Two-sided handbill printed on thin blue paper promoting "Man in Miniature" Charles S. Stratton, better known by his stage name, General Tom Thumb. Stratton was a little person performer made famous by showman P. T. Barnum. Handbills, which are similar in concept to modern-day flyers, were used to publicize events from the 1700s into the early 1900s. This handbill announces Tom Thumb's appearances, called levees (receptions), at the Town Hall in GT [Great] Barrington Thursday and Friday, September 21 and 22. Though the handbill is undated, the year is calculated to be 1848, about two years after Stratton and Barnum returned from their successful three-year tour of Europe. Stratton then toured America, going as far west as St. Louis, Missouri. He performed various character roles, from Napoleon to Sampson, but was always promoted by his stage name, General Tom Thumb. The handbill illustration shows the boy with an admiring audience of men and women as he stands beside his miniature carriage and ponies, called by its French term "equipage." The reverse side features a lengthy biographical article that describes Charles Stratton's background, weight and height, physical appearance and character traits, and the various characters he portrays in his performances. This handbill is a very rare item, both because it was never intended to be kept long term, and because the paper is so thin and fragile. Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
