Physical object: Illustrated blank journal owned by P. T. Barnum
1845 – 1855 (Date manufactured/created)
Embossed leather journal book containing both blank pages and pages with fine engravings, dating to the mid-1800s originally owned by P. T. Barnum. The prints primarily depict scenes of Scotland and places associated with the poet Robert Burns. The highly decorative red leather cover features an elaborate design embossed in gold. Below the central medallion are the letters "PTB," the initials of the book's owner. The back cover is the same but lacking the initials.
"C H Seeley 1855 [or 1885?]" is written on first blank page. Clinton H. Seeley was the son of P. T Barnum's youngest daughter Pauline. His middle name was Hallett (his maternal grandmother's maiden name), but upon reaching the age of 21 he changed it to Barnum at his grandfather's request. The inscription date of 1855, if accurate, is strange because Clinton Seeley was not born until 1868.
Barnum likely acquired the book while he was traveling in the British Isles in the 1840s or 1850s, and perhaps the inscription date refers to the year he got it. Barnum did not write in the journal, however, which suggests the book may have been a gift to him that he felt was "too good to use." He may have gifted it to his grandson, which would explain the difference between the inscription date of 1855 and the presence of Clinton’s name. The variations in the color of the paper and other details suggest that customers could select the printed pages from an assortment to make a customized bound book. The Barnum Museum owns two other similar journal books that belonged to Barnum, and that are also blank aside from the illustration pages.
"C H Seeley 1855 [or 1885?]" is written on first blank page. Clinton H. Seeley was the son of P. T Barnum's youngest daughter Pauline. His middle name was Hallett (his maternal grandmother's maiden name), but upon reaching the age of 21 he changed it to Barnum at his grandfather's request. The inscription date of 1855, if accurate, is strange because Clinton Seeley was not born until 1868.
Barnum likely acquired the book while he was traveling in the British Isles in the 1840s or 1850s, and perhaps the inscription date refers to the year he got it. Barnum did not write in the journal, however, which suggests the book may have been a gift to him that he felt was "too good to use." He may have gifted it to his grandson, which would explain the difference between the inscription date of 1855 and the presence of Clinton’s name. The variations in the color of the paper and other details suggest that customers could select the printed pages from an assortment to make a customized bound book. The Barnum Museum owns two other similar journal books that belonged to Barnum, and that are also blank aside from the illustration pages.
Bequest of Arleen P. Seeley
2007.002.027