The famous Harry Hertzberg Circus Collection opened in San Antonio 80 years ago today.

Photo: The entrance to the Harry Hertzberg Circus Collection and features one of the elephant sculptures greeting the visitors…..University of Michigan

Formally dedicated two months earlier at the end of 1942 in the presence of performers, circus executives and selected fans, the long-awaited public Grand Opening of the Harry Hertzberg Circus Collection took place at 1pm on January 12th, 1943.

Housed in two large rooms on the 3rd floor of the San Antonio Public Library on Market Street ( now the home of the Briscoe Western Art Museum ) the Hertzberg Circus Collection consisted of over 20,000 circusana items, together with over 800 books dealing with life under the Big Top, and was considered the rarest collection of its type in the world.

Photo….University of Michigan

The prized collection was bequeathed to the library by San Antonio Senator, lawyer and philanthropist Harry Hertzberg, considered to be the No. 1 circus fan in the United States.

Photo: Letterhead of Harry Hertzberg’s San Antonio law firm…Author

Photo: Author

His law practice and later the role of congressman kept Harry Hertzberg busy, however, he found relaxation for many years traveling throughout the United States searching out and acquiring “all things circus” to add to his enormous collection. Not unlike todays “American Pickers” TV show, he and a devoted band of friends criss-crossed the country ferreting through attics, barns, homes and saloons to accumulate thousands of treasures so he could bring them all together in one place.

Photo….Texas State Preservation Board

Photo: Harry Hertzberg with circus entertainer Maria Rasputin and another unknown performer…….Sverre Braathen

It was reported that both Harvard and Princeton Universities had long coveted the collection because of its educational and intrinsic value, however Harry Hertzberg refused outside offers, and was determined to keep the collection in San Antonio.

The Harry Hertzberg Circus Collection was divided into 6 classifications:

1. Show Paper

This was a display of circus posters, handbills, programs and tickets…some of which dated back to 1873. The oldest piece was a poster of the Ricketts Circus which was attended by George and Martha Washington.

2. The Circus in Art

Here visitors could inspect a variety of paintings of circus personalities and circus acts, along with a collection of lithographs and engravings.

3. The Circus in Literature

A huge range of bound stories and articles of the circus, along with pamphlets, magazines, scrap books and letters.

4. Photographs

On display were photos of famous clowns, trapeze artists, animal trainers and sideshow performers….many of them autographed.

5. The Circus in Music

This was a chance to hear the big circus tunes and inspect the original scores and sheet music of these musical pieces.

6. Display Items

Included in this extensive display was a “big top” show along with a sideshow tent and models of people and animals showing life as it was in a big touring circus. To make it easier for visitors to see, a raised platform surrounded the display so they could look down from above to take in all the details. It was estimated that this miniature circus alone was valued at over $3 million.

Photo: Author

Photo: Author

Photo: Author

Photo: Pinterest

One of the most popular exhibits was the General Tom Thumb display from the famous Barnum and Bailey Circus. Tom Thumb was a circus legend, not only because of his 40” stature, but also because he could entertain a crowd with singing, dancing, and impersonations of famous people. The priceless collection included the tiny performer’s coach, clothing, shoes, a bible, violin, shotgun and walking cane. 

Photo: A 10 year old General Tom Thumb….Wikipedia

Photo: General Tom Thumb’s carriage….Flickr

When visiting London, it was quite common to see General Tom Thumb taking a carriage ride through the city streets. The body of the coach was 20″ high and 11″ wide and was drawn by two Shetland ponies.

Photo: General Tom Thumb and carriage….Antique Carousel

Photo…..University of Michigan

There was even a piece of his wedding cake from his marriage to Lavinia Warren on February 10th 1863.

Photo: The wedding of Tom Thumb and Lavinia….History Today

On their honeymoon, General Tom Thumb and his wife Lavinia were invited guests of President Abraham Lincoln at the White House.

The doors opened to the collection on January 12th 1943, and today 80 years later, we remember the significant contribution of Harry Hertzberg for his restoration and collection of circus history.

Sadly, Harry Hertzberg never had the chance to see his collection on public display. He passed away at his home in San Antonio on August 12th, 1940 after a heart attack. He was 56 years of age.

Photo: Author

Photo: The home of Harry Hertzberg….SA Current

Today, the extensive collection is stored safely at the Witte Museum with plans for a future display being discussed. Many who missed the display in the past are hoping it will once again be available for public viewing in the near future. However, you can get a taste of the circus by visiting the elephants who graced the entrance to the collection. They can be found outside the B. Naylor Morton Research and Collections Center at the Witte Museum.

Photo: Author

Photo: Author

Additional stories:

• Harry Hertzberg came from a prominent San Antonio family.  His father Eli earned a great reputation over many decades as one of San Antonio’s finest jewelers, who opened his first store on Commerce Street in 1878.

Photo: San Antonio Light

Eli Hertzberg is also remembered for the creation of the iconic San Antonio landmark, the Hertzberg Jewelers clock which has graced downtown for many years. It was originally located in front of the store when it was at 329 W. Commerce Street, but now can be found on the corner of Houston and N. St Mary’s, and has served as a “meeting point” in the city for generations.

Photo: Author

• Meanwhile, Harry’s mother Anna Goodman is remembered for her invaluable contribution to the music scene in San Antonio. Seeing a void for women’s music in San Antonio after moving from New York, she and a few other friends decided to meet each Tuesday at her home to play and share music….followed by afternoon tea.

Photo: Anna Goodman….The Top Shelf

Over time the popularity of the group grew, moving from her home, and then became known as the Tuesday Musical Club which is now located located near Brackenridge Park.

A statue commissioned by Harry Hertzberg and created by famed sculptors Pompeo Coppini and Waldine Tauch can be found at the entrance of the Tuesday Musical Club.

Photo: Author

The story of Waldine Tauch can be found here.

• General Tom Thumb was born as Charles Sherwood Stratton in Bridgeport, Connecticut on January 4th, 1838. At birth he weighed 9 lbs 8oz. For the first 6 months of his life he developed normally. By that time was 25” tall and weighed 15 lbs. But then, the growing slowed. By his 5th birthday, he was only 26” tall and had not put on any additional weight. At the age of 21, he stood 2′ 10″ tall. Aside from this, he was a normal, healthy male. His body was proportionate and functional.

Photo: History Things

He became a world-famous entertainer, performing for Queen Victoria on two occasions. In fact, at one of these performances as he was leaving, he was attacked by the Queen’s poodle. He quickly utilized his tiny cane to fend off the dog in a feigned fencing display……much to the delight of the Queen and her guests. He also earned a reputation for his impersonations of famous people like Cupid, a Scottish Highlander and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Photo: BBC

The acquisition of many of his possessions and stage props became a huge attraction to at the Harry Herztberg’s Circus Collection.

Sources:

San Antonio Light

San Antonio Express Newspaper

Wikipedia

University of Michigan

babel.hathitrust.org

thoughtco.com

victorianvoices.net

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