Steampunk Diaries – May 1st, 1878

A traveling curiosity show appeared in the square last night. Among the many sights were a pair of girls who are joined at the hips from birth, a minature of London complete with details of Big Ben and other sites, African animals stuffed and mounted as to appear incredibly life-like, and photographs showing what purports to be images of ghosts. I’ve seen such trickery being created by usage of multiple plates and exposures. But to my eye these look quite real.

Also present was a remarkable young man. He spoke but very few words. His musical skills are comparable to those of the finist in the London Orchestra. Playing on a dilapidated Contintental Piano we enjoyed works by all the great Masters. With some delight I greately enjoyed Beethovens Op 119 as it happens to be one of my more favorite. Blind Tom as he is known, is especially interesting as he recites from memory any composition he has heard once and without error.