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An original 2.5x3.5" antique photo (NOT a modern reprint) from a collection of rare vintage photographs that we acquired from the estate of Marsha Hunt Jones, granddaughter of Charles Hunt and daughter of Harry T. Hunt. Many of the photos in this collection are likely one of a kind, taken by Hunt family members from their time operating the circus.
Marsha Hunt Jones was recognized as one of the youngest animal trainers in circus history and worked animals at a young age with the family show, the Hunt Bros. Circus, one of America’s longest running circuses. She was an instrumental part of the circus operation for years.
Photo Overview
A charming and intimate snapshot from the Hunt Brothers Circus showing a full-costumed clown posing with a young child in front of the circus tent sidewall. The clown wears an elaborate patchwork costume decorated with stars, diamonds, circles, and hearts, complete with white face paint and a small pointed cap. The child, dressed in a simple athletic outfit with striped socks, stands proudly in front of the clown who gently holds the sides of the oversized costume outward in a classic showman\'s pose. The grass underfoot and tent canvas backdrop place this firmly in the lot area behind the big top.
This photograph comes from the estate of Marsha Hunt Jones, granddaughter of Charles Hunt and daughter of Harry T. Hunt, founders and operators of the Hunt Brothers Circus. Photos from this collection are believed to be one-of-a-kind family images taken by Hunt family members during their years running the show, making each one a truly irreplaceable piece of American circus history.
Historical Notes
The Hunt Brothers Circus was one of the most enduring small-to-mid-size traveling circuses in American history, founded in the late 19th century by brothers Charles, Jerry, and Grant Hunt. Operating well into the 20th century, it was known as a clean, family-oriented "mud show" that toured smaller American towns bypassed by the big railroad circuses. The circus passed through multiple generations of the Hunt family and continued operating under various related names into the 1960s and beyond. The intimate, behind-the-scenes quality of photos like this one - a clown posing with what may well be a Hunt family child - captures the deeply personal, family-run nature of this beloved American institution that brought wonder to rural communities for decades.
Print analysis
This is a small-format silver gelatin print measuring 2.5x3.5 inches, consistent with a snapshot-style photograph. The sepia tone, paper stock, and photographic style suggest this is a Type 1 original print, likely produced in the 1920s-1930s. The image shows age-appropriate fading and tonal characteristics consistent with an original period print from original negatives.
Condition
Please see photos for condition. In fair to good vintage condition.
