We list new items daily, carefully curated from the finest New England estates. Make sure to check our other listings. Antique 1890’s RETA STIRK Famous Circus Bicycle Cabinet Card Photo Chicago. Features: rare cabinet card original photograph featuring Reta Stirk with her bicycle. She was from the Stirk family which was a renown bicycle circus family act. The Stirks were the leaders in trick riding and bicycle stunts in the variety world in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. (Her sister Minnie was also a juggler and balancer). Originating in England, they first came to the U. To perform at Tony Pastor’s in 1881, the first troupe of bicycle riders to perform in America. Essentially, following this engagement, the family just stayed, performing with Barnum, Baily & Hutchison; then Sells Brothers; then Great Wallace’s over the next 27 years. Sadly two of the children died young. Flora (born 1886) died at age 11. Denny (born 1869) formed an aerial act called Stirk and Zeno shortly after arriving in the U. And died of pneumonia at age 34. Size: approximately 6 1/2″ x 4 1/4″. Condition report: some wear and minor staining or off color. Some light creasing or folding along edges. We offer 100% satisfaction guaranty on all items. Thank you for you business!