If you have a P.T. Barnum commemorative half (Bridgeport), you might enjoy this.
RogerB
Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
"We'll see you down the road...."
0
RogerB
Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
Comments
Sad story hate to see it go
Blame PETA and a change in tastes among America consumers. As the Ringling Brothers learned in the late 1870s, "If you don't have elephants, you don't have a circus." The end of the elephant acts sped the demise of the circus.
PETA took a victory lap with a tasteless computer message when the closure of the show was announced. Regardless of your politics, rejoicing in the loss of jobs for other people is never a polite thing to do. Shame on PETA.
Lengthy story but well worth the read. Seems there is but one constant in life, change. Thanks for sharing the link.
My dad used to talk about watching Ringling Brothers set up their tent showed me location but pavement and progress covered the spot
Here is an article I wrote for my local club. It's long for this forum, but I hope you enjoy it.
P. T. Barnum, America's Fabulous Showman
By Bill Jones
Bah Humbug! That phrase is most often associated with Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but the word, "humbug," had many other applications in the 19th century. "Humbug" describes something that is met to deceive or mislead people. Some people applied that description to the many projects of Phineas T. Barnum, but I would prefer to characterize him as America's first great showman, perhaps our greatest showman.
P.T. Barnum was born on July 5, 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut. Later in life he would settle in Bridgeport which would claim him as a native son when he appeared on the obverse of the Bridgeport commemorative half dollar. His first job was as a clerk in a country store at age 13. At age 18 he started to find his calling when he got into the lottery business. A year later he moved to Danbury, Connecticut where he published a newspaper, "The Herald of Freedom." That publication was not always noted for accuracy. At one point he spent 60 days in jail after he was convicted of libel.
At age 25 Barnum bought his first true "humbug," an African-American slave, Joice Heth. Barnum claimed that she was 161 years old and had been the property of George Washington's father, Augustine. To add spice to the story, Barnum claimed that Joice had nursed George Washington when he was a baby. To set the record straight, Washington was born in 1732 and Barnum presented Ms. Heth as a paid attraction in 1835, 103 years later. Joice Heth died not long after Barium acquired her, but not before he had earned seed money for his later attractions.
In 1842 Barnum opened one of his greatest projects, the American Museum, in New York City. Barnum began by buying the collections of the Scudder and Peale museums and added to their holdings with many attractions of his own. His live attractions included the conjoined twins, Chang and Eng, a bearded lady and "the pinhead," William Henry Johnson, who had Microcephaly. While these attractions were genuine oddities, others like "the Fiji Mermaid," was nothing more than the body of a monkey joined to the tail of a fish.
Barnum's most successful live attraction was "the little person," "General Tom Thumb," whose real name was Charles S. Stratton. Stratton began his career at age 5 when he was less than two feet tall. Barnum raised his age to 11 for public consumption, but Stratton's adult height was only about 33 inches. Stratton, who could sing, dance and imitate famous people, had more talents that just his small size. He performed for Queen Victoria and King Louis Philippe of France, where he became an international sensation and later, Abraham Lincoln. In 1863 Barnum staged an elaborate wedding for Stratton when he wed another "little person," Lavinia Warren. That event actually pushed the Civil War off the front pages of the nation's newspapers for a time.
Barnum made a fortune from his Tom Thumb promotion, but Charles Stratton made great deal of money as well. Although Barnum was the master of the "humbug" and promotions, he was surprisingly honest in his business dealings. Even in tough times he paid his performers well and strove to pay his creditors even when he was facing bankruptcy.
Barnum's greatest cultural project was the tour of Swedish singer, Jenny Lind, who was known as "the Swedish nightingale." Barnum put her on tour to sold-out audiences, while paying her the unheard of salary of $1,000 a week. Lind was a talented singer, but Barium's skills as a promoter did much to lift her to the unusual status of a well remembered 19th century entertainer.
Barnum's American Museum continued to do well in New York City. Charging an admission of 25 cents, it attracted thousands of customers per day. The facility featured a rotating array of mounted and living animals in addition to an auditorium that was greatly expanded in the mid 1850s. In 1864 a group of Confederate sponsored terrorists set the building on fire, but the blaze was quickly contained.
Barnum would not be so fortunate on July 13, 1865 when another fire burned the structure to the ground. Everything was destroyed and Barnum was forced to start over. He opened another museum at another location, but it too was destroyed by flames in 1868.
After those setbacks it appeared that Barnum's days as an entertainer were over. He agreed to lend his name to another Manhattan museum that was operated by businessman, George Wood. In 1870 a circus entrepreneur, W.C. Coup, and a professional clown, Dan Castello, approached Barnum about starting a traveling show. Their intent was to use Barnum's name to front the organization, but Barnum was intrigued by the idea and dove into the development of the project completely.
"P.T. Barnum's Great Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Hippodrome" opened on April 10, 1871 in Brooklyn, New York. For many years the standard schedule for the circus was to open in the early spring in New York City at a fixed venue, like Madison Square Garden. During the warm weather months the shows moved every night from town to town and were performed under a large tent.
When the show went on the road, it required 100 wagons, 250 horses and 275 teamsters to move it. In 1872 Coup developed the idea of moving the show on a railroad train. The new main tent could seat 12,000 people and second ring was added to entertain the crowd. For the first time, the circus was labeled, "The greatest show on earth," was also billed as "A traveling world's fair."
Another fire destroyed a large portion of the show at the end of 1872, but it hardly deterred Barnum. By the spring of 1873, "The greatest show on earth," was back up and running again better than ever with an even larger "big top" that could seat 13,000. The show included live and stuffed animals, "Human Curiosities" and large array of circus acts. Patrons could see everything for a 50 cent ticket. Children were admitted for a quarter and reserved seats were 75 cents. Gross receipts soared from an amazing $1 million in 1872 to an incredible $5 million in 1873 when Barnum and his partners shared $750,000 in profits.
The Panic of 1873, which was a major 19th economic downturn, did not immediately effect Barnum's receipts, but as the depression continued, it cut into his receipts and profits. In April 1874 Barnum opened a new, larger show, "P.T. Barnum's Great Roman Hippodrome." He staged it at the former site of the Harlem Railway buildings. The venue was surrounded by brick walls and covered with an 80 foot stretch of canvas that protected an oval track that measured about a fifth of mile. Numerous attractions including exotic animals, foreign people in native costumes and circus act performers paraded around the oval.
This production was not a financial success when it opened in New York, and it did no better when Barnum took it on the road. The receipts and net income were disappointing. The show's failure led to a less than civil parting of ways between Barnum and W.C. Coup. From the mid 1870s until 1880, Barnum teamed with other investors.
The success of Barnum's "railroad circus" prompted competitors to emulate his operation. One of the most successful of those rival operations was the Great London Show, which was run by James Bailey. The two combined their operations to form a single circus that was called "Barnum and London" from 1881 to '86 and then "Barnum and Bailey" from 1887 to 1919. Bailey, who was a meticulous business manager, took charge of the day to day operations. He introduced electric lighting to the show, the third ring of entertainment and found innovative ways move the operation from place to place. Barnum was in charge of advertising and supplied much of the capital.
Jumbo the elephant was Barnum's most spectacular attraction during his circus years. Jumbo stood over 12 feet tall and weighed over six tons. He was 24 years old when Barnum acquired him from the Royal Zoological Society in London for $10,000. The British people objected to the sale, but Barnum was able to complete the deal.
Jumbo was an African elephant which made him less predictable and harder than handle than his Asian counterparts. For that reason he came with his own handler, Mathew Scott, and could not be led down the streets of New York during the annual circus parade like most Barnum elephants. Instead he was caged and pulled by a team of horses and elephants. Nevertheless his immense size made Jumbo an immediate sensation, and audiences clamored to see him. Newspapers claimed that circus customers were in the enthrallment of "Jumbomania." Jumbo's career was cut short in 1885 when he was killed in a railroad accident. Yet Barnum was able to salvage one more year out of his investment by displaying the Jumbo's skeleton and hide for a paid admission.
Barnum suffered a stroke in 1890 and died the following year. After his death James Bailey continued to operate the circus until his death in 1906. The Ringling Brothers bought the show in 1907 and ran it as separate operation from their Ringling Brothers Circus until 1919. That year the surviving brothers merged the two shows to form the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus which has continued as a traveling show, later under new ownership. Earlier this year it was announced that the show will close in May thus ending a traveling show that toured for over 145 years.
P.T. Barnum's Numismatic Legacy
Like many 19th century merchants, Barnum issued tokens to advertise his business. One of the most interesting of these pieces provides an attractive depiction of his American Museum in New York City. The obverse features a well executed view of the building with the words "New York" above it and "P.T. Barnum, proprietor" below it. The makers, "Allen & Moore, Medalists & C • Birm •" appears in tiny letters below the building. John Allen and Joseph Moore formed a partnership in 1844. They became the leading die markers in Birmingham, England during the first half of the 19th century and trained many of the die makers in the area.
The reverse of the piece features a small portrait of Barnum at the top surrounded by his full name, "Phineas T. Barnum. Below that is an exhaustive list of the attractions that Barnum had on display in his museum, which was said to number "50,000 curiosities." The admission price was "only 25 cents." These pieces are known in copper and white metal, and are 40 mm in diameter. The piece in my collection is made of silver plated white metal and has taken on an attractive patina which makes it look like a sold silver piece. This token is scarce and sells for several hundred dollars when it is offered for sale, most often in token and medal auctions.
Barnum's other tokens advertised his greatest attraction, Tom Thumb. One features the diminutive gentleman leaning on a book with various other objects around him that emphasize his tiny stature. They include a bottle, a wine glass, a letter opener and an ink stand. The reverse features Tom Thumb's tiny carriage drawn by four ponies. Barnum had this carriage custom made in England at great expense. It was attended by two coachmen who were actually children dressed in uniforms and wigs. At the time that he purchased this promotion for his diminutive star, Barnum said that this attraction would "kill the public ... They can't survive! It will be the greatest hit in the universe, see if it ain't!"
There are also two other Tom Thumb pieces which may have been used as both advertisements and game counters. The American version features a reproduction of the capped bust design that appeared on American silver coins in the 1830s. The British version includes the "young head" version of Queen Victoria's bust which appeared on many British coins in the 19th century. Both pieces depict Tom Thumb on the reverse, posing by a book, with the words, "General Tom Thumb, 15 lb weight." These tokens are fairly common.
The best known of all the Barnum pieces to American collectors is the 1936 Bridgeport, Connecticut commemorative half dollar. This piece, which was designed by Henry Kreis, features a bust of Barnum on the obverse with the words, "Bridgeport, Connecticut centennial, 1836 - 1936, P. T. Barnum." The reverse is dominated by an art deco style eagle with the statutory phrases, "United States of America, in God we trust, E. Pluribus Unum, Liberty" and "half dollar." The mintage was 25,015 which makes this piece neither the least nor the most expensive issue among the "old" U.S. commemorative coins. In the currently weak commemorative coin market, nice examples of this piece can be purchased for less than $200.
Whether you consider him to be a charlatan or a great entertainer, P. T. Barnum is one of the most colorful and interesting Americans who lived in the 19th century. His is heritage remains with us today. Although "The Greatest Show on Earth" will soon become a memory, it's legacy will remain in the minds of the children and adults who had the opportunity to see it.
The Barnum museum advertising token ...
I have more pieces and will post pictures if anyone is interested.
Thanks, Bill! Fine article. The popularity of private museums and traveling shows, plus their diversity of content, are likely very difficult for many to understand today.
Sea World is suffering the same fate and will not survive long without some outside help. Shame mongering at the supposed expense of animal welfare is the name of the game now.
Exotic animals and amazing acts aren't as exotic or amazing as they used to be either.
The show goes on. Those who stubbornly live in the past are bound to be forgotten.
@BillJones ...Well written and informative article Bill... Thanks for sharing it.... Cheers, RickO
Is "See World" really switching to trained schools of anchovies that leap into the air, do acrobatic stunts, then land on your pizza?
Thanks for sharing. Reading about the human cannonball brought back memories of seeing that act as a child with a man being shot into a net. Until reading the article I didn't realize how dangerous it was.
Blame the documentary "Blackfish" on sea worlds demise.
PETA has become a domestic terrorist organization as far as I'm concerned. They kill lots of sheltered animals each year instead of finding homes for them and wage war on many companies.
@BillJones- I'd be interested in seeing more medals/tokens.
Here are a couple of Tom Thumb pieces. This is fairly common. It was probably used as a poker chip or game counter.
And this one is quite scarce. It's on a par with the Barnum museum piece I posted earlier.
The books are gigantic, horses and carriage are miniature, the era of sensation. Nice.
"whole height 40", body, 20" by 11", ponies 23", crest, rising sun arms, briannia and liberty supporters, lion & eagle motto; Go-a-Head"
I've been privileged to work the past year as an animal educator at SeaWorld Orlando, and these comments are all true. No other group has come close to the scale of work that SeaWorld has done for animals in the wild and inspiring people (yes even most of the people who oppose them) to care for animals in the wild.
I have heard the same think from animal keepers at other zoos. Once more emotion trumps knowledge and logic.
I was driving the Pennsylvania and I saw the train out my window.
I got off the Turnpike at Ft. Washington and turned onto Pennsylvania Ave. I pulled over and waited
INYNWHWeTrust-TexasNationals,ajaan,blu62vette
coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan
B&B, end of an era.
FWiW, directv, Farmtv, chn. 345, Mon @330p, ET, shows vintage railroad film from the day.
Worth a look if you are a rail fan.
Nice video --- but you guys got to learn to hold the thing horizontally.....
When I pulled over i had about 45 seconds before the train arrived. thank goodness for EZ pass. I was lucky to be able to do this video.
INYNWHWeTrust-TexasNationals,ajaan,blu62vette
coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan
This deeply saddens me. The RBandB&B Circus has provided me with so many wonderful memories over the past 50+ years. I remember my first visit with my Dad to Madison Square Garden when I was 5. Seen the circus countless times since. As a child, with my children, and for the past 3 years with just my wife. It was sad when the elephants left and we knew it was only a matter of time. There are few places you can go where thousands of children become simply in awe. Yes, even today.
Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia
Findley Ridge Collection
About Findley Ridge
And since nobody has posted PT I thought I would do so.
"We'll see you down the road..."
Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia
Findley Ridge Collection
About Findley Ridge
The end of an era.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Or maybe the concept has just evolved. Entertainment such as Cirque du Soleil (Canadaian company) and Zirkus Probst (Germany, etc.) continue to tour and change with conditions and audience taste.
thats pretty cool two bit, thanks for sharing that
Speaking of PETA, their efforts just caused Wells Fargo earlier this week to pull out as a major sponsor of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.