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#1309
1966 5c American Circus
$0.55
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U.S. #1309
5¢ American Circus
Issue Date: May 2, 1966
City: Delavan, WI
Quantity: 131,270,000
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Giori press
Perforations: 11
Color: Multicolored
This stamp was issued on May 2, 1966, in Delavan, Wisconsin, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of circus pioneer John Ringling and paying tribute to the American circus industry as a whole. Delavan held particular significance for the occasion, having served as the winter headquarters for several traveling circuses during the 1800s before Ringling Bros. eventually established its own base of operations elsewhere. The city's deep ties to circus history made it a fitting choice for the stamp's first day of issue.
The clown pictured on the stamp was modeled after Lou Jacobs, a German born performer who moved to the United States and spent more than sixty years as one of the most recognizable clowns with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Jacobs became known for his exaggerated makeup and expressive character work, entertaining generations of circus audiences throughout his long career. At the time this stamp was issued, it held the distinction of being the only United States postage stamp to depict a living person, since Jacobs was still alive and performing when the design was released.
The American circus tradition had grown into a major form of popular entertainment over the preceding century, with traveling shows bringing performers, animals, and elaborate spectacles to towns across the country. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, formed through the merger of rival circus companies, became one of the most famous names in the industry.
U.S. #1309
5¢ American Circus
Issue Date: May 2, 1966
City: Delavan, WI
Quantity: 131,270,000
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Giori press
Perforations: 11
Color: Multicolored
This stamp was issued on May 2, 1966, in Delavan, Wisconsin, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of circus pioneer John Ringling and paying tribute to the American circus industry as a whole. Delavan held particular significance for the occasion, having served as the winter headquarters for several traveling circuses during the 1800s before Ringling Bros. eventually established its own base of operations elsewhere. The city's deep ties to circus history made it a fitting choice for the stamp's first day of issue.
The clown pictured on the stamp was modeled after Lou Jacobs, a German born performer who moved to the United States and spent more than sixty years as one of the most recognizable clowns with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Jacobs became known for his exaggerated makeup and expressive character work, entertaining generations of circus audiences throughout his long career. At the time this stamp was issued, it held the distinction of being the only United States postage stamp to depict a living person, since Jacobs was still alive and performing when the design was released.
The American circus tradition had grown into a major form of popular entertainment over the preceding century, with traveling shows bringing performers, animals, and elaborate spectacles to towns across the country. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, formed through the merger of rival circus companies, became one of the most famous names in the industry.
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