Library Collections: Visual Still: Enlargement

One of the personas adopted by Charles Stratton in his performances was that of an American sailor. Audiences may have been amused by the juxtaposition of Stratton's diminutive size with the "manly" work of the mariner.

Souvenir photograph of Tom Thumb dressed as a sailor.



Visual Still Information

Title: Charles Stratton As A Sailor
Original caption: Charles S. Stratton, Known As General Tom Thumb
Photographed by E.T. Whitey, Norwalk, Conn.
The smallest man alive. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., January 4th, 1838. He has appeared three times before Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and also before most of the crowned heads of Europe. His performances have been witnessed by upwards of Twenty Millions of Persons.
E.T. Whitney has the General's assurance that this is the last picture he will have taken in character. He will furnish by mail, in each or all his characters, for 25 cents each. Direct, E.T. Whitney, Photograph and Fine Art Gallery, Norwalk, Conn.
Creator: E.T. Whitney (photographer)
Date: Circa 1865
Source: Bridgeport Public Library, Historical Collections