ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Biographics Daisy and Violet Hilton: The Siamese Twins of Vaudeville
Welcome to an exciting story about Daisy and Violet Hilton, famous conjoined twins who became stars in the world of Vaudeville. Let’s dive into their fascinating journey and learn about their lives, talents, and challenges.
In the 1830s, traveling carnivals and circuses became popular in Europe and the United States. These shows often included sideshows, which were separate attractions featuring unusual acts. People paid extra to see these “curiosities,” which included little people, bearded ladies, and heavily tattooed individuals. Among the most popular attractions were conjoined twins, often referred to as “Siamese twins” due to a famous pair from Siam (now Thailand).
Daisy and Violet Hilton were born on February 5, 1908, in Brighton, England. They were conjoined at the lower back and shared some organs but were otherwise healthy. Unfortunately, their mother saw them as a “monster” and sold them to her employer, Mary Hilton, who realized they could earn money by being displayed to the public.
Mary Hilton took the twins on tours around Britain and Europe, where they performed music and dance. They became known as the “United Twins” and gained popularity. In 1915, they traveled to the United States, where they continued to perform in various shows, including Vaudeville, a popular form of entertainment featuring a mix of specialty acts like music, dance, and comedy.
Despite their success, Daisy and Violet were exploited by their managers, who controlled their earnings and lives. After Mary Hilton’s death, the twins were left to Edith and Maya Myers, who continued to profit from their performances without giving them any control over their own lives.
In 1931, with the help of famous magician Harry Houdini, the sisters sued their managers for exploitation. They won the case and gained control over their earnings and lives. However, by this time, Vaudeville was declining, and their popularity was fading.
After gaining their freedom, Daisy and Violet continued to perform but never regained their former success. They appeared in the film “Freaks” and tried various ventures, including a hot dog stand, but faced financial difficulties. In 1969, they passed away, leaving behind a modest estate.
The story of Daisy and Violet Hilton is a mix of triumph and tragedy. They overcame significant challenges and left a mark on the world of entertainment. Their legacy reminds us of the importance of fighting for one’s rights and the impact of perseverance.
Thank you for exploring the lives of Daisy and Violet Hilton with us. Their story is a testament to the human spirit and the pursuit of freedom and happiness.
Explore the history of Vaudeville and its impact on entertainment. Create a presentation that highlights key figures, including Daisy and Violet Hilton, and discuss how Vaudeville shaped modern entertainment. Use images, videos, and interesting facts to make your presentation engaging.
Imagine you are Daisy or Violet Hilton during their peak in Vaudeville. Write a diary entry describing a day in your life, including your performances, interactions with the audience, and personal thoughts. Focus on expressing their emotions and experiences.
Participate in a class debate about the ethics of sideshows and the exploitation of individuals with unique physical characteristics. Consider both historical and modern perspectives. Prepare arguments for and against the practice, and discuss the impact on those involved.
Create a vintage-style poster advertising a Vaudeville show featuring Daisy and Violet Hilton. Use your creativity to design an eye-catching poster that captures the essence of the era and the unique talents of the twins. Display your posters in the classroom.
Watch the film “Freaks,” in which Daisy and Violet Hilton appeared. Analyze the portrayal of conjoined twins and other performers in the film. Discuss how the film reflects societal attitudes of the time and its impact on the perception of people with physical differences.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, removing any inappropriate language and ensuring a more polished presentation:
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Hello and welcome to another episode of Biographics with me, your host Carl Smallwood. Today, we’re talking about Daisy and Violet Hilton, the Siamese twins of Vaudeville. The original article for this one was written by Larry Holsworth. Thank you!
Beginning in the 1830s in Europe, traveling carnivals and circuses gained popularity in the United States. One feature of these traveling shows was the collection of acts and displays known as the sideshow, usually separate from the main acts of the show, hence the name, and thus requiring a separate admission fee. The sideshows displayed what many would politely call curiosities. Little people, then referred to as “midgets,” were quite popular, as were bearded ladies, overly obese individuals, and heavily tattooed men and women. Additionally, sideshows also advertised “wild men,” who were simply people born in exotic locales that were considered interesting or unique.
One of the most popular attractions in these sideshows was conjoined twins, commonly known as Siamese twins. This term was linked to that part of Southeast Asia in the imagination of the presenters back then. Together with their fellow performers, many of whom were fakes, they formed what became known as freak shows. When Vaudeville and burlesque theaters gained popularity, freak shows accompanied them. Conjoined twins, particularly those who exhibited other artistic talents, became significant parts of Vaudeville acts in the United States and Europe. Arguably, one of the most famous acts in the early 20th century was the conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton.
Their acts included musical performances, with Daisy on the violin and her sister playing the saxophone and dancing. Eventually, both sisters played saxophones and clarinets as part of their act, which sounds quite impressive. Despite their immense popularity, they were ruthlessly exploited and physically abused by their owners, who denied them their own earnings, kept them under lock and key, and subjected them to physical and mental abuse.
The twins were born on February 5, 1908, in Brighton, England. According to Dr. James Ruth, who assisted in their delivery, the twins were conjoined at the lower back and buttocks, sharing a circulatory system and a single rectum. They were otherwise strong and healthy. Their mother regarded them with revulsion, referring to them collectively as a “monster,” and had little to do with them after selling them to her employer, Mary Hilton.
Mary Hilton recognized that the twins could generate income by selling tickets for patrons to view them. She later moved them to another venue, where they took music and dancing lessons, funded by the money they earned from being displayed. Mrs. Hilton insisted that the girls refer to her as “Aunt Mary,” while her husband was to be addressed only as “Sir.”
In 1911, when the twins were three years old, Mary Hilton took them on their first tour of Britain, advertising them as the “United Twins.” This tour was so successful that she followed up with tours of Germany and the European continent. The twins eventually appeared in burlesque shows and carnivals, singing, dancing, and playing their musical instruments.
In 1915, after their success in Europe, Mary Hilton and the twins traveled to the United States, where they initially faced challenges with immigration authorities. However, with the help of local newspapers, they soon began performing in San Francisco and embarked on a tour across the United States.
Mary Hilton passed away in 1919, and her will bequeathed ownership of the twins to Edith and Maya Myers. The twins, then 11 years old, were unaware that owning human beings was illegal in the United States. As their fame grew, so did their appearance fees, reportedly reaching upwards of $5,000 per week in the mid-1920s, which is equivalent to approximately $86,000 today.
Despite their stardom, they remained under the complete control of the Myers, with no money of their own and no say in their performances. Their appeal to Vaudeville audiences led to other acts lobbying to perform with them, including a pair of dancers and comedians who would later become known as Bob Hope.
In 1927, Daisy found herself the object of affection from a fellow performer, which led to tensions between the sisters. After a series of events, they were granted a percentage of their earnings and began to gain more independence.
However, as Vaudeville began to decline in the late 1920s, the twins found their appeal dwindling. They faced competition from other acts and struggled to maintain their previous success. In 1930, they became embroiled in a scandal involving a love triangle, which further affected their public perception.
In 1931, with the support of Harry Houdini, the sisters sued their managers for exploitation and abuse. The trial revealed the extent of the wealth accumulated by the Myers at the twins’ expense. Ultimately, the sisters emerged from the courts fully emancipated and in control of their own earnings.
They returned to performing in 1931, but their earnings were significantly less than during their heyday. They appeared in the film “Freaks” and continued to perform in various venues, but their success continued to decline.
In the mid-1950s, the sisters attempted retirement by opening a small hot dog stand, which also failed. They returned to performing, this time in striptease acts, but by December 1961, they made their last public appearance.
In January 1969, after being stricken with influenza, the twins were found deceased. They left behind a modest estate, far from the wealth they once commanded. Their home, built from their earnings, still stands today, though the sisters have faded into obscurity.
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Biographics. The story of Daisy and Violet Hilton is indeed bittersweet, but not as tragic as one might expect. The article that formed the basis of this video was written by Larry Holsworth. Links to my social media can be found below. I appreciate everyone tuning in, and as always, have a great day!
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while ensuring it is appropriate for all audiences.
Daisy – A term sometimes used in historical contexts to refer to a charming or delightful person, often in literature or performances. – In the 19th-century play, the character was described as a “daisy” for her delightful and charming demeanor.
Violet – A color often associated with royalty and nobility, used in historical costumes and stage designs to convey elegance and power. – The queen’s gown in the historical drama was a rich shade of violet, symbolizing her royal status.
Vaudeville – A theatrical genre of variety entertainment popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring a mix of specialty acts such as music, dance, and comedy. – Vaudeville shows were a major form of entertainment in the early 1900s, offering audiences a diverse array of performances.
Twins – Two individuals born at the same time, often used in historical narratives and performances to explore themes of identity and connection. – The play featured twins who were separated at birth, leading to a dramatic reunion on stage.
Performances – Acts of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment to an audience, crucial in both historical and modern contexts. – The performances of Shakespeare’s plays in the Globe Theatre were pivotal in shaping English drama.
Exploitation – The act of using someone or something unfairly for one’s own advantage, often discussed in historical contexts regarding labor and social issues. – The documentary highlighted the exploitation of child labor during the Industrial Revolution.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants, often a central theme in historical movements and performances. – The play depicted the struggle for freedom during the civil rights movement, inspiring the audience with its powerful message.
Challenges – Difficult situations or obstacles that require effort to overcome, frequently explored in historical narratives and performances. – The musical portrayed the challenges faced by immigrants in the early 20th century, emphasizing their resilience and determination.
Legacy – Something handed down from the past, such as traditions, achievements, or cultural heritage, often highlighted in historical discussions and performances. – The legacy of ancient Greek theatre continues to influence modern drama and performance arts.
Entertainment – Activities that provide amusement or enjoyment, a significant aspect of both historical and contemporary cultures. – In ancient Rome, gladiator games were a popular form of entertainment for the masses.
