Textile: Bicorn hat belonging to Charles S. Stratton
Accessory
Chapeau de bras
Cocked hat
Headgear
Unknown creator, American (created by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1850 – 1865 (Date manufactured/created)
Miniature bicorn hat of felted wool worn by Charles S. Stratton as part of his Napoleon costume. Stratton, a performer employed by P. T. Barnum, is better known by his stage name, "General Tom Thumb." He played a wide variety of character roles; among them his Napoleon Bonaparte character was his most famous. Surviving photographs document Strattton's performances as the French general over a period of many years during which time Stratton's costumes changed, as he grew somewhat taller and bigger. The size of this silk-lined hat, 5 inches high x 14 inches long, suggests it was worn by Stratton when he was a teen or adult, as it would be too large for him when a young child. The hat is damaged along one of the top edges, and is missing the cockade, a decorative element that would have been attached on the front side. The Barnum Museum owns other items pertaining to Stratton's Napoleon, including a wool jacket, however this particular hat and the jacket were not necessarily worn together.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, at age 45, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, at age 45, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
EL 1988.126.001