1914-07-28op

The Ferrari circus which had come to Hamilton in July 1914 included a side show, in addition to the performances which took place in the big tent.

The side show attracted ticket-buyers wishing to gaze at a varied collection of what were considered at the time to be ‘freaks, curiosities and marvels.”

For the sideshow which was set up in Hamilton was a sad case. Billed as Minnie Ha Ha, the person was a 24 year woman who had a very rare condition, technically known as a congenital growth skeletal disorder.

She was very short in stature, had a small head, a narrow bird-like face, large slanted eyes and a receding jaw.

Nearly blind, she spoke in gibberish and, dressed in a Native American costume, was required to dance and shake for the audience.

As pointed out in the Hamilton Times, she was internationally famous:

“Nearly everyone in this city has seen or heard about Minnie Ha Ha, who has been on exhibition at Ferari’s shows the last week, and much favorable comment has been made on the manner in which she is cared for.”¹

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Hamilton Times.   July 27, 1914.

Arthur Glassford was only 24 years old in 1914, but he had been Minnie Ha Ha’s protector and assistant for five years.

Glassford was well-known for taking the best interests of Minnie to heart. His protective attributes for her came into play during the evening of July 26, 1914 :

“ A number of young toughs paid their way in and proceeded to start a systematic game of teasing, much to the disgust of others in the tent. Glassford stood it as long as possible, then in no uncertain words told them what he thought of them, but all he was rewarded with was abuse, and one of the freshies gave Minnie a poke in the back that made her scream with agony.”¹

That assault on Minnie was the final straw and a very ugly scene soon switched in that of a brawl:

“Her guardian quickly jumped out of the pit, and with a well-directed blow, sent the ruffian sprawling. His friends hurried to his rescue, but the ticket seller and the speller also took a hand and in a few minutes, had the rough necks flying down the stairs.”¹

A Hamilton police constable was nearby, and hearing the commotion rushed to the tent but the Hamilton louts were already in flight, running away in several different directions.

When all had settled down, Minnie Ha Ha had recovered from her fright and the show recommenced. Arthur Glassford was highly complimented for the lengths to which he went to protect his vulnerable charge. The miscreants managed to get away with their tawdry behavior.