Years had gone by since the passing of the great P.T. Barnum and in that time, James A. Bailey was the sole proprietor of "The Greatest Show on Earth". 1893 was also the year that the World's Fair in Chicago themed it's presentation to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the new World, although technically it would have been the 401st (1492). "The Greatest Show on Earth" also adopted this them for the season bringing a massive show to local towns around the country and Maine was not left out of this great tour. The dates in Maine were July 15 in Biddeford, July 17 in Portland, July 18 in Bath, July 19 in Augusta, July 20 in Bangor, July 21 in Waterville and as the ad showcased here indicates, July 22 in Lewiston. The ad for this show reads:
The ad continues and is detailed as follows:Containing a World of Wonders and Delightful Attractions TOGETHER WITH IMRE KIRALFY'S FAMOUS SPECTACLE COLUMBUS AND THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, IT'S GRANDEUR ALMOST SURPASSING BELIEF WITH 1,200 HISTORICAL CHARACTERS REPRESENTED.
3 RINGS, 2 ELEVATED STAGES, RACING TRACK!
SUBLIME BALLET, with 300 DANCERS
The most Wonderful and Grandest of Earthly Displays on a Stage 400 Feet Long.
In Addition to Circus, Hippodrome, Illusions, 2 Monster Menageries, Museums, Aviary, Aquarium and Horse Fair.
Please keep in mind this was the advertised show in Maine and is likely the same from state to state but I can't guarantee the accuracy of this matching the events out of Maine.
Enchanting Presentation of Living Tableaux,
Picturesque Exhibitions of Moorish Life,
Delightful Portrayals of Spanish Scenes.
Realistic Battles, Desperate Sorties, Mock Flights, Siege of Baza and Capture of Granada.
FIRST VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY. TRIUMPHS OF PEACE.
ROYAL RECEPTION OF COLUMBUS AT BARCELONA.
The life of the Great Explorer illustrated from the cradle to the grave, together with all the chief historical events connected therewith.
COSTUMES WORTH $250,000. HORSES WORTH $150,000.
Emblems, Armor and Trappings worth $50,000. Scenery worth $75,000.
A STUPENDOUS EXHIBITION, GLORIOUSLY PRESENTED.
MARVELOUS TRAINED ANIMAL DEPARTMENT
Performing Cats, Dogs, Pigs, Sheep, Storks, Geese, Pigeons, Lions, Tigers, Hyenas, Panthers, Wolves, Bears, Zebras, Elephants, Camels, etc, all executing clever tricks.
Giant Horse, Gigantic Ox, Dwarf Zebra, Miniature Cattle, Hairless Horse,
BULL WITH 3 EYES, 3 NOSTRILS AND 3 HORNS.
FAIRYLAND STORIES ON WHEELS.
MAGNIFICENT NEW STREET PARADE
With living tableaux, illustrating the History of America, Arabian Nights' Tales, Children's Fables and Nursery Rhymes at 9 o'clock on the morning of the show.
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