Anytown, USA

Baraboo, Wisconsin, is just another small Midwestern town. With barely 2,000 residents, it's less than half the size of even the smallest city.

But one local family has seven brothers, five of whom tour the state with a juggling act, and skits. They decide to form a circus, using Baraboo as the winter home.

It's called the Ringling Brothers Circus, featuring a single ring, a trick horse and a bear. Four years later, it begins touring by train, with more animals.
Ringling Brothers Circus,1890

  The Circus Comes through Town
Baraboo is unusual in hosting a prominent touring circus, which may have attracted the photographer, who just keeps on shooting

Shopkeepers, 1890

  Shopkeepers
Proprietors are prominent businessmen


Display Cases, 1890

  Display Cases
Most items are under glass, or behind the counter


Store clerks, 1890

  Store clerks
Shoppers generally need to request the items they require


Businesses, 1890

  Businesses
Some businesses have a storefront, while others are just small mills or factories on the outskirts


Townsfolk, 1890

  Townsfolk
There are few amusements, but the days are filled with activity