Program: Complimentary Banquet for P.T. Barnum held at the Atlantic Hotel

Program from the complimentary banquet to P.T. Barnum from the citizens of Bridgeport, Conn., held at the Atlantic Hotel on June 25, 1874. Included inside is a list of thanks from various Bridgeport citizens, the menu from the dinner, and on the back is an illustration of Barnum's third Bridgeport home, Lindencroft. A second version of the program, with a blue cover, features the same information, plus an additional lengthy list of credits for who provided what for the dinner. Speeches given at the dinner are also included. This demonstrates the respect that Barnum was given by his fellow Bridgeport citizens, as well as the influence he had on the city over his many years of residency. 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.