Phineas Taylor (P.T.)  BARNUM

PHINEAS T. BARNUM, the greatest showman the world has ever seen, was born at Danbury, Connecticut, July 5, 1810. At the age of eighteen years he began business on his own account. He opened a retail fruit and confectionery house, including a barrel of ale, in one part of an old carriage house. He spent fifty dollars in fitting up the store and the stock cost him seventy dollars. Three years later he put in a full stock, such as is generally carried in a country store, and the same year he started a Democratic newspaper, known as the 'Herald of Freedom.' He soon found himself in jail under a sixty days' sentence for libel. During the winter of 1834-5 he went to New York and began soliciting business for several Chatham street houses. In 1835 he embarked in the show business at Niblo's Garden, having purchased the celebrated 'Joice Heth' for one thousand dollars. He afterward engaged the celebrated athlete, Sig. Vivalia, and Barnum made his 'first appearance on any stage,' acting as a

On October 20, 1873, P.T. Barnum opened his grand Hippodrome in New York City, promising 'The Greatest Show on Earth.' This venue was a colossal spectacle, housing a diverse array of performances that included circus acts, theatrical presentations, and other entertainment marvels designed to captivate audiences of all ages. Barnum's vision was to create an unparalleled entertainment experience, blending the thrill of the circus with the grandeur of a theater, and his Hippodrome quickly became a cultural landmark, drawing crowds eager to witness its wonder.

Tragically, the Hippodrome's brilliance was short-lived. On December 23, 1873, just two months after its grand opening, a devastating fire engulfed the building. The inferno consumed the entire structure, turning Barnum's magnificent creation to ashes and abruptly halting the vibrant performances that had enchanted New Yorkers.

THE GREAT SHOW'S WINTER QUARTERS AT BRIDGEPORT, CONN., FURNISHES HIGH CARNIVAL FOR THE FIRE FIEND - MANY VALUABLE ANIMALS AMONG THEM THE SACRED WHITE ELEPHANT, CONSUMED - OTHERS ESCAPE, CREATING HAVOC IN THE STREETS.

Bridgeport, Conn., Nov. 24. - The main building of Barnum & Bailey's 'Greatest Show on Earth' was entirely destroyed by fire last evening. About 10:30 o'clock an alarm was sounded, quickly followed by a general alarm, and thousands of people were drawn to the spot. In less than thirty minutes the large building, which was 600 by 200 feet and two stories in height, was entirely consumed. The first intimation of the fire was given by the roaring of the lions and tigers, which seemed to realize the impending danger. Next the elephants struggled in their chains, but in an incredibly short time the flames swept from one end of the huge structure to the other. There were six watchmen employed on the premises, but they were helpless to check the flames. Five of the watchmen

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Nov. 27. - P. T. Barnum, the showman, is a thing of the past. He has settled up his business, and announced that he had turned his whole circus over to Mr. Bailey, who will own and conduct it, and that he himself has forever retired. Advancing years and a desire to enjoy his old age in quiet are the causes which led Mr. Barnum to close out. Mrs. Barnum is getting infirm. He shows his years, and he repeatedly announced that the cozy little brick cottage in which he intends to pass the evening of his life had been built expressly for his young wife. The deeds are in her name. Mr. Barnum has made his will, which is understood to be a 'cast-iron will.' Besides the usual witnesses Mr. Barnum has secured the signatures of two leading physicians the he is in his right mind. He is estimated to be worth $10,000,000.