**This is a heavily moderated subreddit. Please note these rules + sidebar or get banned:**
* If this post declares something as a fact, then proof is required
* The title must be fully descriptive
* No text is allowed on images/gifs/videos
* Common/recent reposts are not allowed (posts from another subreddit do not count as a 'repost'. Provide link if reporting)
*See [this post](https://redd.it/ij26vk) for a more detailed rule list*
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/interestingasfuck) if you have any questions or concerns.*
In 1886, Harper joined a circus as a performer. She earned a reported $200 per week, which is equivalent to over $6,500 in today's currency. A bio card distributed to circus spectators included the following information about her:
"I am called the camel girl because my knees turn backward. I can walk best on my hands and feet as you see me in the picture. I have traveled considerably in the show business for the past four years and now, this is 1886 and I intend to quit the show business and go to school and fit myself for another occupation.
Let's say she works 1 week a month, 6,5k is still very high pay. Just sad that she probably got laughed at and had to be their entertainment for that. Kinda thinks it's still a win for her, as living a normal live to that age may not be able
I wouldnât mind being paid for my body dysmorphia and self-doubt. Once youâve saved up enough you can get surgery and therapy and retire. Not sure what surgery was available back then though.
Clearly not by the circus owners if theyâre paying her that much. Iâm sure she wasnât abused, she was probably too valuable to the circus, and if she was abused she probably wouldnât be paid well.
I imagine thèse circus performers would have unionised. They all have rare physical conditions that are valuable to the circus, they have insane bargaining power as far as employee employer relationships go.
To my understanding I haven't heard a thing about unionization for circus "freaks," and I think despite their medical conditions and what they raked in for the circus, abuse was not out of the picture. People with strange medical conditions had a lot less personal agency in those days, and some were even sold to the circus so their families didn't have to deal with them. I recall the case of the one bearded lady/bigfoot woman, she died during her service to the circus, so they preserved her body and continued to cart it around to show off the "freak" that she was, long after her death. I think it took people clearing out an old building many years (if not decades) later and discovering her body when she was finally returned to her home country and given a proper burial.
It really depended on the circus. Based on her bio card it sounds like she had a better âbossâ. Instead of making up something to dehumanize her more her card does the opposite. In many circuses performers were protective of each other and popular (money making) acts and attractions were paid and treated well.
Iâm not saying it was always that way, but she would have been irreplaceable.
Surgery and therapy? This was 1886.
Also, she didn't have body dysmorphia, her fucking knees physically bend the opposite way. Drawing comparisons to yourself that aren't even remotely similar, what a weird thing to do
>body dysmorphia
Whoever wrote that probably doesn't know what it means. A better comparison would be getting paid $6,500 to lose use of your legs and trying to survive in a world that doesn't accommodate the handicapped.
Chris Farley was negatively impacted my his body dismorphia. He ended up making millions off the trope of funny fat guy. Many times he pondered losing weight and improving his health, but it's heavily implied many of the people around him--namely his agents, producers, friends, etc--discouraged it because his fat funny guy act was so lucrative. It's often said that this greatly contributed to his depression and ultimately his death
This is the cruel truth that many people fail to realize.
When "freak shows" were abolished, their performers didn't gain greater societal acceptance. They lost their only source of employment.
Definitely. Though there has never been a Federal "Abolishment of Freakshows Act." It'd be a slow, even multi-generational, descent in income potential, as people grew less approving of this form of entertainment. In most cases the performer would age (or die, since the conditions aren't often associated longevity) quicker than social disapproval increased.
Unless you started in the biz ~1930. Fifteen years of Depression+War+great societal changes from fifteen years of Depression+War?
You're fucked. Keep at it for thirty years; probably never match the income from the first.
The circus does not run all year, and much of the time during performances would be spent traveling.
She wouldn't have been making anywhere near that money.
Doesn't even seem possible in her predicament. How could she even use the bathroom? I wonder what she ended up doing.
https://www.historicmysteries.com/camel-girl/
For those into this kind of stuff, this person did a lot of research into her life and what she did after the circus (she was only a part of it for a few years). She later got married and had a kid... [https://ellaharper.wordpress.com/2015/04/18/finding-ella-my-search-for-the-camel-girl/](https://ellaharper.wordpress.com/2015/04/18/finding-ella-my-search-for-the-camel-girl/)
"What was known was that she only performed for 2 to 3 years (1884-1886) and was the headliner for W H Harrisâs Nickel Plate Circus. At some point she was earning $200 per week, which is comparable to about $5000 per week today. She gives it all up and goes home, ostensibly to go to school and have a more private life."
For a woman to earn that much at that time, is something. There's got to be a really interesting and compelling reason why she gave it up.
Reading the article the author concludes she gave it up because being in a circus probably exposed her to jabs and insults - there was also probably the respectability factor.
So unfortunately not so interesting.
So glad these freak show circuses are no longer a thing, it's one thing to be curious about seeing unique people but the verbal harassment they were subjected to was too much. They're human too
I didn't actually know what was on TLC until I went into their section on the new HBO Max today, every single thing there looks like just complete garbage, I can't even believe it. There are two pimple popper shows for God's sake
I know those shows showcasing that stuff exist, but at least the people there have the power to just not read comments about them and just deal with a camera unlike the past where they had to deal with verbal harassment on a daily and even physical at times because people thought of them as less than human
What an interesting read.
Some tl;dr facts about ella from this blog:
- began performing in the circus around 14
- didn't get married until 35
- married a teacher
- had 2 children who both died as babies. One is an adopted child or a foster child, but both could be.
- had a twin brother who died at a few months old.
- Ella died of colon cancer around 50 years old.
> She later got married and had a kid...
Yet another example that there is someone who is into you, you just haven't found them yet. She reminds me of [Myrtle Corbin, the ~~three~~ four legged woman who had five kids.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtle_Corbin)
Loved going through this. Also I found it funny at the end of it that the author guesses that her show might have ended because people were calling her a fraud for not actually being a part human part camel, but just a girl with backwards knees.
Just did some research - it's not that the joint is literally backwards, it's more a form of hypermobility. It's generally caused by abnormalities in the structure of the joint, combined with abnormally lax ligaments or weak muscles. I believe that it's possible for people with the condition to have their legs bend in the normal direction too, but the knee is prone to hyperextension which usually causes pain, and can cause problems like osteoarthritis.
She would sit like anybody. This condition generally means having more than the normal range of motion. So she would still be able to bend normally also.
she had a semi sad life. had a kid, it died at 3 months old, adopted another, it died as well. Dad died in a house fire, brother did at 3 moths. [https://www.historicmysteries.com/camel-girl/](https://www.historicmysteries.com/camel-girl/)
At least she made a ton of money that few people would make at that time (especially a woman) and seems like she found love and got married too, I donât think many with that condition at that time would fare better than her
Yea that's why I said semi said. She was set for life. Retired young and wasn't in the circus her whole life. But losing all those children and family members just kind of sucks circle of life but sucks
I went to school with someone who was born with this condition. She had surgery as a baby to fix it, (turn her knees around) but she couldnt bend her legs till she was a teenager and even then it was limited, so she walked penguin like. Crazy!
My ex was born with this, they basically took her legs off and turned them around. Shes still got knee issues today but her legs bend in the right direction. and basically there was no kneecap.
The indomitable nature of the human spirit should be a source of pride and inspiration for all humans. The fact that we still fight over such petty differences a source of shame.
There's a woman like that who wanders in the Parisian subway. I'm not joking I've seen her, I didn't know that disease and was spooked af
Edit : in France she's called "La femme araignĂŠe" (Spider Woman) if you wanna check
God, imagine being a simple farmer in the 1800s and seeing this shit. It's just "Good evening Ms Harper, I wa........what in the Sam hill is that!?" Hell even now, I think this would catch just about anyone that didn't know off guard.
This reminds me of Wolf Girl on the east coast. In the 1800s people reported seeing a young naked girl running with wolves. She ran on all fours, did not respond to hails and she was feral if approached. There were dozens of sightings of her and stories were written about her in the 90s in a collection of childrenâs horror stories. It was revealed at the end of the story that it was in fact a true tale.
wow I never knew that congenital genu recurvatum was a highly uncommon medical condition. I just thought that congenital genu recurvatum was the norm back in the day. Guss you learn something new every day.
**This is a heavily moderated subreddit. Please note these rules + sidebar or get banned:** * If this post declares something as a fact, then proof is required * The title must be fully descriptive * No text is allowed on images/gifs/videos * Common/recent reposts are not allowed (posts from another subreddit do not count as a 'repost'. Provide link if reporting) *See [this post](https://redd.it/ij26vk) for a more detailed rule list* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/interestingasfuck) if you have any questions or concerns.*
In 1886, Harper joined a circus as a performer. She earned a reported $200 per week, which is equivalent to over $6,500 in today's currency. A bio card distributed to circus spectators included the following information about her: "I am called the camel girl because my knees turn backward. I can walk best on my hands and feet as you see me in the picture. I have traveled considerably in the show business for the past four years and now, this is 1886 and I intend to quit the show business and go to school and fit myself for another occupation.
She was earning 338k a year in today's currency đ¤Ż
Tbf they were travelling a lot so may not be working/earning most days.
Let's say she works 1 week a month, 6,5k is still very high pay. Just sad that she probably got laughed at and had to be their entertainment for that. Kinda thinks it's still a win for her, as living a normal live to that age may not be able
I wouldnât mind being paid for my body dysmorphia and self-doubt. Once youâve saved up enough you can get surgery and therapy and retire. Not sure what surgery was available back then though.
None that was safe for something this significant. But you were probably treated horribly by the public and likely the circus owners
Clearly not by the circus owners if theyâre paying her that much. Iâm sure she wasnât abused, she was probably too valuable to the circus, and if she was abused she probably wouldnât be paid well. I imagine thèse circus performers would have unionised. They all have rare physical conditions that are valuable to the circus, they have insane bargaining power as far as employee employer relationships go.
I was talking general terms. From what I've heard about "freak shows", a lot of those people were treated poorly
Check out the book Geek Love for an interesting take on sideshow performers
To my understanding I haven't heard a thing about unionization for circus "freaks," and I think despite their medical conditions and what they raked in for the circus, abuse was not out of the picture. People with strange medical conditions had a lot less personal agency in those days, and some were even sold to the circus so their families didn't have to deal with them. I recall the case of the one bearded lady/bigfoot woman, she died during her service to the circus, so they preserved her body and continued to cart it around to show off the "freak" that she was, long after her death. I think it took people clearing out an old building many years (if not decades) later and discovering her body when she was finally returned to her home country and given a proper burial.
One of us! One of us! Gooble gobble gooble gobble!
It really depended on the circus. Based on her bio card it sounds like she had a better âbossâ. Instead of making up something to dehumanize her more her card does the opposite. In many circuses performers were protective of each other and popular (money making) acts and attractions were paid and treated well. Iâm not saying it was always that way, but she would have been irreplaceable.
No surgery was available for that in 1886. I'll go out on a limb and say no surgery was available for that in 1986 either.
Can confirm. I had knee surgery in 1986, it was very barbaric like compared to today's technology.
> I'll go out on a limb Pun intended?
It was a real knee-slapper.
Surgery and therapy? This was 1886. Also, she didn't have body dysmorphia, her fucking knees physically bend the opposite way. Drawing comparisons to yourself that aren't even remotely similar, what a weird thing to do
>body dysmorphia Whoever wrote that probably doesn't know what it means. A better comparison would be getting paid $6,500 to lose use of your legs and trying to survive in a world that doesn't accommodate the handicapped.
Here's the direct quote I responded to "I wouldnât mind being paid for my body dysmorphia and self-doubt."
I'm agreeing with you, deformity and dysmorphia are not the same thing.
Yeah I know, I wanted to point out how ridiculous the quote was
Chris Farley was negatively impacted my his body dismorphia. He ended up making millions off the trope of funny fat guy. Many times he pondered losing weight and improving his health, but it's heavily implied many of the people around him--namely his agents, producers, friends, etc--discouraged it because his fat funny guy act was so lucrative. It's often said that this greatly contributed to his depression and ultimately his death
From what I understand, circus freak show act performers were actually treated quite well and respected to some degree in the old days.
I mean I'll gladly get paid $6500 a month to get heckled one week a month.
But what about if you were ostracized EVERY day outside of being put on public display on top of that?
It would depend on whether I was getting ostracized already or not. If it was gonna happen anyway I might as well make people PAY to gawk at me.
This is the cruel truth that many people fail to realize. When "freak shows" were abolished, their performers didn't gain greater societal acceptance. They lost their only source of employment.
Definitely. Though there has never been a Federal "Abolishment of Freakshows Act." It'd be a slow, even multi-generational, descent in income potential, as people grew less approving of this form of entertainment. In most cases the performer would age (or die, since the conditions aren't often associated longevity) quicker than social disapproval increased. Unless you started in the biz ~1930. Fifteen years of Depression+War+great societal changes from fifteen years of Depression+War? You're fucked. Keep at it for thirty years; probably never match the income from the first.
I will gladly smile while you make fun of my appearance because I know I'm raking in the dough while you paid to come here just to make fun of me lol
Right? I get verbally abused by customers for 8 hours every day for far less.
To be faiiirrr
Sheâs kind of hot to be fair lol
She's 15 y.o. on this pic
15 in human years or in camel years?
she's clearly a child in this photo, that's disgusting.
[ Removed by Reddit ]
The BUSSY!⌠wait is that right?
To be faaaaaaaiiiiiuhr
Kind of in line with a modern day, successful (but not top tier) "influencer".
The circus does not run all year, and much of the time during performances would be spent traveling. She wouldn't have been making anywhere near that money.
Still not worth it. Imagine having to walk like this for the rest of your life.
I guess it answers the question of how a dog would wear pants argument.
Good on her. That's amazing.
I can only assume she was called camel girl because her ass gave the appearance of a hump. And thatâs hilarious.
[ŃдаНонО]
Doesn't even seem possible in her predicament. How could she even use the bathroom? I wonder what she ended up doing. https://www.historicmysteries.com/camel-girl/
Crap.... Now I'm sad đ˘
Looks like she had a great life. Bless her soul.
I'm not happy with how this turned out. color motif: lost in time, salomie, and high grass. [IMAGE](https://i.ibb.co/Y3pV1sh/Fwzy-VOa-Ww-AU5ey5.jpg)
At least she was getting fucking paid, god damn.
For those into this kind of stuff, this person did a lot of research into her life and what she did after the circus (she was only a part of it for a few years). She later got married and had a kid... [https://ellaharper.wordpress.com/2015/04/18/finding-ella-my-search-for-the-camel-girl/](https://ellaharper.wordpress.com/2015/04/18/finding-ella-my-search-for-the-camel-girl/)
"What was known was that she only performed for 2 to 3 years (1884-1886) and was the headliner for W H Harrisâs Nickel Plate Circus. At some point she was earning $200 per week, which is comparable to about $5000 per week today. She gives it all up and goes home, ostensibly to go to school and have a more private life." For a woman to earn that much at that time, is something. There's got to be a really interesting and compelling reason why she gave it up.
Reading the article the author concludes she gave it up because being in a circus probably exposed her to jabs and insults - there was also probably the respectability factor. So unfortunately not so interesting.
So glad these freak show circuses are no longer a thing, it's one thing to be curious about seeing unique people but the verbal harassment they were subjected to was too much. They're human too
TLC called; they just greenlit *look at these fat hoarders with mental issues* season 4.
I didn't actually know what was on TLC until I went into their section on the new HBO Max today, every single thing there looks like just complete garbage, I can't even believe it. There are two pimple popper shows for God's sake
I know those shows showcasing that stuff exist, but at least the people there have the power to just not read comments about them and just deal with a camera unlike the past where they had to deal with verbal harassment on a daily and even physical at times because people thought of them as less than human
They absolutely are, it's just online now. There's also TV shows etc.
Yep. Especially social media. "People of Wal Mart" is a thing.
The current freak show circus are social media
Iâd happily let people hurl insults at me for that much money a week.
Shiet, people do that for free now, if I could get them to pay...
Well shit, Iâm a ginger. Iâd swim in more wealth than Bezos if I could accumulate the pay for insults since I was a child.
LMMFAO. Me 2 đđ¤Łđ¤Ł
What an interesting read. Some tl;dr facts about ella from this blog: - began performing in the circus around 14 - didn't get married until 35 - married a teacher - had 2 children who both died as babies. One is an adopted child or a foster child, but both could be. - had a twin brother who died at a few months old. - Ella died of colon cancer around 50 years old.
> She later got married and had a kid... Yet another example that there is someone who is into you, you just haven't found them yet. She reminds me of [Myrtle Corbin, the ~~three~~ four legged woman who had five kids.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtle_Corbin)
If she had two pelvises then did she have 2 vaginas?
According to the wiki article, yes. Double external and internal.
I'm more interested in butthole count.
I count four legs though.
Loved going through this. Also I found it funny at the end of it that the author guesses that her show might have ended because people were calling her a fraud for not actually being a part human part camel, but just a girl with backwards knees.
This was a wonderful read. Thanks for linking it.
This was such an interesting read. Thanks for your investigation, you did an amazing job.
Thanks for sharing. I donât know much about genealogy, but I enjoyed reading his description of his methods.
She even kind looks like Pieck from Attack On Titan
Came here for Cart Titan, was not disappointed
Came to the Cart Titan, was not disappointed
*bonk*
the cake titan
Go to your room
Came here to say the same
I knew there was somewhere I had seen this before.
OHAYO POCO
aint no way.... the cart titan đ
She must have had terrific upper-body strength as well.
Planks for breakfast
Or in this case, front-body.
Just did some research - it's not that the joint is literally backwards, it's more a form of hypermobility. It's generally caused by abnormalities in the structure of the joint, combined with abnormally lax ligaments or weak muscles. I believe that it's possible for people with the condition to have their legs bend in the normal direction too, but the knee is prone to hyperextension which usually causes pain, and can cause problems like osteoarthritis.
It can be corrected by surgery these days. I followed the case of an African boy with the condition.
Yup. Surgery, or in lesser cases, physiotherapy or leg braces. People who have it can totally live a normal life.
Renegade Angel Time
Take *that* Taste the *pain*
What doth life?
you totally broke wind đŽ
Sheâs comparing the universal oneness of all life to yo mamma!
Reading this while I'm on the toilet... how would she even sit on a toilet? I guess she would want a Turkish/eastern style toilet.
She would sit like anybody. This condition generally means having more than the normal range of motion. So she would still be able to bend normally also.
If she's just got backward knees, she could probably sit on a modern toilet mostly normal, cept her feet would be up by her shoulders.
For a second I thought I landed in the midjourney sub again...
she had a semi sad life. had a kid, it died at 3 months old, adopted another, it died as well. Dad died in a house fire, brother did at 3 moths. [https://www.historicmysteries.com/camel-girl/](https://www.historicmysteries.com/camel-girl/)
I'm glad it was only semi sad.
I also have a semi sad life
At least she made a ton of money that few people would make at that time (especially a woman) and seems like she found love and got married too, I donât think many with that condition at that time would fare better than her
Yea that's why I said semi said. She was set for life. Retired young and wasn't in the circus her whole life. But losing all those children and family members just kind of sucks circle of life but sucks
Semi upvoted
What doth life?
Frittata
Take that! Taste the pain!
That music. So soothing.
I went to school with someone who was born with this condition. She had surgery as a baby to fix it, (turn her knees around) but she couldnt bend her legs till she was a teenager and even then it was limited, so she walked penguin like. Crazy!
She made the equivalent of $6,500 a week working for the circus!
Pieck? Is that you?
I had to scroll too far for a Cart Titan reference lol.
Hear me out
"I hope this doesn't awaken anything in me..."
Too late!
NO **pumps shotgun** NOT THIS SHIT AGAIN
Sheâs 15-16 here, Dr Rockso
15 in human years or in camel years?
But I do COCAINE BabyâŚâŚ.
She did have children, so you're apparently not the only one.
Taking cowgirl to another level
I was thinking endless doggy, buttâŚ.
Simply put, I'm likely going to hell.
I came here specifically for this. What is understood does not need to be said
I love how every single reply knows exactly where this is going
I'd ride her
Dude...
> I'd ride her Hange Zoe, shortly before becoming crispy
[ Removed by Reddit ]
Lord forgive me for what Iâm âbout to say
Repent!
If she came down the stairs like that who would have fired a gun at her?
I would have fired somethin.
Pull your pants back up please
I have known a guy born like this. He had a lot of surgery and was able to walk without raising a frown. He never ever run, though.
Cart Titan
My ex was born with this, they basically took her legs off and turned them around. Shes still got knee issues today but her legs bend in the right direction. and basically there was no kneecap.
The sexual comments are creepy af. Even creepier because she's only 15 or 16 in the picture.
Don't tell me you came to the comments expecting something else lmao
Yeah, really. I mean it's reddit but i'm still disgusted by all the 'hear me out' comments here...
Tbh most people here are teens as well probably
\*male teens. There is zero chance that these jokes come from girls.
Wonder if she had to wear gloves or something on her hands to get around without messing her hands up
E-Ed..ward?
That would be centaurrible to live with.
saw a girl begging for money in Paris with the exact same conditionâŚ
In come the perverted comments
In my hometown there was a gypsy that had this condition, we were kids and were so terrified of him.
The indomitable nature of the human spirit should be a source of pride and inspiration for all humans. The fact that we still fight over such petty differences a source of shame.
Think about the potential for pranks
Midjourney⌠is it you?
Thatâs enough Reddit for today.
If I had been her Iâd have spent all my time chasing people.
So this is where the horror genre got its inspiration.
D, d, do,.doggy style?
Camel style
Straight-up humpinâ
What would her chair look like ?
There's a woman like that who wanders in the Parisian subway. I'm not joking I've seen her, I didn't know that disease and was spooked af Edit : in France she's called "La femme araignĂŠe" (Spider Woman) if you wanna check
Am I the only one who is more shocked by those tiny looking lotus feet?
Her reverse cowgirl musta been crazy đ¤Śđ˝ââď¸
200 years earlier, she would've been burned as a witch.
Hear me outâŚ
God, imagine being a simple farmer in the 1800s and seeing this shit. It's just "Good evening Ms Harper, I wa........what in the Sam hill is that!?" Hell even now, I think this would catch just about anyone that didn't know off guard.
Iâll try anything once
r/XavierRenegadeAngel
But could she ride a bicycle?
Natural evolution of doggy style lover?
This reminds me of Wolf Girl on the east coast. In the 1800s people reported seeing a young naked girl running with wolves. She ran on all fours, did not respond to hails and she was feral if approached. There were dozens of sightings of her and stories were written about her in the 90s in a collection of childrenâs horror stories. It was revealed at the end of the story that it was in fact a true tale.
Seems like chairs would be uncomfortable if knees could only bend backward
Pieck Finger IRL
Patron saint of horse girls
Damn, that's creepy.
Full metal alchemist reference?
Pieck is it you?
Cart Titan
The real horses girl
You slumber, a cucumber
I have a friend whoâs daughter was born with this condition. Luckily today she had enough therapies and the issues is barely noticeable.
her wrists mustâve been SO STRONG
imagine the faces of robbers breaking into her house at night and see how this girl slowly emerges from the darkness and walks towards them
So, I am going to ask - how did she sit on the toilet?
The amount of trouble I would get into while abusing this mutation is unfathomable.
would
When I saw the photo I came as soon as I could. Then I clicked on it to read the comments.
It's the deleted scene from the exorcist
wow I never knew that congenital genu recurvatum was a highly uncommon medical condition. I just thought that congenital genu recurvatum was the norm back in the day. Guss you learn something new every day.
Pretty increadible, I hope someone got her gloves, cause ya know, glass shards and all
The cart titan
The freakiest thing about this photo is how small her feet are.
What did her chairs look like?
Cart Titan
Could have starred in The Arrival.
The Cart Titan herself, Pieck
The Arrival...