Calliope Circus Wagon, 1917

01

Artifact Overview

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, traveling circuses entertained millions of Americans. When a circus arrived in town, it staged a spectacular promotional parade down main street, and the musical steam calliope was a highlight. This calliope was built for the John Robinson Circus of Peru, Indiana, about 1917. Other circuses used it before the calliope's retirement in 1929.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Calliope

Date Made

1917

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1623.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Andrew Donaldson.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Paint (Coating)
Leather

Color

Red
Black (Color)
Blue
Brown
Gold (Color)
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 12.5 in
Width: 8.208 in
Length: 18 in
Wheelbase: 12.167 in
Diameter: 36 in (Wheel Diameter)
Diameter: 53 in (Wheel Diameter)

Inscriptions

Inscribed on front: 48