Antique 1915 Society Circus Program Rochester New York Public Health Fundraiser

This original program comes from the “Society Circus,” a high-society charitable event held in Rochester, New York, circa 1915. It was organized by the Rochester Public Health Association as a benefit to support public health efforts—most notably education and treatment related to tuberculosis and child hygiene. This was not a commercial circus, but a full theatrical production starring local Rochester citizens, including doctors, civic leaders, and prominent families. The ringmaster was Mr. Henry B. Culver, and the cast included over 70 named performers. The program features a full lineup of creative displays, such as:

• Grand Introductory Pageant
• “Beating Them to a Frazzle” – a spoof on Smithsonian exhibitions
• “Mr. Scroodub Plays at Golf” – comedic local satire
• Aerial acts, animal parodies, and humorous sideshows
• Final act by the “$2,000,000 Daredevil” of the NY Hippodrome

🏛️ Historical Significance:

• Supported Rochester’s early public health movement
• Reflects civic engagement of upper-class citizens in the 1910s
• Includes ads for local businesses (Selden Car, Hotel Seneca, Merchants Bank, etc.)
• Printed by Union and Advertiser Press, Rochester, NY

📘 Item Details:

• Pages: 17
• Loose-bound with original red cord
• Size: approx. 12.5″ tall by 8.25″ wide
• Amazing local history
• Antique paper ephemera
• Wonderful graphic elements including a circus clown, stunt rider, and black poodle

A rare and charming artifact from Rochester’s social and medical history—ideal for collectors of antique ephemera, vintage circuses, or New York regional memorabilia.