Photograph: Portrait of Charles B. Tripp, 1885

From Barnum Museum

Eisenmann Photography (created by)

1885 (Date manufactured/created)

6 9/16" H X 4 1/4" W

Cabinet card portrait photograph of performer Charles Broton Tripp, taken when he was about 30 years old.  The date 1885 is included among the foreground props in the photo.  Tripp was born in Canada in 1855, and had no arms, so from the time he was a young child he taught himself to do ordinary tasks with his feet, a skill at which he became extremely adept.  This led to his being known as a "human marvel" and "The Armless Wonder."  In this photo he is shown using his feet to cut paper with a pair of scissors.  His feet are propped up on two boxes to achieve the height he needed.  Near the boxes are pen and ink, a hairbrush and comb, and cards with writing that he must have produced himself. Tripp was noted for his calligraphy which he learned, along with woodworking, at a young age.  There are other props in view that are probably examples of things he made.  A small wastebasket appears to be a handcraft item and the bottom box features an embroidered monogram.  Likewise the spiderweb embroidery and dimensional flowers on the runner draped across the table are likely present to show his needlework skills.  Tripp is seated in a velvet-covered chair next to a table that is set for tea with a tea pot, creamer and sugar bowl, and cup and saucer, visually indicating that drinking from a tea cup was one of his accomplishments.  Tripp appears as a handsome and fashionably dressed man wearing a fine suit, tailored without sleeves.  His watch chain is across his vest and a small pin is visible. His hair is neatly combed and parted according to men's hair fashions of the period.  The studio backdrop features elaborate stencil designs and a trompe l'oeil column at the left. The photo is inscribed on the back, "With compliments of Chas. B. Tripp, Olney, Ill."  This appears to have been penned in his own hand.  A penciled note along the side reads" B & B show."   Charles Tripp was one of the popular attractions at the Barnum & Bailey shows.  He began working for Barnum & Bailey in his late teens and continued with them for 35 years, working elsewhere in later years.  Tripp lived to be 75, passing in 1930.  His character was noted to have been admirable, a person with fortitude and courage.  The photograph is by the studio of Charles Eisenmann in the Bowery, New York City.  Eisenmann is known for having photographed many performers with physical distinctions like this.
This cabinet card is part of a large group of photos exchanged with fellow performers with Edwin Fritz Smith and Kitty Sharpe Smith, who were circus and vaudeville performers.

Gift of Susan Crozier Fairchild

Accession/ID Number MS-0027-505-001