Sideshow

Beyond the photographic and printed souvenirs sold to the public, 
there are many other collectable items relating to sideshows. 
Shown here is a small selection of Freak Museum's holdings.


Blow-ups were commonly displayed in front of dime museums, circus sideshows and carnival ten-in-ones, advertizing the wonders to be seen within. They range in size and were sometimes hand colored. Exposed to the weather, they rarely survive in good condition. A printing company in New York City was the major supplier to the trade. 

The blow-ups shown here range from 15 x 20 inches to 4 x 5 feet. 
Their sizes have been standardized for ease of posting.

Freak Museum's collection contains more than one hundred 
of these fascinating relics of the golden age of freak exhibitions.




































John Dillinger
Dead and on a slab
Crime Show blow-up
20x14 inches


Reader boards were usually displayed inside the show. 
They explained the exhibits on display.




Giant Rings
A souvenir often encountered are these finger rings sold by giants.
 
More than seventy different types and varieties of giant rings are represented in the collection.


Sideshow Exhibits

Mummified Two Headed Baby
exhibited in Dean Potters Sideshow
 manufactured


 Mummified Demon
exhibited in Dean Potters Sideshow
manufactured


"The Three World Wonders"



This beautiful freak show stand-up was made by Photo Color Inc., New York City. 
It is 15 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Photographs of the acts were glued to a board, cut out 
and painted with oil colors using a dry brush technique. This accounts for the life-like appearance. 


Wives of the Godino Twins


Freak show stand up showing the wives of the Godino Siamese twins.
Autographed by both women and dated January 8, 1930.


Counter Cards


Nate Eagle presents Hollywood Midgets
on the World of Mirth carnival


 Please come back, more to come as time permits.

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