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Seth B Howes & the Great American Circus LbNA #42699

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Aug 11, 2008
Location:
City:Brewster
County:Putnam
State:New York
Boxes:1
Planted by:Karen & K9s
Found by: burning squirrel
Last found:Jun 4, 2012
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Aug 11, 2008
Seth B. Howes and Great American Circus Letterbox

This is my first plant, and my second carve (my first being my signature stamp). I made a lot of mistakes with carving and letters, but I had fun and will not change the stamp.

During the 19th century, farmers in and around Southeast began to invest in a new and unique business venture. This area would later become known as the cradle of the American circus. In the 1830's, farmers in Southeast began showing menageries, collections of exotic beasts from faraway lands. They soon combined the menagerie show with the acrobatic entertainment of trick riding and these early circus entrepreneurs began taking their show on the road. This early practice of touring unusual animals proved profitable in the rural areas of the Hudson Valley.

Hachaliah Bailey, from nearby Somers, Westchester County, brought the first elephant "Old Bet" to the United States in 1796. Bailey exhibited "Old Bet," until her death in 1816.

The circus had a large impact on the Town of Southeast as it provided employment for many local businesses, blacksmiths, feed and grain stores, wagon makers and painters. Many showman and circus people came from Southeast. Nathan and Seth B. Howes began their show business careers at early ages, in Southeast. In 1811, Nathan formed a small circus company made up largely of his friends and family, including 11 year-old Seth. Seth B. Howes would later become one of the foremost circus businessmen in the area. From 1850-1853, Seth B. Howes managed a circus project for P. T. Barnum. He later toured Europe and England, performing before heads of state. Seth B. Howes retired in 1870.

DIRECTIONS: I 684 to Rte 22 North. At the first light, make a right on Milltown Road. Milltown Rural Cemetery is about 1/8 mile on your left.

***Please Note that there is an update to these clues. The large flat rock which points to the woods has fallen off of the top of the stone wall and now is behind the wall and points downhill to a small two trunked tree with another tree right next to it.
The box is to the left and somewhat under this flat rock.

TO FIND THE LETTERBOX, enter Milltown Rural Cemetery (Was once known as Milltown Burying Ground) through the first gate. Look for a large stone mausoleum to the right, encircled by a metal rail. You can’t miss it. Seth B. Howes is buried here. He died on May 16, 1901, and the ring around his resting place represents a circus ring. To the left is the Howes family plot, and Nathan Howes’ monument. Now walk to the back of Seth’s house. Start at 1890 and follow the path past nine low grave stones. Say hello to Young. Come to the road and cross. Go between Becemann and the Wilseas. Say hello to Kramer. Now walk ahead to the stone wall. In this section the wall is very low. Look for a large flat rock that points to the woods. Cross the wall, but don’t step on the flat rock, as it is wobbly. Under this flat rock, on the other side of the wall, is a nice little “cave” for this letterbox. It is hidden from view by smaller rocks that you can slide out. Don’t disturb the large flat rock. Please rehide well with same rocks.
Look around this older section of the cemetery. Other famous names you will find are Barnum, Brewster, Crosby, and Paddock, to name a few. The whole surrounding area was Paddock’s farm.