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c1860s antique BRISTOL\'S EDUCATED HORSES bangor me OPERA HOUSE ad EQUINE SHOW
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AI Disclosure: AI assistance was used in preparing this description. While every effort has been made to accurately identify and describe the item, occasional errors or omissions may occur. Please rely on the photographs for details and condition, and feel free to ask questions before purchasing.
An extraordinary antique illustrated theatrical advertising broadside promoting Professor Bristol\'s Educated Horses, Ponies and Mules, appearing at the Opera House in Bangor, Maine, November 16–17.
This fascinating piece of 19th-century American entertainment history advertises Rufus Somerby\'s Great Equine Show, featuring Professor Bristol\'s remarkable troupe of trained horses performing elaborate tricks, theatrical routines, mathematical demonstrations, and feats of apparent intelligence.
Each page measures approximately 14 x 10.5 inches, making the two-page spread approximately 28 inches wide when fully opened.
The advertising features wonderful wood-engraved illustrations of performing horses, including scenes captioned:
The remarkable advertised performances include horses answering questions, spelling words, identifying colors, performing mathematical exercises, ringing bells, retrieving objects, and participating in theatrical sketches.
The troupe reportedly consisted of nine performing horses appearing together onstage without bridles or reins.
One particularly interesting advertised attraction is \"The Colored Preacher\'s Horse Trade with the Professor,\" a reference to a period stage performance that may interest collectors researching African American representation and racial stereotypes in 19th-century popular entertainment.
Another featured attraction is the Grand Street Parade, led by the beautiful spotted stallion \"Eagle,\" advertised as being driven without reins.
Additional historical details include:
Rufus Somerby, manager
Sam Sampson, advance representative
Afternoon and evening performances
Admission prices of 25, 35 and 50 cents
Special afternoon performances for women and children
Printing credit: Boston Job Print, Alden Street
The promotional language emphasizes the extraordinary intelligence of the horses, claiming they were trained through kindness rather than the whip.
An exceptional survival of early American theatrical advertising, equestrian entertainment, trained animal exhibitions, and Bangor, Maine, entertainment history.
Condition: Original antique paper with age toning, fold creases, edge wear, small tears, corner wear, and scattered discoloration. Some show-through from printing on the reverse. Please examine the photographs carefully for the overall condition and completeness.
Authentic period piece related to family, historyor local heritage - well-suited for historical collections, genealogical /genealogy research, or museum acquisition.Vintage or Antique.
CONDITION: See listing description and photos.
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LOC:
LOC2: PAPERBOXTALL18-MR-TMKTK-F261011BDS500G
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