Jonathan Harrington's 1863 Farewell Tour Stops in Waterville

Billed as "The Greatest Ventriloquist in America", Jonathan Harrington was one of the earliest American magicians. Born in Boston, Harrington began his performing career as a ventriloquist in 1826 at the young age of 17. His shows became increasingly focused on magic with a small section devoted to ventriloquism and mimicry. He quickly rose as a public figure making his performances a high demand ticket. His fiscal success
provided him the capital to purchase the New England Museum where he presented various shows and exhibitions. Another man who was known for using capital gained in show business to purchase exhibition halls, the great P.T. Barnum, signed Harrington to perform at his newly acquired Boston venue, Barnum's Aquarial Gardens, from August 26th to September 1st in 1862. Harrington was no stranger to this venue having performed there in 1961 before Barnum had purchased it and it was called the Boston Aquarial and Zoological Gardens. Featured here is an advertisement for what is stated to be his farewell tour promoting a stop in Waterville at the Town Hall on November 16 and 17, 1863 as well as other stops in North Vassalboro, Kendall's Mills (current Fairfield) and a potential show in West Waterville (current Oakland). The Advertisement reads:

HARRINGTON
The Ventriloquist,

MIMIC and PRESTIDIGITATEUR (of Boston)
respectfully announces his FAREWELL appearance before the public of Waterville and vicinity at
Town Hall, Monday and Tuesday Evenings, Nov. 16th and 17th,
Appearing in his popular and original exhibition, "sanctioned by the clergy, approved by the press and endorced by the entire public." For particulars, see bills and programmes and pictures at the Post Office. 

A short newspaper write up discussing the Central Maine
appearances of Jonathan Harrington.