Step Right Up! Circus Nostalgia Abounds with the Greatest Show on Earth.

“Let’s go to the circus!” Has there ever been another sentence in the history of the English language that is guaranteed to send any child, even the grown ones, into a tailspin of happiness? As a child, the annual visit of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, the granddaddy of all circuses, to the area I lived in was the highlight of my year. Not to tell off on my age, but when I was a kid, the circus still allowed people to watch the setup (from afar, of course) and visit the animal tents and trailers on the way to the Big Top. As a child, the opportunity to pet an elephant was a type of bliss that could only live in the imagination. But the circus provided that completely joyful moment. Those are some of my happiest childhood memories.

Our yearly expedition to Ringling Bros., “The Greatest Show on Earth,” filled me and my siblings with so much joy that even today, I can’t help but become emotional, especially when I think of how meticulously my parents planned these outings year after year for their seven children—saving for both the circus and souvenirs, the pennants, stuffed animals, cups, and other inexpensively made tchotchkes they knew their children would inevitably whine and beg for until they held their respective prizes in their grubby little fists.

I loved a stuffed elephant as much as the next girl; back then, though, I wanted posters. I considered posters a much more sophisticated souvenir than those that five of my six younger siblings demanded (my brother was too cool for souvenirs), like keychains for their non-existent sets of keys, tiger-shaped coin banks, and clown mugs. At one time, I had so many 60s and 70s Ringling Bros. posters that I had utterly eclipsed my mother’s painstakingly installed ballerina wallpaper. When I left home to go out into the world at the tender age of 19, I left my childhood posters behind—and I metaphorically kick myself every time I think of that boneheaded move. They did not, unfortunately, survive my younger siblings’ Greg and Marsha Brady-style fights over my vacated room.

During my journey into adulthood, I retained my love for Ringling Bros., making pilgrimages whenever possible. I even went into labor with my first child at a Dallas show, a tale that I never allow her to forget. But I never again collected posters. The remembrance of that more innocent time when my immediate family was still intact had me leaving circus memorabilia behind, although I still loved it all.

While it is certain that my 1960s and 70s posters would have some value today, older posters, especially those from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are considered highly collectible. The vibrant colors, dramatic imagery, and meticulously created artwork offer a glimpse into the history of the American circus. These posters were powerful advertising tools and attracted audiences to the “Greatest Show on Earth.” They generally featured a wide array of circus acts, from daring trapeze artists and exotic animal trainers to clowns and side-show curiosities, promoting the magic and allure of the circus. The artistry and craftsmanship of these posters have made them coveted collectibles by collectors and historians alike.

At one time, there were up to 200 traveling circuses active in the United States. But Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey, the “Greatest Show on Earth,” reigned supreme. It continued to do so until it closed in 2017, reopening five years later in a format that showcases human performers only.

The history of Barnum & Bailey posters illustrates the evolution of circus advertising. During the height of the circus’s popularity, posters were the primary means of promoting the event. They were plastered on walls, fences, and buildings in towns across America, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming performances. Many were produced by renowned lithography companies, such as the Strobridge Lithographing Company, which specialized in creating large, colorful prints that captured the grandeur and spectacle of the circus.

Each poster tells a story and often reflects the cultural and social dynamics of its time. Posters from the early 1900s began to showcase more diverse acts and incorporate a sense of design modernity as the circus evolved and new artistic styles developed. This progression makes the posters valuable not only as collectibles but also as artifacts that document the changing landscape of entertainment.

The value of Barnum & Bailey posters varies widely, depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and historical context. Posters that feature iconic performers or notable events tend to be more valuable. For example, posters advertising the first combined shows of Barnum & Bailey or those depicting famous acts like Jumbo the Elephant can fetch high prices at auctions. The condition of the poster is also crucial; those in pristine condition are much rarer and, therefore, more desirable. Restoration efforts can sometimes enhance the value, but collectors often prefer original, untouched pieces.

While these prices may seem a bit dear for the beginning or average collector, never fear. There are amazing gems to be found and terrific deals to be had, like these July 2024 offerings at LiveAuctioneers, as well as the ever-reliable eBay platform, where you can tweak your focus to Ringling Bros. solely or to the circus world in general.

In addition to their popularity with collectors, Barnum & Bailey posters are often displayed in museums, galleries, and private collections. Their continued popularity demonstrates the enduring legacy of the circus, its impact on popular culture, and a nostalgic longing for simpler days when the circus was a major form of entertainment. They, along with all circus memorabilia, continue to captivate and inspire the child in all of us. It makes me happy to know that the amazing history of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus is being preserved for future generations to appreciate.

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