Historic Newspapers: Circus

PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 15, 1798  This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper. Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment.
Page 2 has an advertisement for a: "Grand Ball, in Ricketts' Circus..." with further detail. This was the first circus in America, starting in…

NEW YORK HERALD, August 22, 1812 

* Scudder's American Museum
* Leatherback sea turtle display

A back page notice for the: "Mammoth Turtle In Scudder's American Museum" takes nearly half a column and offers many details about this enormous creature. Includes a rather large woodcut of the turtle's head as well.
Complete with all 4 pages, nice condition.

Background: This August 22, 1812, issue of the New York Herald captures a fascinating intersection of early American pop culture and wartime…

NATIONAL ADVOCATE, New York, July 3, 1820  

* Jewish newspaper publisher Naphtali Phillips 

"Daring Outrage" on pg. 2 describes the capture of a ship off Cape Henry by a "piratical brig". Another article in the same page focuses on the anniversary of American independence. Pg. 3 has an ad for a "Circus" on Broadway with details about "Monsieur Godreau", a tight- rope walker. Multiple illustrated ads are also present.
The desirability of this issue is amplified by its publisher, Naphtali Phillips,…

THE MICROSCOPE & INDEPENDENT EXAMINER, Albany, New York, May 19, 1821  This is the volume 1, number 11 issue of a somewhat uncommon title, existing until 1824.
The front page has an unusual item by: "Jacob Fearnot, Governor & Commander in Chief in and over the state of North Gotham..." being a Proclamation concerning a circus (see photos).
Four pages, two professional repairs at the blank spine, some foxing & mild wear.

THE CORRECTOR, Sag Harbor, May 4, 1839  On the front page under Circus are details about the splendid Equestrian Establishment performed by A. Turner, Sons & Co. 4 pages in good condition. Early for circus advertisements.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., August 22 , 1844

* General Tom Thumb as a young boy
* P.T. Barnum circus attraction

Page 3 has a report about "Tom Thumb At Paris" that reads, in part:

* As it is the intention of Mr. Barnum to visit Paris with Tom Thumb....The General, having worn out Napoleon in England, he will there, in polite deference to French prejudice, appear as the Duke of Wellington....He will...dance a hornpipe... and...sing a comic song....When the General…

SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, June 16, 1846

* Illustrated circus advertisement
* 19th century Salem, Massachusetts

Page 3 has an ad: ""Mammoth Circus! Grand Entertainment with Great Addition In Interest, Splendor &c." re. the Rockwell & Stone Circus. Has details, plus an engraving of an equestrian performance."
News of the day includes: "Dreadful Steamboat Disaster" "Charge Of Aiding In The Slave Trade" and more with some interesting advertisements.
Trimmed close at the top…

THE UNION DEMOCRAT, Manchester, New Hampshire, Sept. 7, 1852
* General Tom Thumb - dwarf
* P.T. Barnum circus attraction
The front page has: "Barnum and Tom Thumb" which includes a letter from Bridgeport, Ct., noting in part: "Barnum's chief sources of income...are his Museum...among his incidental expenses are $200 a week or $10,400 a year for Tom Thumb..." with more on the wealth of Tom Thumb (see).
Page 2 has a notice supporting "For President, Franklin Pierce...". Four pages, very nice…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 6, 1859  The front of the issue features a poem entitled "The Grandmother's Apology" by Alfred Tennyson with an illustration by Millais. Inside are 12 small illustrations of "Golden Images Found in Indian Graves in the Province of Chiriqui, New Granada." Two full page illustration of "A Day in the Country -The Picnic" and "A Day in the Country - At the Sea Side." Continuation of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens.
Sixteen pages, in good condition, and…

DOLLAR WEEKLY MIRROR, Manchester, New Hampshire, August 20, 1859  Pg. 4 has a full column ad for "The Real Genuine Monster Show - Nixon & Co.,'s Mammoth Circus." This also includes small illustrations, including "Educated Bull, Don Juan"
Complete in 4 pages with a small lite stain on the front page, otherwise is in very good condition.

NEW-YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, Sept. 19, 1859 Pg. 6 has: California A Letter From Mr. Greeley--An Indian Battle. Also has: Letter From Horace Greeley My Political Views and: Important From Colorado Fight With The Indians--Fifty Or Sixty Killed--Three Soldiers Wounded. Political views letter is signed in type: Horace Greeley. Other news of the day includes: "News From Pike's Peak" "Twelve Circus Horses Burned" "Billiard Match" and much more. 8 pages in good condition.

THE UNION STANDARD, Lexington, Kentucky, Sept. 12, 1865

* Rare post Civil War title

A scarce title from this border state, shortly after the end of the Civil War. The paper was formally titled "The National Unionist", obviously being pro-North during the Civil War. Page 2 has several items which relate to the conclusion of the Civil War including a Proclamation signed in type by the President: Andrew Johnson (see photos). A great wealth of ads as well including a lengthy, illustrated…

The Lawrenceburgh Press, Lawrenceburgh, Indiana, September 24, 1868

* Post Civil War era illustrated circus ad

Page 3 has a full column ad for "Col. C. T. Ame' New Orleans Menagerie and Circus and Tropical Aviary". Has details about the various attractions and performances, and includes an engravings of an equestrian performance, two wild animals, & one of a ballet troupe. Other news of the day with other advertisements.
Complete in four pages, in nice condition.

THE DAILY JOURNAL, Wilmington, North Carolina, October 14, 1868 Taking a full column on the front page is an ad for: "Stone & Murray's Circus" with a list of the attractions and performers, and several nice woodcuts.
Other news and advertisements, some with illustrations, are within the issue as well.
This is complete in four pages and is in good condition.

THE WORLD, New York, April 28, 1871  The frontpage carries a headline "Smashing A Circus" with subhead "Barnum's Caravan Run Into on the New Jersey Central Railroad", "Two men Killed and Wagon Demolished -- Tommy Welsh, the Dwarf Driver, Fatally Wounded -- Three Others Badly Injured -- Scenes at Crawford Station and Elizabeth -- The Inquest, Etc". The article goes into full detail of the collision of the circus caravan which was struck by a train and of the injuries and fatalities which…

WORCESTER EVENING GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 11, 1872

* Dan Rice's circus
* Shooting affray

This issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
The front page has a small one column heading: "Shooting In Dan Rice's Circus"
Larger than normal issue measures 26 x 20 inches, complete in 4 pages, a little spine wear, otherwise nice.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Dec. 14, 1872 (excludes Supplement - see note)  Halfpg: 'The Coon Hunt' shows several Black men telling stories Round the camp fire. Halfpg: 'Seeing the Circus Pass--A Va. Sketch' shows kids sitting on a fence post. Fullpg: 'The American Common School'.

Note: This listing does not include the Supplement which contains a multi-panel illustration of the Boston Fire. If this is desired, be in touch for availability and pricing.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 25, 1872

* Phineas Barnum Circus Museum Fire

The back page has an article headed: "NEW-YORK FIRES" "A Million Dollars' Worth of Property in Flames" "Barnum's Museum and Other Buildings Wholly Destroyed" "The Entire Collection of Wild Animals Burned to Death" and more. Lengthy text. Nice to have in this venerable newspaper title.
Other news and advertisements of the day. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK HERALD, December 25, 1872

* Christmas eve train wreck disaster
* Cross Cut Railroad - Portland, New York
* Phineas Barnum Circus Museum Fire

The top of  page 5 has a one column heading: "RAILROAD HOLOCAUST" with subheads. (see images)
The top of page 3 has a one column heading: "BURNING OF BARNUM'S" with subheads. (see images)
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, minor spine wear, very nice condition.

SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, May 2, 1873 The front page has a two-column width, page length ad "World's Fair and L.B. Lent's Leviathan Universal Living Exposition" and "Great New York Circus!" This contains the information on all the events and several engravings as well.
This is complete in four pages with a small hole at the center fold, otherwise is in very good condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 7, 1873 (supplement not included - see note below)
The front page features a full page illustration: 'The Burial of Captain Hall' with an accompanying article and a map illustration of 'The North Polar Region' of his expedition. Nice full page with 3 illustrations on: 'The Bender Murders Near Cherryvale, Kansas'. Three illustrations on: 'The Drummond Mine Horror'. A full page contains articles and illustrations on 'The Rev. Dr. Crosby'; The Late Baron Liebig'…

BETHLEHEM DAILY TIMES, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1873

* Very nice illustrated Circus advertisement

Page 2 has two columns entirely taken up with a nice, graphic advertisement for a circus, being the: "Great Eastern Menagerie - A Towering Giant Among Its Fellows - The Great 12 Center-Pole Tent - Dual Circus Exhibition!" with more on the double circus coming to Bethlehem. There are  four rather large illustrations of some of the acts (see).
Four pages, very nice condition with much news of…

TOWANDA BUSINESS ITEM, Towanda, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1873  This single sheet issue has news of the day with several advertisements including a very nice illustrated circus ad on the reverse side.

Not sure if this issue was meant to be a single sheet issue or is missing a second leaf in a 4 page paper.

Little staining with some fold wear near the top, otherwise good.

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Sept. 25, 1873  

* P.T. Phineas Barnum ad

The photo shows the nice page five, 2 1/2" by 12" ad for " P. T. Barnum's Great Traveling Museum Menagerie", which includes a portrait of Mr. Barnum and various details about the attractions and performances. The ad takes two-thirds of the column.
Eight pages, good condition.

Background: In the late summer and early autumn of 1873, P. T. Barnum’s enormous traveling spectacle — officially promoted as P. T. Barnum’s Great…

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Oct. 1, 1873 

* P.T. Phineas Barnum ad

The photo shows the nice back page ad for " P. T. Barnum's Great Traveling Museum Menagerie" which includes a portrait of Mr. Barnum and various details about the attractions and performances. The ad takes two-thirds of the column.
Eight pages, good condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 4, 1873   The full ftpg. features one of the better circus-related prints to be had, captioned "The Circus Coming Into Town" which shows a circus wagon with a band in a procession with other performs, all watched by the townsfolk. A great display item for any collector of circus related material.
Other prints within this issue include a 3/4 pg: "An Audience at the Vatican", halfpg: "Interior of Powers's Studio", two smaller prints of buildings in  Florence,…

DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah, July 7, 1874

* "Montgomery Queen's Circus" advertisment
* Child performer "Little Mollie Brown"
* ‘The only Female Somersault Rider in the World’
* Girl horseback circus performer (14 years old)

The front page has a 13 1/2 x 4 inch graphic advertisement for upcoming performances of "Montgomery Queen's Circus" with featured acts that include two talented equestrian riders "Little Mollie Brown" and "Frank Berry" (see images) Little Mollie…

DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, July 9, 1874

* Mormons - Mormons - LDS
* Secular vs. Ecclesiastical Authority
* Targeting the "School of the Prophets"

Page 2 has nearly two columns taken up with the details report of a Utah Supreme Court case concerning wives testifying as witnesses against their husbands.
The report is headed "Supreme Court Decision" "Wives as Witnesses" being the case of Edward Friel vs. Lyman Wood.
The front page has a lengthy, illustrated advertisement for…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 12, 1875 The doublepage centerfold of this issue is a very nice print captioned: "Fair Time--The Entrance to the Circus Tent" showing a woman and child on horseback, with various circus performers and other by-standers in the background. A very nice & displayable print for any collector of circus memorabilia.  There is a related article on the following page as well, titled "Fair Time". You get the complete 16 page issue with has many other prints, including a…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 10, 1875  Fullpg: 'The International Rifle Match, The American Team'. Fullpg. Nast Cartoon: 'Homo-Phobia'. Halfpg: 'The Frigate 'Constitution', 'Old Ironsides' '. Full bkpg: 'A Clown's Cricket Match'.
Complete in sixteen pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 7, 1875  Full ftpg. Nast political cartoon, and another fullpg. by him inside. Halfpg. shows a balloon ascension. Nearly fullpg: 'The Austro-Hungarian Arctic Expedition' shows much hardship.
Complete in sixteen pages.

THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, March 26, 1877

* Samuel P. Stickney
* Circus horseback rider

This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many advertisements. Page 5 has an article headed: "America's Oldest Circus-Rider" "The Death of Samuel P. Stickney After Fifty Years' Service in the Ring"
This issue is not fragile as newsprint back then was made of cotton and linen rags, allowing them to remain very pliable and easy to handle. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition.

THE CLEVELAND HERALD, Cleveland, Ohio, September 26, 1877

* Hunting animals for the zoo & circus
* Lions - tigers - elephants & more

This uncommon 8 page issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
Page 3 has one column headings: "HUNTING WILD BEASTS" "The Dangerous Business of Stocking the Menageries" and more (see photos). The text takes up almost two full columns.
Complete, very minor margin wear, otherwise nice condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 8, 1879  Full ftpg. Nast print: 'The Civilization Of Blaine'. Full page has 4: "Scenes At Pine Bluff, Arkansas". Dblpgctrfld: "Life in Southern India--Return from Early Tea". A fullpg. Nast cartoon: "Attack On The Resumption Safe". Fullpg: 'The Golden Gate--Entrance to San Francisco Harbor'.
Other news and advertisements of the day are included. This issue is complete in 16 pages and is in good condition.

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, April 21, 1879

* W.W. Cole's Circus & Menagerie

This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many advertisements. Page 3 has an article headed: "In The Lion's Den" "A Horrible Spectacle at Cole's Circus and Menagerie" "Torn to Pieces by a Ferocious and Untamed Leopard" and more. (see) Text takes up almost a full column.
This issue is not fragile as newsprint back then was made of cotton and linen rags, allowing them to remain very pliable…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 3, 1880  Front full pg. illus. of "The Explosion in the Winter Palace, St. Petersburg - Scene in the Guard Room." Inside is a full pg. illus. of "Preparing for Easter." 1/2 pg. illus. of "The 'Salvation Army'." 1/4 pg. illus. of "The Rev. Robert L. Dashiell, D.D."
Dblpgctrfld. containing many illus. pertaining to "From Vera Cruz to Mexico - Scenes Along the Road." Full pg. Nast illus. entitled "To Crown All." 1/2 pg. illus. of "The First Elephant Born in…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 31, 1880  Front full pg. illus. of "The Democratic Trojan Horse." Inside is a full pg. illus. entitled "General Hancock Gulliver, How do You Like it as far as You've Got?" 1/3 pg. illus. of "James Gordon Bennett's New Steam Yacht 'Polynia'." 1/2 pg. illus. of "The Ocean Steam Yacht 'Anthracite'."
Doublepage centerfold of "An Interrupted Performance." Three portraits pertaining to "The Chinese Commission." Two small portraits of "Dr. H. S. Tanner, Before and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 2, 1881  This issue includes a full front page illustration by Thomas Nast entitled "U.S. Circus" and a full page illustration by W.A. Rogers entitled "The Old Way and The New". A double page centerfold by Thomas Nast shows a morbid Statue of Liberty as a 'Warning Light', symbolizing the dangerous & unhealthy conditions of the streets of New York. Additional illustrations include: "The National Academy of Design", "The Remedy is Worse Than the Evil" by Thomas…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 7, 1881  Full front page Thomas Nast illustration "New York Must Go - Down". One-third page illustration: 'Buildings for the International Cotton Exposition, Atlanta, Ga.' Full page illustration: 'The American Horse Exchange'. Full page illustration "The Luck of Roaring Camp". Full page illustration: 'The Dog Show in New York' .
Complete in 16 pages and contains additional prints and related text.

FRANKFORT DAILY DISPATCH, Frankfort, Kentucky, Sept. 12, 1881 

* Great circus advertisement

A typical newspaper of the day with various news and advertisements. The front page includes: "Attempt to Kill Guiteau", the assassin of President Garfield. Page 4 has a very large & great illustrated ad for the Forepaugh Circus (see photos).
Four pages, very nice condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 20, 1882   Full front page political cartoon by Thomas Nast: "Fiendish Assassins--Poor Ireland, Save me from my friends!". Over halfpg: "The Old Church at Sleepy Hollow". Great doublepage centerfold: "Our National Capital, Viewed from the South" is a terrific bird's-eye-view of the city, showing the Capitol, the White House, the partially completed Washington Monument, and so much more. Thomas Nast "(Dis-) 'Honors Are Easy.' Now Both Parties Have Something To…

NEW YORK TIMES, March 26, 1883  The 1st column of the front page has a multi-column article headed: "FORGETTING PARTY FEUDS", with subheading: "THE REPUBLICANS OF NEW YORK ANXIOUS FOR HARMONY", which includes the text of a compelling speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in an effort to unite the Republican Party of New York. Nice to have this speech in a New York newspaper only 3 years into his political career - before being ushered onto the national stage.

Other news of the day is found…

BELLEFONTE REPUBLICAN, Bellefonte, Pa., September 19, 1883 Page 5 has a full column advertisement for " The Great Forpaugh Show" which includes 3 illustrations of the various attractions and performances along with additional details. Very displayable - one of the best circus ads we have seen!  Other news of the day and period advertizing is present throughout.The issue has 8 pages and is in nice condition.

Note: The image shown is representative of the one you will receive, but actual…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 26, 1887  Full front page illustration by Frederic Remington: College Players At Foot-Ball---A Tackle And Ball-Down.  Inside has a related report: The College Game Of Football. Also a report: Base-Ball In San Francisco and an illustration: A Base-Ball Game On The Haight Street Grounds, San Francisco. 
Full page "Hunting Wild Hogs in Arkansas"; doublepage centerfold "The Sham Naval Attack and Defense of Newport" which is comprised of several scenes; halfpage…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 3, 1887  The front page print: "Jules Grevy, President of the French Republic". Fullpg: "Panic Stricken Animals Of Barnum's Circus During A Fire". Halfpg: "Group Of Headmen Of The Crow Indians".
The double page centerfold: "Scene from Second Act of Wagner's Opera of 'Siegfried' as Presented at the Metropolitan Opera-House". A full page of "The Leading Artists of the Metropolitan Opera-House Company" and a political cartoon: "Nothing But Feed and Fight" by…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 14, 1888  Full front pg. illus. of "A Sea Change" pertaining to the front pg. poem. Inside is a full pg. illus. of "The Cincinnati Centennial Exposition-Venetian Canal in Machinery Hall." 1/2 pg. illus. of "The Cincinnati Centennial-Main Hall of the Exposition Building."
Doublepage centerfold of "Promenade Deck of the New Twin Screw Steamship "City of New York," of the Inman Line." 1/2 pg. illus. of "The Wolf Memorial Gateway at Easton, Pennsylvania." Six small…