Author(s): Terence Fitzsimons

History

Clara, Anna and Tom Snell, from Gippsland, travelled the world as the Australian Giant Family, and were acclaimed as the most famous and familiar figures in Australia during the late 1800s. Following their 'discovery' in 1886 by Max Kreitmayer, proprietor of the Melbourne Waxworks, they appeared as 'prodigies' at various venues in America, Great Britain, South Africa, Ceylon and New Zealand. As mature adults they had a combined body weight of over half a ton; (heavier than a Mini Minor and just a little lighter than a VW beetle.) In their journeying they met up with other human 'oddities'; Jo-Jo, the dog-faced boy, Abomah, the Amazon Giantess and Mrs Tom Thumb. They also mixed with celebrities such as Chief Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill. Their father, William Snell, became the driving force behind the Giant Family, but as the giant trio grew to adulthood tensions arose between them and their father. Tom grew tired of 'exhibiting', and Clara concluded she and her younger sister Anna could manage to tour without their father's help - and they did. The Giant Family did more to advertise their country than our highly paid Commissioners today, for wherever they exhibited they received generous press notices, and were one of the wonders of the world. The Bunyip and Garfield Express, 15th June, 1914.