Petition to "Messrs [P. T.] Barnum and [James A.] Bailey" signed by private citizens and representatives of "business houses" in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The petition pertains to a discussion of moving the Winter Quarters to a new location, which the signers opposed. It is dated November 23, 1887, just three days after a major fire destroyed the buildings and equipment, and killed almost all the animals. Petitioners desired that Barnum and Bailey keep the Winter Quarters in Bridgeport. The petition's message is typed, while the forty-three signatures beneath are hand-written in ink and the conclusion of the message states, "We should consider it a great injury to the City for you to remove, and trust that you will favorably consider our request that you remain." Beginning in the 1870s, the Winter Quarters and storage accommodations for P. T. Barnum's variously named circuses were located in Connecticut, with permanent buildings being put up in Bridgeport in the early 1880s. The five acres of land and several huge buildings provided storage for railroad cars, animals, wagons, tents, prop fabrication, and a stable. For the health of wild animals whose native climates were hot, Barnum had steam-heated rooms built. The horses were sent to other places where they were kept working during the off-season, so as not to lose strength and agility. Barnum's circus Winter Quarters was a boon for the local Bridgeport economy, thanks to the scale of the operation and the number of people involved. Although occupied only seasonally, from late fall to late winter, the presence of such a famous circus in Bridgeport was a point of pride. During the winter, performers and animals practiced and trained for the upcoming circus season, and local residents could see the animals. Unfortunately, the Winter Quarters suffered two major fires: one on November, 20, 1887, after which the quarters were rebuilt, and again in 1924, when it was owned by Ringling Brothers. After the second fire, the complex was abandoned. Ringing Brothers moved their Winter Quarters to Florida.
