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34: Welcome to New York pt.1: The Elephant in the Room

Writer: Grant ThomasGrant Thomas
Jan 3, 20241 min read


Grant takes us back to the Gilded Age with the origin story of the word "JUMBO". A tale at times hilarious and heartbreaking. Our story starts in East Africa and winds its way through Europe before arriving in New York. Buckle up for this story, it can feel like a real circus.

In this episode Grant and Maia cover Jumbo the Elephant, possibly one of the inspirations for the movie "Dumbo" (or maybe Dumbo's father?). Listen in to hear about this iconic circus elephant and his relationship to travel and P.T. Barnum. 


00:19:34 Story starts

 

Photos Referenced:


Illustrations of Jumbo refusing to leave London - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Illustrations of Jumbo refusing to leave London - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons


Elephantine Colossus burning on Coney Island - courtesy of Illustrated America via Wikipedia
Elephantine Colossus burning on Coney Island - courtesy of Illustrated America via Wikipedia

"Lucy" one of the Jumbo inspired buildings - courtesy of LucytheElephant.org
"Lucy" one of the Jumbo inspired buildings - courtesy of LucytheElephant.org

 

Sources:

Tiktok: School of Caulk


 
 
 

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