The Feminine Side of John Paul Jones
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307_Agnes_Huntington_as_Paul_JonesSeacoastNH.com Presents
Historic Portsmouth #307

Portsmouth’s most famous resident John Paul Jones never looked so good – or so tall. In the late 19th century singer Agnes Huntington portrayed the short naval hero of the American Revolution. She is seen in this very rare publicity photo from the comic operetta "Paul Jones". (Continue with photo below)

According to an 1890 copy of "The Illustrated America" Huntington was a smash in the London production, but she quarreled with her manager and left the play, then returned to the stage triumphantly in New York City. "In person, Miss Huntington is very tall and well proportioned," the article reports. "Her voice is a contralto, pure in tone and full of expression." This large cabinet card is #15 from a series of 100 hand-tinted souvenirs probably printed in 1892. Tobacconists and drug stores gave these Newsboy cabinets as premiums to customers who bought plug tobacco. They featured pictures of models – some quite racy -- and pop stars from theatre, opera, music and sports. (Courtesy SeacoastNH.com Collection)

Agnes Huntington as Paul Jones in 1890 / SeacoastNH.com

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