Print: "Waldemere, Home of Hon. P. T. Barnum"
Unknown creator, American (created by)
1875 – 1880 (Date manufactured/created)
11.25 in H
X
14.75 in W
This print from the mid-1870s depicts P. T. and Charity Barnum's home with its landscaped grounds in Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The elaborate mansion was called Waldemere, and was built in the late Victorian style. It was Barnum's third home in Bridgeport and was completed in 1869. Its location near Long Island Sound was chosen on the advice of Charity Barnum's doctor, who suggested sea air might help with her fragile health. In addition to the main building, the property included cottages on the grounds, such as the Petrel’s Nest built for guests. Nearby, Wavewood was occupied by the Barnums' eldest daughter, Caroline, and her husband David Thompson. The mansion is shown from a distance with an expansive lawn before it, ornamented with a large fountain and numerous sculptures. In the foreground, two intersecting streets are shown with horse-drawn carriages. The flag and flagpole atop a dome is not as exaggerated in size as it might seem; photographs show it to be quite large. Waldemere endured for twenty years--the longest time Barnum lived in any one house--but was disassembled when he built his fourth home, Marina, next door. The property now belongs to the University of Bridgeport.
This black and white lithograph print was created in or after 1875, when Barnum served one term as Mayor Bridgeport and thus had the title Honorable, noted in the title. No printer or artist is identified. The print was included in a City of Bridgeport atlas or map book, one of several showing residences of "notable" citizens of the City. The property owners may have paid, as subscribers, to have the illustrations included in the atlas volume.
This black and white lithograph print was created in or after 1875, when Barnum served one term as Mayor Bridgeport and thus had the title Honorable, noted in the title. No printer or artist is identified. The print was included in a City of Bridgeport atlas or map book, one of several showing residences of "notable" citizens of the City. The property owners may have paid, as subscribers, to have the illustrations included in the atlas volume.
T 2016.040.001