"Mat. Wixom's Great R.R. Show Circus," 1893
THF732012 / "Mat. Wixom's Great R.R. Show Circus," 1893
01
Artifact Overview
Martin Van Buren "Mat" Wixom was a Michigan-based showman. He and his sons operated a small, regional circus that traveled to mid-Michigan's rural communities between 1874 and 1897. Wixom would create a new gimmick for the circus every year to fuel the audience's anticipation. In 1893, he put up the Great Railroad Show and traveled on a 3-car train throughout the region.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
1893
Creator Notes
Original poster lithographer was Donaldson Lithograph Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. The photographer is unidentified.
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
00.1451.26
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 5.5 in
Width: 7.375 in
Inscriptions
The color version of the poster in this photograph reads from top to bottom: MAT. WIXOM'S / GREAT R.R. SHOW. / FATHER & SONS. / MANAGERS
Name under each portrait: F.I. WIXOM / E.B. WIXOM / M.V.B. WIXOM / R.D. WIXOM / VAN WIXOM
Typed on back of image: Reproduction of a one-sheet lithograph used season 1893.
Keywords |
|---|
02
Related Content
SetPosters from the Golden Age of the Circus
- 19 Artifacts
Between 1870 and 1930, the circus was one of the most popular forms of American popular entertainment. Showmen like Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum, James Bailey and the Ringling brothers traveled across the United States and the world. They brought death-defying stunts, exotic animals, and fun to audiences everywhere. This collection of circus posters highlights the many facets of the Golden Age of the circus.