Textiles: Miniature boots belonging to Charles S. Stratton
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1844 – 1855 (Date manufactured/created)
Pair of miniature boots in brown and black leather, with dark yellow leather around the top openings, originally worn by Charles S. Stratton. Stratton is better known by his stage name, "General Tom Thumb." The foot size is among the smallest of Stratton's footwear in the museum's collection, just 5 1/2 inches long, indicating that these were worn when he was still young. Stratton gew slowly over the course of his life, and his later footwear is of a larger size. Most likely this pair dates from the mid-1840s to 1850s, and may have been purchased when Stratton was touring in the U. S., as the maker, Leonard Benkert, was located at No. 209 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. The squared-toed boots with leather soles and stacked leather heels have blue and white pull-on straps stitched inside. The uppers and soles reveal a lot of wear, with the heels worn down at the back and part of the soles missing (probably a much later loss as the leather became brittle). The comparison to a U. S. penny provides scale, showing both the short length and the narrowness of the foot. The boots are 6 1/2 inches tall.
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 and only about 21-inches tall, his growth having nearly ceased when he was just a few months 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 was bright and personable, and took quickly to performing; 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 and only about 21-inches tall, his growth having nearly ceased when he was just a few months 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 was bright and personable, and took quickly to performing; 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 1988.117.001 AB