P.T. Barnum Part 1 #11
Posted By thecircusblog on December 13, 2012
P.T. Barnum’s grand parade with a 40 horse hitch, 1880. I have no info on where this photo was taken.
A must read comment from Bob Cline.
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My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
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The 40 horse hitch would have been pulling the Car of Commerce wagon. This had a huge telescoping section that rose High above the roadway. Years later, the telescoping unit would be taken off. Later still, the upper section of the wagon was taken off making it what it is today. Everyone recognizes it now as the Five Graces Bandwagon that is housed at the Ringling Museums.
In 1903 upon the return of the Barnum & Bailey Circus to America, they commissioned a new and grander wagon to be built. This is the Two Hemispheres Bandwagon and it would become the wagon behind the 40 horse hitch.