These pages feature signatures of P.T. Barnum and several of his performers. The page with P.T. Barnumu2019s signature also has the words Room 14 Astor House, Friday 24 3 P.M. Admit three 3 or 4. The ink stamp on the left hand side dates it to January 22, 1873 and lists Barnum's New York address. The second reads Hippodrome, Admit Two 2 to We[??] and the stamp dates it to September 12, 1874. On the bottom in purple ink is another admittance note with Barnum's signature. It is likely that these three documents represent Barnum's writing complimentary tickets to circus performances. Next set features a large sheet of paper on the left to Miss S[?] of Ballard, and dates to February 26, 1872. On the right side at the top is a scrap of paper with Barnum's signature. In the center is another scrap with his signature, as well as Bridgeport, Conn 1882. The bottom piece reads My dear E[?] I am truly yours and then features his signature. Barnum's surname is embossed in blue on the paper. On the reverse of these images, writing can be seen from the top scrap, suggesting it is a torn off letter, and the bottom features a personal note. The very final page is a sheet of autographs. Present signatures are: P.T. Barnum's from Springfield, dated to June 20, 1865, Charles Stratton known as General Tom Thumb, Mrs. Charles Stratton (M. Lavinia Warren), Minnie Warren, and Commodore Nutt, dated to June 20, 1868. Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810-April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. However, Barnum only began to focus on the circus in 1871. Prior to that he managed the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868, was an elected official, mayor of Bridgeport, philanthropist, promoter, newspaper editor, and investor, among many, many other things. He promoted an image of himself along with his various ventures, which changed throughout the years, and was a celebrity in his own right.
