The History of Gibsonton
When you drive north on I-75 toward Tampa, you’ll see a little
exit called Gibsonton, nicknamed “Gibton.”
Over the years Gibsonton has become associated with
people who make their living working in sideshows, carnivals
and fairs, also known as “freak shows.” During the off-season
circus sideshow workers would return to their homes in
Gibsonton. The town is the notable home to the International
Independent Showmen’s Association, the trade association for
people working in the outdoor amusement industry. The IISA
also has a museum in Gibsonton, dedicated to the outdoor
amusement industry.
Were you ever tempted to run away and join the circus? The
residents of Gibsonton did just that. During the town’s circus
peak its population included some of the most renowned
sideshow acts in history: Al “The Giant” Tomiani and his wife,
Jeanie; “The Half-Woman;” Melvin “The Rubber-Faced Man”
Burkhart; Grady “The Lobster Boy” Stiles; Percilla “The Monkey
Girl;” and the conjoined Hilton sisters. Even today, the circus
history of Gibsonton is never far from view.
Gibsonton originally housed fi shermen and lumber company
workers. In the 1940s Gibsonton started to attract snowbird
sideshow performers who were looking for a welcoming place
to spend the off-season. Gibsonton is widely considered to be
one of the strangest and most fascinating towns in America.
Famous for being the fi rst location in America to offer
handicap accessibility, the Gibsonton Post Offi ce catered to the
special needs of its unique citizenry. The post offi ce featured a
specially-designed lower counter for the little people in town
decades before it became commonplace around the country.
In addition to the lower counters, special chairs were made in
the bars for The Fat Lady and The Giant. There was an ordinance
that allowed people to keep carnival rides and exotic animals
on their properties.
Sideshow acts are an unfortunate throwback to another time
and place. But there are still circus performers who have made
their homes in Gibsonton. And the residents, many of whom
are descendants of Gibsonton’s original sideshow performers,
embrace the town’s legacy. It was a peaceful and private place
to call home for people who were used to spending their lives
being gawked at and discriminated against.
A Retirement Village for Aging Performers
Since many Gibsonton residents are aging or retired circus
performers, Gibsonton offers a retirement village that, perhaps
ironically, looks like an empty fairground. The International
Independent Showmen’s Association sponsors the housing
costs of the members who live in the retirement community. The
money comes from the dues all Association members pay. Each
unit is a self-contained apartment with a small front porch and a
little barbecue grill (think the “Golden Girls” with little people).
May/June • 2021 • GASPARILLA MAGAZINE A