American Historical Ephemera & Photography

The Progress of Civilization Wild West Program. Front with George A. Custer. Philadelphia: Morrell Brothers, ca 1880. Featured reenactment of “Custer's Last Stand.” Forepaugh’s champion shooter was Capt. A.H. Bogardus. He also featured “Nebo,” the giant horse standing 20 hands high and “Eclipse,” the trapeze horse, along with the usual circus animal acts, trapeze artists (human), “freaks,” and more. These seem to be some hybrid Wild West show and what we would think of today as a standard circus. -- Together 2 programs, one misprinted – missing pages 1-2 and last two. The second seems to be complete, but is in somewhat rough condition from handling.

[With:] Letter opener with “Indian camp scene” with portraits of “Minnehaha” and “Chief Red Cloud” on one side of handle and “Bronco busters” on the other side. 7-1/2” long.

[Also with:] Buffalo Bill cast iron figurine, original paint. Ca 1900-1910.