Program: "Banquet to Welcome Mr. P. T. Barnum to England"
November 8 1889 (Date manufactured/created)
Paper Documentary Artifact
6.75 in H
X
8.75 in W
Booklet with cover printed to resemble an American flag, produced in conjunction with a banquet to welcome Mr. P. T. Barnum to England in 1889. The occasion would be Barnum's last visit to England before his death on April 7, 1891. Barnum's first visit to England in 1844 launched his fame and fortune, when he introduced his prodigy performer, young Charles S. Stratton ("General Tom Thumb") to the aristocracy and royalty. A large portion of the three-year tour was spent in England. Over the years he developed many business associates there, and in the 1870s and 1880s, brought his circuses to perform. In 1873 he married an Englishwoman, Nancy Fish, the daughter of one of his business associates. His personal and business connections in England were thus very strong, and the banquet honoring him recognized his influence.
The blank box in the upper right corner of the booklet would have been used to write the guest's name and seat number, though this booklet was unused. It was printed in England by Hansard Publishing Union, Ltd.
Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. However, Barnum only began to focus on the circus in 1871. Prior to that he managed the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868, was an elected official, mayor of Bridgeport, philanthropist, promoter, newspaper editor, and investor, among many, many other things. He promoted an image of himself along with his various ventures, which changed throughout the years, and was a celebrity in his own right.
The blank box in the upper right corner of the booklet would have been used to write the guest's name and seat number, though this booklet was unused. It was printed in England by Hansard Publishing Union, Ltd.
Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. However, Barnum only began to focus on the circus in 1871. Prior to that he managed the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868, was an elected official, mayor of Bridgeport, philanthropist, promoter, newspaper editor, and investor, among many, many other things. He promoted an image of himself along with his various ventures, which changed throughout the years, and was a celebrity in his own right.
EL 1988.028.001