Toys and games: General Tom Thumb paper doll set (partial)
Toy
McLoughlin Bros. (created by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1863 – 1870 (Date manufactured/created)
Paper doll set featuring P. T. Barnum performer General Tom Thumb, whose real name was Charles S. Stratton. The set was produced by McLoughlin Bros.of 30 Beekman Street in New York City, and probably dates to the mid-1860s. Though paper dolls were not new in the 1860s, they became a more common pastime for children as the mid-1800s explosion of mass-produced print materials made these kinds of items affordable to many. This set was likely produced around 1863 or soon after, amidst the hype of Stratton's marriage to M. Lavinia Warren. Both Warren and Stratton were little people, and well regarded as entertainers. Their wedding was heavily promoted by P. T. Barnum, who promoted it as "The Fairy Wedding" and elevated it to the biggest event in New York City society at the time. As such, there was a high demand for souvenir products featuring the couple. This set was part of a series that included paper dolls of Stratton's bride, Lavinia, and her sister Minnie Warren, also a little person. Lavinia was admired for her beauty, intelligence, and sense of style, making her ideal as a fashion plate for paper dolls.
The first view shows the booklet, with the cover image of Stratton wearing the traditional clothing of a Scottish highlander, complete with kilt. The figure, border and titles are tinted in red and green. An elaborate border frames the figure and the title, in large decorative letters, "Paper Doll General Tom Thumb." The second view is an advertisement for the McLoughlin Brothers listing their various wares, including games and paper dolls. View three shows the clothed figure of Charles S. Stratton, dressed in a bow tie, buttoned up shirt, breeches, and knee high boots, with one arm tucked into his shirt. View four is the back of the Stratton figure, showing the rear view of his shirt, trousers, and boots.
View five shows a Scottish Highlander outfit, as it appears on the booklet but colored differently. It includes a blue kilt, green and yellow tartan draped over the shoulder, a black shirt underneath, and argyle socks. The boots have little gold buttons on them. Stratton carries a sword in one hand, while the other hand rests on his belt. The sixth view shows the rear of the outfit.
The seventh view features Stratton's Cain or Hercules costume, which is a simple combination of a brown loincloth and a club held in one hand. Stratton is shirtless and shoeless, and the eighth view shows the rear of this costume. Other images of Stratton wearing various Classical figure costumes show that he wore a light color bodysuit, which provided modesty but also gave the impression of a nearly naked figure.
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, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The first view shows the booklet, with the cover image of Stratton wearing the traditional clothing of a Scottish highlander, complete with kilt. The figure, border and titles are tinted in red and green. An elaborate border frames the figure and the title, in large decorative letters, "Paper Doll General Tom Thumb." The second view is an advertisement for the McLoughlin Brothers listing their various wares, including games and paper dolls. View three shows the clothed figure of Charles S. Stratton, dressed in a bow tie, buttoned up shirt, breeches, and knee high boots, with one arm tucked into his shirt. View four is the back of the Stratton figure, showing the rear view of his shirt, trousers, and boots.
View five shows a Scottish Highlander outfit, as it appears on the booklet but colored differently. It includes a blue kilt, green and yellow tartan draped over the shoulder, a black shirt underneath, and argyle socks. The boots have little gold buttons on them. Stratton carries a sword in one hand, while the other hand rests on his belt. The sixth view shows the rear of the outfit.
The seventh view features Stratton's Cain or Hercules costume, which is a simple combination of a brown loincloth and a club held in one hand. Stratton is shirtless and shoeless, and the eighth view shows the rear of this costume. Other images of Stratton wearing various Classical figure costumes show that he wore a light color bodysuit, which provided modesty but also gave the impression of a nearly naked figure.
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, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
EL 1988.105.001