Posted on 11/07/2022 2:06:22 PM PST by FarCenter
He called himself the "Prince of Humbugs." Today, most people remember him for his circus and for a cynical remark ("There's a sucker born every minute") that in fact he never made. It is less well known that P. T. Barnum (1 8 10-91) first made his mark as the proprietor of the American Museum in New York City. There, from 1841 to 1868, he combined freak shows and serious scientific exhibits, entertainment and edification, to produce "rational" amusement for a remarkably diverse audience. Recreating this chapter in the great showman's life, biographer A. H. Saxon describes Barnum's role in shaping an important part of 19th-century American popular culture.
P T Barnum would be at home as a Twitter impresario posting the amusing, enlightening, freakish, outlandish and fraudulent for his avid followers.
Long read, but interesting description of American common culture and entertainments of circa 1850.
Do they have Slow Joe and Fetterman there?
He had too many people stay for hours in the museum so he put a sign up that pointed the way out with a sign that said “ this way to Egress” then they found themselves out in the alley.
There’s a sucker born every minute.
That statement is false.
There are actually hundreds of suckers born every minute.
All you have to do is find one.
Very interesting story. Thank you. Phinneas Barnum had four daughters, loved doing pranks and had a talent for putting on show. In 1850 there were a variety of shows: ballet, opera, wax museums, gardens, panoramas, circuses, and Christian revivals. Barnum tried them all and found a talent for circuses. Everyone loves a circus and I hope everyone can see the wonderful Cavalia show. https://cavalia.com/odysseo/
Barnum was once the mayor of Bridgeport CT. If you don’t know Bridgeport, you have no idea how appropriate that is.
I’m related to PT Barnum. Bridgeport in the 1800s was far different—and nicer—than the 1950s-2020s.
After years in the shooting community I am convinced the T in his name stood for “Tactical”.
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