age about 50 years, Weight about 45 lbs."

GLC00241.27

1862-1920s

Photograph

Title: Photographs of circus performers, including Tom Thumb, circus set-up, etc. (# 1-14, 16)

Three carte de visites, two of Tom Thumb and wife. Twelve cabinet cards featuring various circus performers, most wearing street clothes.

GLC05508.068.01

1862-1920s

Photograph

Title: Three 20th century 8 x 10 prints of midway and carnival acts

GLC05508.068.02

18 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

States a Mr. Harper, a performer, will deliver this letter to Jackson. Writes, "He proposes to visit Boston with Monsieur [Alexander] Placide, in order to exhibit such specimens of theatre performances as may be permitted, and the astonishing powers of Mr. Placide on the tight rope." Recommends Mr. Harper to Jackson.

GLC02437.05547

31 July 1945

Weiner, Morris "Moe", 1909-1988

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvia Weiner

Moe said he was unable to go to Glasgow after all. He attended the circus near the champagne factory, and writes that Sylvia should have learned sewing sooner.

GLC09414.1466

1870s

Obermuller and Kern

Photograph

Title: Miss Millie La Mar, Mind Reader.

Cabinet card portrait of Millie La Mar, mind reader. Published by Obermuller and Kern of New York.

GLC02912.02.02.01

1870s

Eisenmann, fl. 1870

Photograph

Title: [Cabinet card portrait of three unnamed circus performers]

Imprint by Eisenmann on the mount and verso.

GLC02912.02.02.02

1870s

Wendt, fl. 1870

Photograph

Title: [Major and Mrs. Ray]

Cabinet card portrait of Major and Mrs. Ray, one king and queen of [illegible] World. Major is 37 years old, stands 36 inches, and weights 38 pounds. Mrs. Ray is 26, stands 38 inches, and weighs 39 pounds. They were married in Yates Center, Kansas, Feb 6, 1891.

GLC02912.02.02.03

1870s

Wendt, fl. 1870

Photograph

Title: [Capt. Jack Bassett]

Circus performer Captain Jack Bassett poses next to a chair.

GLC02912.02.02.04

1870s

Obermuller and Kern

Photograph

Title: Lalloo

Cabinet card portrait of a circus performed named Lalloo.

GLC02912.02.02.05

1870s

Wendt, fl. 1870

Photograph

Title: The Little Russian Prince

Cabinet card portrait of Prince Nicholi, "The Little Russian Prince." Caption on mount claims he was the smallest man in the world, weighing 16 pounds and standing 22.5 inches tall. He is 32 years old in this portrait. A native of Russia, he speaks German and English as well. The verso provides a bio of the life of the Russian prince.

GLC02912.02.02.06

18 October 1863

Morse, Justus, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Kitty

He's been having a dull time even though there was a circus in town complete with an animal show. A friend of theirs is coming home but he was shot through the mouth. He has been picking up apples lately.

GLC02170.29

30 April 1919

Benvenuto, Albert, fl. 1919

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. G.W. Bartlett

Replies to Bartlett's letter. Reports that there was little snow but has yet to see blossoms and apple trees, of which Benvenuto was told are in abundance. Mentions the 27th Division's parade and writes that he and his fellow soldiers are going to put on a Wild West show that will rival Barnum and Bailey's. Describes the houses in the countryside and the old ruins along the Rhine River. Written on American Expeditionary Forces letterhead.

GLC07810.005

30 November 1878

Barnum, P.T. (Phineas Taylor), 1810-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. Davenport

A short, odd, breezy letter, Barnum promises a humorous lecture, possibly to a religious group. He also remarks on the virtues of being "practically useful to our fellow man," indicating that he would trade some of his faith for a stack of good works. Barnum continues, remarking that he cares less what men believe in just so long as they love God and man. A photograph of Barnum is included (GLC05508.030.02).

GLC05508.030.01

30 November 1878

Photograph

Title: [Photograph of P.T. Barnum]

A photograph of Barnum is included, possibly for promotion of the upcoming lecture referred to in the accompanying letter (GLC05508.030.01).

GLC05508.030.02

1894 ca.

Prince Studio

Photograph signed

Title: [Cabinet photograph of William F. Cody]

Signed by Cody with "W.F. Cody" and "Buffalo Bill." Shown in a suit with a full white mustache and a beard growing only from his chin. Taken by Prince Studio, 31 Union Square, New York, and Penn. Ave & 11th St. Washington, D.C.

GLC02508.04