Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
XLVI: Seaside Park explained
Barnum recounts his efforts to establish a public park on the Bridgeport shoreline, including purchasing and donating land, raising subscriptions, and overcoming opposition, culminating in the creation of Seaside Park.
What happens
Barnum recounts his efforts to establish a public park on the Bridgeport shoreline, including purchasing and donating land, raising subscriptions, and overcoming opposition, culminating in the creation of Seaside Park.
Themes in this chapter
Philanthropy and Public Service
Barnum donates land and money for Seaside Park, emphasizing public benefit over personal profit.
Public Perception and Reputation
Newspaper excerpts praise Barnum's role, shaping his legacy as a public benefactor.
Resilience in Adversity
Barnum persists despite opposition from 'old fogies' and initial inaccessibility of the shore.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Originator and driving force behind Seaside Park; purchased and donated land, raised funds, and oversaw improvements.
- Mr. William H. Noble
Co-donor with Barnum of Washington Park in East Bridgeport.
- Mr. John Greenwood
Mentioned as one of the donors of land for Seaside Park.
Key passages
“I bought it for about $12,000, and then presented the required front to the park.”
Barnum purchased the Mallett farm for roughly $12,000 and donated the needed portion to the park.
Illustrates Barnum's personal financial commitment to the public project.
“I gave to the city several acres of land, worth at the lowest valuation $5,000, which were added to and included in this public pleasure-ground.”
In 1869, Barnum donated additional land valued at $5,000 to expand Seaside Park.
Shows ongoing generosity after the park's initial creation.