Ella Harper & Myrtle Corbin - More Than a Curiosity

One challenge I have faced is that many stories, especially those of people who were exhibited in sideshows, just do not have that much information available. I still want to tell these stories, not to show off the so-called "freaks" and "oddities," but to demonstrate how life was like for anyone who was physically or mentally atypical. If you were born outside the norm in the 1800s and 1900s, it was extremely likely that at least some of your life would be spent making money (maybe) as an exhibit. I have decided to share some of these stories in combined posts called "More Than a Curiosity." I chose this title because, even today, many of these people are shown in listicles or videos as the subjects of shock, disgust, or "wtf?" They deserve better than that. Today's subjects, Ella Harper and Myrtle Corbin, lived at around the same time and were both born in Tennessee. Interestingly, both spent their teenage years successfully performing before retiring to quiet lives with their families (though Myrtle did perform during her 40s). They married, had children, and made their homes. They experienced all of the joys and sorrows of simply being human.

Ella Harper & Myrtle Corbin

Kitty O'Neil - No Fear

I am someone who self-describes as "risk-averse." Today's post is about a woman who is absolutely the opposite of that. Kitty O'Neil, raised by her widowed Cherokee mother and deafened as a baby, was a highly ambitious and extremely talented athlete, driver, and stuntwoman. She achieved over twenty world records in spite of ableism, racism, and sexism. Kitty was adored by all who knew her. Many commented on her warm, sunny demeanor and admired all that she had accomplished. Kitty was, for lack of a more philosophical assessment, simply incredible.

Kitty, late 1970s

Sarah Biffin - With Persevering Talents

I am perpetually amazed and delighted by the artistic expression of historical figures with disabilities that I have come across. Instead of staying out of the spotlight, as society wanted, they put themselves out for everyone to see. This post's talented subject, Sarah Biffin, painted many self-portraits that depicted her limb differences, among other portraits and miniatures. Though her the men in her life were rarely decent, she persisted in her talent and love for art while maintaining independence.

Undated self-portrait