It is no secret that Petey Barnum in the 1840's was a rascist. However, it should be noted that by the time of his death in 1891 he had done a complete about-face.
When he introduced the funny-looking William Johnson to the world in 1860 as the "man-monkey" he was acting no more or less prejudiced than those around him. But by the time he died he and "Zip" had become close working partners and William (who outlived Barnum by 35 years) was said to have retained an abiding affection for his promoter.
With the financial success of Mr. Johnson the doors were opened to Black Americans in the side-show business.
Who could have imagined that two little, Southern born, conjoined black girls born into slavery in 1851 would become one of the most well-paid, world-travelled and respected acts in show business? And yet, so popular were Millie-Christine that 88 years after their death their biography was published.
Before Rosa Parks made history by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man Betty Lou Williams and her incomplete twin had already been born, raised in show business, became wealthy and died! Six years later, craniopagus twins Yvonne and Yvette had a party to celebrate their first $1,000,000 earned in the business.
Among those with limb anomalies there was George, the Turtle Boy and armless Barney Nelson. Limbless Prince Randian appeared in Tod Browning's "Freaks". Alzoria, the Turtle Girl worked at Dreamland. Fellow Coney Islanders were Alzoria and her cousin Johanna and Alice Bounds and her mom.
There are folks around today who met or knew these four gentleman: Bill Cole, Otis Jordan, Carl Norwood and Emmett Blackwelder. And then there was John Doogs and ossified Seip.
Many black retarded "pinheads" were seen in those days including Effie, Rosie, Nettie and Willie House.
Among the giants there was Aaron Moore, Karoo, Charles Freeman and Willie Camper. W.C. Coup maintained that Col Ruth Goshen was a "negro picked up in Kentucky" but actually he was an Englishman. Among the ladies were Abomah and Dolores Pullard.
Some dolls of the sawdust were Princess Weenie Wee, Princess Wee Wee, Prince Arthur, General Woods and Walter Freeman. Often mentioned among the little people also was "Clicko".
Among the professional fat ladies were Baby Flo Jackson, Captivatin' Liza and Lucy Morrris. Among the men: Fat Albert Jackson, Johnny Alee and Baby Jim.
Those with various skin conditions were a man known only as "Toney", big-footed Sylvia Porter and the albino brother act of Eko and Iko. Some were exhibited as partial albinos like the Anderson family, the Davis family, the Sanders family and others.
Finally, two men who were known as "Pop-Eyes" were Leonard Perry and Willie Ingram.
|
