Unusual Attractions at the Big Top: A Look at Ten Strange Circus Performances
In the early 20th century, the world of sideshows was a captivating spectacle that drew crowds with its unique blend of the bizarre and the extraordinary. Let's delve into some fascinating tales from this era.
Mary Ann Bevan, once billed as the "World's Ugliest Woman," lived during the 1920s. Suffering from acromegaly, a pituitary disorder that caused bone and facial disfigurement, Bevan's story serves as a poignant reminder of the stigma faced by those who appeared different.
Similarly, a Chinese laborer named Hoo Loo came to London in the 19th century, carrying a 58-pound tumor covering his lower abdomen to his knees. Despite the challenges he faced, Hoo Loo's tumor surgery was performed at Guy's Hospital, attracting a crowd of 680 men who watched the operation, which was done without anesthesia. Unfortunately, Hoo Loo passed away during the surgery.
Another individual who faced similar challenges was Pasquale Pinon, also known as "The Two-Headed Mexican." Born with a large tumor growing from his head, Pinon was put in a traveling show with a wax mask on the tumor to make it look like a second head.
Meanwhile, Ben Dova, a sideshow performer, made being drunk look like a lot of fun as he performed dangerous acrobatic stunts under the influence. One of his most famous acts involved climbing the Chanin Building in New York City without a net or safety device.
The world of sideshows was not without its hoaxes. The Fiji Mermaid, displayed in the 19th century, was discovered to be a monkey head stitched to a fish's body.
Some performers, however, were celebrated for their unique abilities. Le Petomane, a French performer, was famous for his control over his flatulence, using it to blow out candles, jet water, and even play wind instruments. Hadji Ali, a well-known regurgitator in the 1920s, could hit a target 6 feet away with his vomit.
P.T. Barnum, the famous showman, was not above manipulating his performers. He told Tom Thumb, a dwarf who became a popular performer in the mid-19th century, to lie about his age and claim he was 11 years old to make his performance more shocking.
The "human blockhead" act, involving the insertion of sharp objects into a performer's nasal cavity with precision, was another popular attraction. However, this act carries the risk of serious injury, particularly from sneezing while inserting a sharp object into the skull.
Laura Grande argues that Hoo Loo's story is an example of how the sideshow aesthetic made its way into the general populace. From the "World's Ugliest Woman" to the "Two-Headed Mexican," these stories serve as a reminder of a bygone era, one that both fascinated and horrified audiences.
Elmer McCurdy, a small-time crook in the early 20th century, was shot by authorities after a train robbery in 1911. His body was embalmed and mummified, and for the next 60 years, it was used as a sideshow attraction, passing from show to show.
Another performer who was billed as the "World's Ugliest Woman" around the same time period was Grace McDaniels, who probably had Sturge-Weber Syndrome, which causes a facial birthmark and tumors.
Lastly, Craniopagus parasiticus is a rare medical condition where a person is born with a parasitic twin head. While not a common occurrence in the world of sideshows, it serves as a stark reminder of the extraordinary and sometimes grotesque nature of human biology.
These tales from the world of historical sideshows offer a fascinating glimpse into a time when the line between entertainment and exploitation was often blurred. From the heartbreaking stories of individuals like Hoo Loo to the extraordinary abilities of performers like Le Petomane, these tales continue to captivate and intrigue us today.
