This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/24/2022
SELDEN THE STRATOSPHERE MAN (Arzeno Eugene Selden, 1889-1961). Archive of photographs, programs, clippings, and ephemera. Career-spanning collection of publicity photographs, advertisements, tickets, programs, and heralds for Arzeno Selden (aka Selden the Stratosphere Man) and Selden’s Big City Show. As the Stratosphere Man, Selden presented the “world’s highest aerial act,” performing feats on a sway-pole some 165-feet in the air at fairs, carnivals, and celebrations, for crowds as large as 300,000. The act seriously injured Selden on several occasions, and he died of a heart attack a week after a 50-foot fall at the Southwest Florida Fair in 1961. His wife, Inez (1896-1930), was a trapeze artist who performed in the act. She died from injuries following a 30-foot fall from the trapeze during their act. Lot includes over 25 photographs of Arzeno and Inez Selden from various points in their career; an early advertising booklet; herald and tickets to Selden’s Big Show; advertising/business cards; and various clippings. NICE LOT.