Major Tot | Photograph | Wisconsin Historical Society

Photograph

Major Tot

Major Tot | Photograph | Wisconsin Historical Society
Carte-de-visite of Major Tot standing on a prop column and wall next to a man of average height in front of a painted backdrop. Both men are holding canes. Major Tot's actual name was Pierre Albert Poitras, born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1869. He was hired by P.T. Barnum and billed as "The world's smallest perfectly developed man." He eventually grew to a height of 3.5 feet, weighed ninety pounds and wore a child's size 5 shoe. His father is said to have transported him to engagements in a 14" satchel. Text on the back reads, "Big Success Everywhere! Of Major Tot, The Wonderful Human Midget! Age 16 Yrs, Weight Only 10.5 Lbs."
DESCRIPTION
Carte-de-visite of Major Tot standing on a prop column and wall next to a man of average height in front of a painted backdrop. Both men are holding canes. Major Tot's actual name was Pierre Albert Poitras, born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1869. He was hired by P.T. Barnum and billed as "The world's smallest perfectly developed man." He eventually grew to a height of 3.5 feet, weighed ninety pounds and wore a child's size 5 shoe. His father is said to have transported him to engagements in a 14" satchel. Text on the back reads, "Big Success Everywhere! Of Major Tot, The Wonderful Human Midget! Age 16 Yrs, Weight Only 10.5 Lbs."
RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:87536
Creation Date:circa 1885
Creator Name:Babcock, J. W. (Joseph Weeks), 1850-1909
City:
County:
State:
Collection Name:Classified file, circa 1850s-1950s
Genre:Photograph
Original Format Type:photographic print, b&w
Original Format Number:CF 9135
Original Dimensions:2.5 x 4.125 inches
SUBJECTS
Murals
Painting
Hats
Suits (Clothing)
Dwarfs
Indoor photography
Men
Moustache
Portrait photography
Studios and dark rooms
Photography

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Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

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