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Yosemite Stereoview of PT Barnum & Party, 1870, Out to Buy Big Tree Bark [204563]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Photographic Images - Antique Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 150.00 USD
Yosemite Stereoview of PT Barnum & Party, 1870, Out to Buy Big Tree Bark [204563]
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Rare stereoview by John P. Soule, copyright 1870, showing PT Barnum & Party on horseback with Yosemite Falls in the background. Barnum, a world-famous showman, arrived in Mariposa at the end of May 1870 to see the Big Trees and Yosemite. While there, he purchased an infamous 30-inch thick piece of bark from one of the Big Tree sequoias that had been on display at Joe Miller's Capitol Saloon for $100. He had the piece sent to SF to then be shipped to Wood's Museum in NY. (See more discussion of this in The Big Tree Exhibits of 1870-1871 and the Roots of the Giant Sequoia Preservation Movement, Gary D. Lowe). Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 ‚- April 7, 1891) was an American showman, entrepreneur, and politician famed for his innovative and sensational forms of entertainment. He founded P. T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome in 1871, which later merged in 1881 with James A. Bailey's circus to form the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Known for bold publicity stunts and the phrase "the Greatest Show on Earth," Barnum helped define modern mass entertainment and advertising in the 19th century.
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Date: 1870
Country (if not USA):
State: California
City: Yosemite
Provenance: Ken Prag Collection