Book Backdrop for Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman – Object #4

Prof. E. K. Crocker’s Educated Horses, Donkeys, Ponies and Mules

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<p>This large color poster reads “Prof. E.K. Crocker’s Educated Horses, Ponies, Donkeys & Mules” in read block letters across the top of the page. The professor’s portrait is in a circle on the upper left. The poster shows scenes of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules performing tricks, like playing a drum, going to school, holding a table on its back, jumping rope, and pretending to be judge, jury, lawyers, and defendants in a court room.</p>

Vaudeville poster, 1899

Questions:

Why do you think this poster was made? Cite evidence to support your conclusion.

What kinds of things are the animals in this poster doing?

How are these horses similar to and different from Beautiful Jim Key?

Citations

Courier Company. Prof. E.K. Crocker’s Educated Horses, Ponies, Donkeys & Mules. , ca. 1899. Buffalo, N.Y.: Courier Litho. Co. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division