Bird Millman

Bird Millman O’Day (October 20, 1890 – August 5, 1940), one of the most celebrated high-wire performers of all time, vintage 3.5 x 5.5 silver print postcard.

During the “Golden Age of the American Circus,” she was a premiere attraction with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. 

In 1913, Bird became a center-ring performer with the Barnum and Bailey Circus, where she remained after its merger with the Ringling Brothers Circus. In the seasons of 1919 and 1920, the side rings were vacant during Bird's performance; such singularity was reserved for the circus’s greatest stars. Bird's peers were equestrienne May Wirth and aerialist Lillian Leitzel, the latter widely considered the greatest circus star of all time. Bird spent the circus’s off-season on Broadway, appearing in 'The Ziegfeld Follies' of 1916 and in several editions of 'Ziegfeld’s Frolics.' 

In 1921, she appeared in John Murray Anderson's Third Annual 'Greenwich Village Follies.' In 1920, she performed a specialty number in 'The Deep Purple,' a silent film directed by Raoul Walsh. Bird never relied on novelty or hair-raising stunts; rather, she was acclaimed for her unusual speed and seemingly effortless grace. Contrary to several well-meaning accounts, she did, indeed, employ a parasol for balance. During several exhibitions, she performed high above the streets of New York City; in addition to selling war bonds at such exhibitions, she gained widespread publicity. 

Verso bears original printed postcard graphics, else blank and clean. In very good condition with a small light creasing to its right hand margin.