Podcast Summary: "Charles Farrar Browne, the First Standup Comedian"

Episode: Charles Farrar Browne, the First Standup Comedian
Release Date: November 18, 2024
Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class
Hosts: Holly Frey & Tracy V. Wilson

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the intriguing life of Charles Farrar Browne, often hailed as the first standup comedian. Despite achieving substantial fame in the 1860s, Browne's legacy has been overshadowed by his abrupt early death and the enduring fame of his contemporary, Mark Twain. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by Holly and Tracy, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Browne's contributions to comedy and journalism.

Early Life and Family Background

Tracy V. Wilson begins by painting a picture of Browne's early life:

"Charles Farrar Brown was born in Waterford, Maine, on April 26, 1834. His father, Levi Brown, was a civil engineer involved in various civic duties, and his mother, Caroline Eliza Farrar Brown, hailed from Vermont."
(04:43)

Browne's childhood appeared idyllic until his father's untimely death in 1847, when Charles was just 13 years old. This tragedy thrust his family into financial hardship, compelling young Charles to enter the workforce early.

Entry into Journalism

Following his brother Cyrus's footsteps, Browne apprenticed in the printing trade. His first major role was with the Weekly Democrat in Lancaster, New Hampshire, under John M. Ricks. Tracy describes:

"He was prone to long chats and storytelling rather than focusing solely on his job, which sometimes led to workplace antics, such as his coworkers tapping rum barrels from the printing office."
(06:29)

After a series of brief stints at various newspapers like the Norway Advertiser and the New Bedford Standard, Browne secured a position at the Carpet Bag, a humor magazine in Boston. It was here that his foray into humor writing began to take shape.

Creation of Artemus Ward

At the Carpet Bag, Browne was inspired by the humor writing he encountered and decided to contribute his own pieces. His initial success came from an anonymous submission about a Fourth of July holiday in Waterford, which was well-received:

"I thought I was the greatest man in Boston."
(09:06) – Charles Brown

Adopting the pseudonym Lieutenant Chubb, Browne continued to publish humor pieces, gaining recognition for his unique style. John Trowbridge, a fellow writer, praised Browne's wit:

"His serious countenance veiled a spirit of original and audacious waggery."
(09:06)

Development of the Artemus Ward Persona

Browne's most significant contribution to comedy was the creation of his alter ego, Artemus Ward. This character was a satirical manager of a touring sideshow, embodying Browne's sharp wit and unique comedic perspective. Tracy elaborates:

"Mark Twain would later write of the character, 'He represented an obscure showman having much of a certain low cunning and shrewdness...'"
(19:21)

Artemus Ward's lectures were groundbreaking, blending humor with a deadpan delivery that set the stage for modern standup comedy. His first lecture, titled "Babes in the Woods," showcased his ability to captivate audiences with seemingly unrelated yet humorous anecdotes.

Rise to Fame and Influence

Artemus Ward's popularity soared, leading Browne to write and publish several books under the persona's name. His debut book, "Artemus Ward" (1862), was a collection of anecdotes that sold over 40,000 copies, a remarkable feat for the time. President Abraham Lincoln was among his admirers, reportedly reading Browne's work during critical moments, such as the drafting of the Emancipation Proclamation.

"His work reads today as sort of clunky, if you're familiar with comedy writing, but at the time it was very unusual and pretty groundbreaking."
(18:23)

Later Career and Health Decline

In 1865, Browne expanded Artemus Ward's repertoire with "Artemus Ward His Travels", continuing his popularity. However, his success came at a personal cost. While touring England, Browne indulged in a strenuous work and party lifestyle, which took a severe toll on his health.

"He would perform his shows in the evening and then stay up drinking with his English friends... This constant work and partying meant that he was soon physically just exhausted."
(29:47)

Diagnosed with tuberculosis, Browne's health deteriorated rapidly. Despite his efforts to return to London, his condition forbade further travel, leading to his untimely death on March 6, 1867, in Southampton, England, just shy of his 33rd birthday.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

After Browne's death, his contributions to comedy and journalism began to fade from public memory, largely overshadowed by Mark Twain's enduring fame. However, Browne's legacy persisted in several forms:

• Mark Twain's Tribute: Twain honored Browne in a lecture, praising his humor and influence while addressing instances of unintentional plagiarism in Artemus Ward's works.

  "His inimitable way of pausing and hesitating... cannot be reproduced so that many of his best things read flat and tame."
  (38:00)

• Memorials: In 1948, a bust of Charles Brown was sculpted by Frank Garouche and placed alongside Mark Twain's at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Additionally, an elementary school in Cleveland bears the name Artemus Ward, commemorating Browne's impact.

Despite attempts by a relative to challenge Browne's historical narrative in 1891, these were largely unsuccessful, and his legacy remained modest compared to his contemporary.

Conclusion

Charles Farrar Browne's transformation into Artemus Ward represents a foundational moment in the history of standup comedy. His innovative blend of humor and deadpan delivery paved the way for future comedians, establishing him as a pioneer in the field. Although his life was cut short, Browne's contributions continue to resonate, offering valuable insights into the evolution of comedic performance.

Notable Quotes

• Charles Brown on his father:

  "My father was a magistrate and lumber merchant, a clear-headed and thoroughly honest man... I fear he was a little too honest for he died poor after all."
  (05:15)

• Mark Twain on Artemus Ward's delivery:

  "His inimitable way of pausing and hesitating, of gliding in a moment from seriousness to humor without appearing to be conscious of so doing, cannot be reproduced so that many of his best things read flat and tame."
  (38:00)

• Charles Brown on becoming famous:

  "I thought I was the greatest man in Boston."
  (09:06)

Final Thoughts

Holly and Tracy skillfully navigate through Charles Farrar Browne's life, highlighting his achievements and the factors that contributed to his historical obscurity. This episode not only sheds light on Browne's role in shaping standup comedy but also underscores the transient nature of fame and the enduring impact of true pioneers in their fields.

For those unfamiliar with Browne's story, this episode offers a detailed and engaging exploration of a remarkable yet forgotten figure in comedic history.