1910s-1930s Circus Ephemera Collection

United States, 1930. A whimsical collection of 1910s-1930s ephemera related to circuses and carnival acts, including illustrated letterheads, postcards, handbills, and hotel stationary. Collected by one individual who was, presumably, a traveling performer, it is a unique collection in that it contains stationary from the fancy hotels he (she?) was housed in while touring around the country. Comedians, acrobats, dancers, jugglers, contortionists, clowns, and biplane aerial acts are all represented. Note too the presence of minstrelsy/Black face in this material, as well as the letterhead promoting an entertainer named "Blacaman", described as "The Great (truncated) Indian Fakir" and "Le Roi de La Jungle", a French Black face performer trading on people's preconceptions of Africa and race in his act. Provides a valuable window into the life of a career performer at this time in the early part of the 20th century. The physical description of the material includes: nine (9) illustrated letterheads for performers, each approx. 11" by 8"; twelve (12) illustrated hotel envelopes measuring approx. 3.5" by 6.5"; seven (7) illustrated hotel letterheads, some with matching envelopes, each measuring approx. 9.25" by 6"; two (2) trade catalogues for performers' shoes, each approx. 6" by 3.5" and 20 pp.; two (2) handbills advertising tent shows, measuring 9" by 6" and 12" by 9.5"; ten (10) postcards with entertainment acts, each measuring approx. 3.5" by 5.5"; and one (1) seven-fold printed "Official Amusement Guide" listed cinema shows in San Francisco in January 1932, measuring approx. 5.5" by 1.75".

Of particular note are the two Grifin Theatrical Shoe catalogues, including chicken feet, tight rope walking shoes, etc. (Inventory #: 240009621)