Vintage / Antique - Annie Bell - Sideshow / selling Freak Show / Circus Performer - Cabinet Card - Oddity / Oddities - Fat Lady - Curvy Lady 1890s

Here is a very RARE cabinet card featuring sideshow performer, Annie Bell.

Miss Annie was a sideshow / circus / freak show "fat lady." Supposedly was born in Ohio, c. 1873 and died c. 1904, possibly in Indiana. (Some sources say c. selling 1909)

It is signed on the back (presumably by Miss Annie) and lists her "circus weight" and height of 6'2" tall and 498 pounds. (She may have actually weighed less)

Supposedly she was known as "The Ohio Giantess," and began exhibiting herself to curious skinny people in the early 1890s.

Later on, as part of a stunt, she "married" fellow "fat person," Chauncey Morlan (c. 1869 - c. 1912) at Hubert's Museum in 1892. They had a weeks-long wedding party at the museum and received gifts and well-wishes from all over the world, as well as throngs of looky-loo "guests."

How "real" this marriage was I have been unable to discern. It was likely only a stunt, though it was reported they retired together to a ranch in Indiana. Later, Morlan was married to somebody else, though it's possible he was a legit widower after Annie passed away. (Some sources say it was diabetes which of course was mostly untreatable back then.)

The photographer is New York City's Charles Eisenmann, frequent photographer of "freaks." His mark is mostly faded away, but I recognize it from similar photographs. His studio was in the Bowery in NYC.

Though Annie is well known and she had many portraits taken:

----> I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS PHOTO OF ANNIE AVAILABLE BEFORE. <-----

As you can see, the card is in poor condition. It is dirty, stained, and missing some of the crimping on the right side.

Top right corner and bottom right corner are very soft. The other corners are not much better.

The image is probably somewhat faded,, but her face is lovely and clear. She was noted for her elaborate wardrobe and is wearing pearls.

It probably dates to the 1880s or 1890s.

NON SMOKING HOME. No musty odors.

Estate sale find. Please ask any questions. The watermark is not on the actual card, of course.

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