The singular taste for wax-work exhibitions which used formerly to prevail is shown in the following announcement from the "Salem Gazette," Oct. 18, 1791:—
WAX-WORK.
Mr. BOWEN
Respectfully acquaints the Ladies and Gentlemen of Salem and its vicinity, that he has removed his Exhibition from Boſton, where it met with univerſal applauſe.
To-Morrow Evening at 7 o'clock the door will be opened, and commence one of the moſt pleaſing & innocent amuſements,
At the Aſſembly Room, Salem.
The numerous attractions of this admired Collection having lately been increaſed by adding ſeveral excellent new Figures, it is recommended to be worthy of the patronage and attention of a liberal public. Mr. Bowen, wiſhing immediately to gratify the inhabitants of this town and vicinity, begs leave to inform them that his reſidence here will be but a few days.
It would be unneceſſary to give a particular deſcription of all the Figures in this large Exhibition; but among the most admired, we may enumerate, an excellent likeneſs of the President of the United States and his amiable Lady, with a repreſentation of the Preſident ſupporting the Union of Liberty, Juſtice, Peace, and Plenty. His Excellency Gov. Hancock, who was one of the firſt of the patriotic members that ſigned the Declaration of American Independence—a ſincere Friend to his Country. The celebrated Hamilton, Secretary of the Treaſury of the United States. Three beautiful female Figures, repreſenting a Boſton, Rhodeiſland, and Philadelphia Beauty. The unfortunate Baron Trenck in real chains. Doctor Franklin, dreſſed in a ſuit of his own clothes, with about Twenty other Figures in full ſtature.
The Exhibition will be open every day (except Saturday evenings and Sundays) from 10 o'clock in the morning until 9 in the evening.