screen). Since the setting up of the Jumbo monument in 1985, no visit by my out-of-town guests is complete without a visit and photograph at the statue at our city’s west entrance. When in 1882, the London Zoo announced the sale of Jumbo, the people of England were outraged. The outcry was the genesis of Jumbomania, and the interest in a wide variety of products utilizing Jumbo in advertising. Author Mark Twain described Jumbo as ‘An English institution; he was part of the National Glory -- one might well think of buying Nelson’s Monument’. From Queen Victoria, the Prime Minister down to the youngest children, P. T. Barnum has raised the ire of the British people. He loved the free publicity and when Jumbo would not enter his shipping crate, he was in glee. Barnum’s agent wrote, ‘He will not stir; what should I do?’ -- in reply, ‘Let him lie there as long as he wants to!’ After a ten-day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, Jumbomania reached New York City and North America. Within a couple days, Barnum had recouped his investment! For almost three years Jumbo traveled in a special railway car with the circus. Sadly for Jumbo, St. Thomas, and the world, Jumbo the Elephant was struck and killed by a train here on the night of September 15, 1885. I would encourage you to visit the Jumbomania Exhibition assembled by Maddie Howard. Alley Shelly, and Dariusz Korbiel at the Elgin County Museum (located at 460 Sunset Dr.). They have done an outstanding job.
Right: News article 19 February 1882.
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Hometown St. Thomas • September 2025 • Page 31
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