• Sections
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Education
    • Fashion
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • MVMA
    • Perspectives
    • Travel
  • Shop Local
    • Arts & Culture
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Dining & Cuisine
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Financial & Professional Services
    • Florists, Gift & Specialty Shops
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • Real Estate
  • Calendar
  • Dining Guide
  • Advertise
  • Login

Merrimack Valley Magazine

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Perspectives
  • Travel
← Back

Queen of the Big Top

Suzanne DeWitt
Published September 1, 2019
Share:

Helen Gertrude Swasey was well known in her hometown of Haverhill from the time she was a young girl until her death in 1934. She was born into a wealthy family in 1855, attended Bradford Academy, and often was seen riding through town on her horse and practicing tricks in the circus ring her father built in their yard. She wasn’t a fan of the academy, so she researched ways to get expelled, eventually selecting marriage at 16 as the best method. 

Her parents had the marriage annulled and she was sent to live with an aunt in Illinois, where she responded to an ad for circus performers. She rode bareback and performed tricks such as jumping through a ring of fire for Barnum & Bailey. Her iconic image was seen on posters around the country.

At the time, circus stars had “movie star” status. Swasey was referred to as “The Toast of Broadway” and stories spread that she earned as much as $20,000 a year. But the work became harder as Swasey aged, and she eventually returned home to care for her ailing father. Despite lawsuits following his death, she retained none of his fortune.

News stories reported that she scrubbed the floors of the Haverhill railroad station to feed herself. Upon her death, the city paid for her funeral. Swasey was the 27th person inducted into the Haverhill Citizens Hall of Fame. 

Photo from Brookly New York Daily Eagle – January 5, 1926

                             

Share:
Related Articles
The 495 – This Week’s Episode – Dougan Sherwood
The 495 – This Week’s Episode – Richard Howe
“Oh, Babe, What Would You Say?” A Holiday Mosaic
You Say You Want a Revolution

Current Issue

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premier source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Sections

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Bridal
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • MVMA
  • Perspectives
  • Travel

Links

  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Regular Contributors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Valid on new memberships during the month of September 2020.

 

Newsletter Signup

MERRIMACK VALLEY TODAY: Noteworthy. Local. News. (Launching May 2021)
Wellness Wednesdays
Eight Great Things To Do This Weekend (Thursdays)
NoteWorthy - Happenings, Movers & Shakers (Sundays)

Orangetheory Methuen is celebrating it’s one year anniversary with an
Open House, Saturday June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join your friends and neighbors to learn more about the fastest growing workout sensation in the nation. Tour the studio. Meet the coaches. Enter to win a 10 pack of classes. The first 20 people who sign up for a free class at the event will receive a free bonus class, no obligation. 

Click here to learn more! 

Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901
Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Free Class for first-time visitors and local residents only.