Bertolotto's Educated Fleas, in Saratoga Springs, 1856

Always introducing topical subjects into his flea performances, here in this scarce handbill from 1856 from Saratoga Springs, NY the great Bertolotto describes a presidential debate between the flea candidates Buchanan, Fillmore and Fremont. The handbill also describes other unique acts performed by fleas, such as "The Fleas in California, Digging, washing and sifting gold," Marvin House was a hotel in Saratoga Springs built in 1832 that burned down in 1865. Printed by "Steam Press of G.M. Davies, Saratoga Springs."