ABSTRACT
Before and after the American Civil War, the parlor served as the scene for many lively recreations, one of which involved family members donning disguises. Widely read storybooks told tales about giants and other fabulous beings, so why not have one visit in the flesh? To construct a giant, a boy sat on the shoulders of an adult, both hidden under a very long overcoat. The boy's face was visible and adorned with a curly black mustache and a top hat. One short arm held an extra-long walking cane to complete the disguise. A witness to the fun had this to say about the unseen adult:
It is, indeed, an ordeal rather severe, after partaking heartily of Christmas dinner, and, perhaps, generously of wine, to walk about a hot room with a warm boy on your shoulders, and your entire person–head, face, and all–enveloped in a heavy cloak or overcoat, and not a breath of fresh air to be taken under penalty of spoiling the giant.
