Between the Covers

Broadside advertisement. Quarto. Measuring 9 ¼” x 11 ¼”. Scattered foxing and light old folds, very good or better. An unrecorded and probably unique broadside advertisement printed on an untrimmed sheet of handmade wove paper, circa 1815-20, for a sideshow exhibit on Chatham-Street (the original name of present day Park Row), when it was part of the Bowery in New York City.

An early sideshow advertisement for the 4000-lb. “Ox President,” bred by Joseph Hough, a farmer from Springfield in Burlington County, New Jersey. According to Burlington County Tax records from 1811, Hough owned a 207 acre farm with 32 householders. Perhaps in competition with other sideshow curiosity attractions that showcased an exotic elephant or lion imported from abroad, this broadside includes two paragraphs of additional billing, advertising the curious attachment of “this noble animal, to which the world can produce no equal,” to his Mother. A full transcription follows:

“The Wonderful Ox President, Will be exhibited in Chatham-Street, opposite the Jail. This noble animal, to which the world can produce no equal, was reared by Joseph Hough, Esq. of Springfield, Burlington County, West Jersey, and is now eight years old, and weighs rising / 4000 lbs.

The President has never been separated from his mother, he was allowed to suck until he left off himself. The attachment between the Mother and Son is so strong, that it was found impossible to separate them, and consequently they were both sold together. It is said that they always traversed their pasture in company, and if the mother indicated a desire to go to any particular field, the son would break down, without ceremony, any fence that impeded her progress.

They were always fed together, and the Son evinced the greatest fear lest he should prevent his mother getting a sufficient portion of the food. He would push it towards her, and sometimes even stop eating himself until she was satisfied.

The above Animal can be seen at all hours. Admittance 12 1-2 Cents. Children half price.”

An attractive, unrecorded New York City broadside.

Item #424919