Textile: Masonic uniform hat belonging to Charles S. Stratton
Bicorn
Chapeau de bras
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)
1875 – 1883 (Date manufactured/created)
Black "bicorn" hat, called a chapeau de bras, part of a Masonic uniform worn by Charles S. Stratton. Stratton became a celebrity through his association with showman P. T. Barnum, and is better known by his stage name, General Tom Thumb. The felted fur hat is decorated with a large cross on the proper left side, and is trimmed with white and brown ostrich plumes. The cross is made of red wool, embroidered with a wide border of thick silver threads that give it dimension, and mounted on an oval disk edged with pleated black silk. The hat is lined with silk in a dark rose color. The lining is stamped in silver with the maker-supplier's name: D. B. Howell & Co., Masonic Temple, Cor[ner] 23rd St. & 6th Ave., New York. The hat and uniform were custom made to suit Stratton's small stature.
Stratton was a member of the Freemasons from 1862 until his death in 1883. According to a Bridgeport Post newspaper article dated October 30, 1961, Stratton was received into that city's Saint John's Lodge No. 3 in 1862, when he was twenty-four years old. The following year he received the Order of Red Cross, and the Orders of Malta and the Temple in Bridgeport's Hamilton Commandery No.5, Knights Templar. In 1866 Stratton recieved the Scottish Rite's 32nd degree from Lafayette Consistory of Bridgeport. When Stratton passed away at age 45, he was buried with Masonic honors. According to the same newspaper article, this hat along with Stratton's uniform sword were laid on the casket during the funeral ceremonies. The hat and uniform (see record 2014.007.001 AD) date to the latter part of Stratton's life, probably made about 1875. A portrait photograph of Stratton in the full uniform can be seen in record 2003.009.069.
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 less than two feet tall owing to the condition of proportionate dwarfism. His growth had virtually ceased when he was just seven months old, but he did grow taller over the course of his life, eventually reaching a height of about 42 inches. 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.
Stratton was a member of the Freemasons from 1862 until his death in 1883. According to a Bridgeport Post newspaper article dated October 30, 1961, Stratton was received into that city's Saint John's Lodge No. 3 in 1862, when he was twenty-four years old. The following year he received the Order of Red Cross, and the Orders of Malta and the Temple in Bridgeport's Hamilton Commandery No.5, Knights Templar. In 1866 Stratton recieved the Scottish Rite's 32nd degree from Lafayette Consistory of Bridgeport. When Stratton passed away at age 45, he was buried with Masonic honors. According to the same newspaper article, this hat along with Stratton's uniform sword were laid on the casket during the funeral ceremonies. The hat and uniform (see record 2014.007.001 AD) date to the latter part of Stratton's life, probably made about 1875. A portrait photograph of Stratton in the full uniform can be seen in record 2003.009.069.
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 less than two feet tall owing to the condition of proportionate dwarfism. His growth had virtually ceased when he was just seven months old, but he did grow taller over the course of his life, eventually reaching a height of about 42 inches. 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.
Transfer from Discovery Museum, originally on loan from the Hamilton Commandary No. 5, Knights Templar
2014.007.001 E