New York World's Fair Museum presents "Believe It Or Not" (Feat. Prince Ramachandi)
Date
Credits
- Robert L. Ripley 2 Cartoonist
- Maureen Brunsdale 3 Archivist
- Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows Inc. 5 Producer
- Prince Ramachandi Performer
- Special Collections at Milner Library, Illinois State University 8 Collector
- Ripley Entertainment Inc. Collector
Format
- Poster 1416
- Flyer 104
- Advertising 409
Type of Work
- Finished work 4856
- Archive 39
Printers
Media
- paper 911
Techniques
- illustration 78
- printmaking 15
- printing 205
Dimensions
Locations Made
- United States 456
- Cincinnati 7
- New York 318
- Ohio
Robert LeRoy Ripley was an American Cartoonist who's most known for his series “Believe It Or Not” where he explores globally odd and outrageous facts. His show, displayed in newspapers, magazines, radio, and television explores exoticism from all areas of subjects. His work was typically photographed, then illustrated as seen here. This poster was used to promote carnival features for Ripley's latest museum he named “Odditoriums” in both New York and Chicago.
For the United States New York World Fair, “Believe It Or Not” features Prince Ramachandi a “Quarter Man” who was born with no lower body. He was disabled his whole life. Disabled members of society at the time were ostracized as ‘freaks of nature’ through common internalized ableism still seen today. Ramachandi used his impressive strength and balance to ‘wow’ spectators. His sideshow act with P. T. Barnum & Bailey's Circus Co. fell into a niche group of performers called “Freakshows,” as their disabilities were unbelievable to the average person.