Equipment: Miniature walking stick belonging to Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Cane
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 – 1880 (Date manufactured/created)
Miniature walking stick made of bamboo, originally belonging to Charles S. Stratton, better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb." Stratton was a little person who was employed as a performer by P. T. Barnum and became a celebrity in his own right. He was just 21 inches tall when he was five years old, and grew very slowly over the course of his life, reaching a height of 42 inches at age 45. Walking sticks and fancy canes were considered gentleman's accessories in the 1800s. Stratton's wealth and celebrity afforded him the opportunity to dress stylishly, and this walking stick must have been custom made to accommodate his short stature. Decorating the top of the cane is a smooth black metal ball or stone, perfectly round, and at the bottom is a protective metal tip, called a ferrule. Stratton may have used the walking stick in his costumed performances called levees, or as part of his personal wardrobe.
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.
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.
Gift of Dr.and Mrs. Justin Lee Altshuler in honor of Linda Altshuler, Executive Director of The Barnum Museum from 1988 - 1996
BF 1997.019.005