The P. T. Barnum Circus Came to Defiance

P. T. Barnum brought his spectacular show to Defiance in 1883 and again in 1886.  Since he was a master showman, his publicity was outstanding and began long before the show arrived in town, creating excitement among the citizens. 

 In the years this circus came to Defiance, its emphasis was on the wild animals that would be available for viewing, as well as some interesting humans.

The location of the show was not mentioned, although it said it was on 8 - 10 acres.  A parade through town from the railway to the show site was part of the anticipation.

Defiance County Express- July, 1883

"THE GREAT BARNUM

And His Immense London Show to be in Defiance, July 31st.

...The Great Barnum and London Show is not coming to Defiance until Tuesday, July 31st and yet, the first of its five advance advertising cars have already been here, to as thoroughly and widely announce the day and date as would any other show that was coming within a fortnight.  If this is not the very acme of enterprise, we should like to know what is.  Why, it is a genuine sensation of itself, and has already set all tongues wagging with wonder.

1886 advertisement, Defiance County Express

 It is very characteristic, too, of Barnum and his energetic associate partners, and an illustration of the go-ahead principles upon which the great show is run.  Everything about it, even to its advertising, is upon the gigantic scale.  Its one hundred and sixty agents and their assistants are the skirmish line, as it were, of a grand army of novel features, both physical and artistic, from every land.

Eight acres of stupendous tents are required to accommodate the vast multitudes daily attracted, and the treasures, spectacles and performances of the two menageries, museum, three circuses in three rings, Roman Hippodrome and huge elevated stage for the display of Olympian games.

Besides Jumbo, the largest and most famous beast of whom we have any record, and who has been inspected daily by at least 30,000 amazed people, there are ten gigantic ostriches, thirty-two camels and dromedaries, a tremendous herd of twenty-nine elephants, including the nursing baby marvel, 'Bridgeport,' 600 performers and attaches, over 300 splendid horses and ponies, and nearly a solid mile of railroad cars filled with instruction, excitement and fun.  

Great, indeed, is Barnum, and his success is honestly earned."

 

Defiance County Express - June 24, 1886

Wouldn't you imagine that the whole town would line the streets for this extravaganza?