Program: "Unveiling of the Barnum Statue"
1893 (Date manufactured/created)
Paper Documentary Artifact
Offical program of the ceremonies for the unveiling of the P. T. Barnum statue in Seaside Park on July 4, 1893. Seaside Park is in Bridgeport, Connecticut, bordering Long Island Sound, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The landscape was designed by the well-known firm, Vaux and Olmsted (Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted designed Central Park in New York City). The cover photograph of Barnum was taken in his later years, probably around 1889. He died on April 7, 1891 at his home Marina, in Bridgeport. This complimentary program was printed by one of the large department stores in Bridgeport, the D.M. Read Co. The owner, David M. Read, was connected to the Barnum family through marriage.
In addition to many pages of advertising Bridgeport businesses and products, the booklet includes the text of The Last Chapter of P. T. Barnum's Life, written by his widow, Nancy Fish Barnum. Also included is a page titled The Purchase of Seaside Park, giving the history of the land acquisition and subsequent gift to the city by several landholders, including Barnum. Illustrations in the booklet include images of several buildings.
P. T. Barnum had carefully considered his legacy, and the monumental bronze sculpture of him seated with diary or memobook and pen in hand, was made by artist Thomas Ball in 1887. After completion, it sat in a warehouse upon Barnum’s orders, as he wanted it to be erected after his death. The statue was unveiled in Seaside Park on the 4th of July, 1893, just over two years after Barnum’s passing, almost the same date as his birthday, July 5th. The unveiling was a well-attended event, as it coincided with the usual 4th of July celebrations in the city. The statue has remained in its original place, with Barnum looking toward the Sound, and can be seen by park visitors.
In addition to many pages of advertising Bridgeport businesses and products, the booklet includes the text of The Last Chapter of P. T. Barnum's Life, written by his widow, Nancy Fish Barnum. Also included is a page titled The Purchase of Seaside Park, giving the history of the land acquisition and subsequent gift to the city by several landholders, including Barnum. Illustrations in the booklet include images of several buildings.
P. T. Barnum had carefully considered his legacy, and the monumental bronze sculpture of him seated with diary or memobook and pen in hand, was made by artist Thomas Ball in 1887. After completion, it sat in a warehouse upon Barnum’s orders, as he wanted it to be erected after his death. The statue was unveiled in Seaside Park on the 4th of July, 1893, just over two years after Barnum’s passing, almost the same date as his birthday, July 5th. The unveiling was a well-attended event, as it coincided with the usual 4th of July celebrations in the city. The statue has remained in its original place, with Barnum looking toward the Sound, and can be seen by park visitors.
EL 1989.040.011