Sylvia Gerrish: “The Girl with the Poetical Legs”
American dancer and singer Sylvia Gerrish was well-known in the 1880s and 1890s. She was famous both in New York and London, admired not just for her talent, but also for her beauty — especially her legs, which earned her the nickname “The Girl with the Poetical Legs.”
During the 1880s, a wealthy man named Henry G. Hilton fell deeply in love with her. He left his wife and gave up much of his fortune to be with Sylvia. After his wife passed away in 1901, Sylvia moved into his home. But over time, they lost their wealth and lived in growing poverty.
Hilton died in 1905, and just one year later, Sylvia passed away alone and in debt. She died at age 46 in the rundown mansion on Sedgwick Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, where they had lived together.
About the card:
This image of Sylvia came from a series made by Newsboy, a plug tobacco brand. The cards were produced by National Tobacco Works and given away with larger purchases as a special bonus.