Historic Photo Gallery: Beginnings to 1849
1848
In December 1848, Charles S. Stratton, better known as General Tom Thumb (left),
pictured here with his wife, appeared on the Walnut's stage. This protégé
of P.T. Barnum stood only 25 inches tall and weighed 15 pounds. He was 11 years old
when he appeared in a farce written especially for him, but Barnum announced his age as 18.
(Photograph courtesy of the Theatre Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia.)
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