Coney Island Sideshow Poster Notebook

Who wouldn't want to go dive head first at Coney Island? This is a reproduction of an 1898 poster for a Coney Island water circus sideshow. The circus poster colors are bright yellows, reds, blues, and greens, and a bright red circus headline. Not quite the traditional circus that you would see in the Victorian days, but something quite different - a Water Carnival. The water carnival must have been quite a fun excursion for Victorians -- lots of beach things to do as well as experiencing the carnival. The carnival poster is detailed, from two circus performers in the foreground hurling themselves head first into the water, to a couple of clowns hanging onto a large barrel, people swimming, and what looks like people using water walker gadgets. Look harder, and you're sure to find more.