Circus, Sideshow & Oddities

Barnum, P.T (Phineas Taylor). Seven Photographs of P.T. Barnum’s Home, Marina. Bridgeport: Farini Photographs, ca. 1889. Oversized imperial cabinet card images of the great circus owner/promoter’s home, depicting its staircase, boudoir, parlors, dining room, and fine furnishings and art. On gilded, beveled-edge photographer’s mounts, 10 7/8 x 13 7/8”. Pinholes in borders, else very good. Rare. Marina was the final home Barnum built in Bridgeport, on property adjacent to his previous residence, Waldemere. The circus king had a penchant for constructing elaborate homes, and furnishing them with equally elaborate accoutrements, as these images show. One image of Barnum appears in these views – a framed portrait resting on a table in the parlor. The home was demolished by the University of Bridgeport in later years to make way for a dining hall.