MACHIAS, N.Y. — The Cattaraugus County Museum and Research Library has announced a new display focusing on the life of Louis H. Wiegand, often known locally as “Little Louis.”
Though Louie was born in Cheektowaga, his family moved to a farm in Markhams Corners, in the town of Dayton, when he was two. It was there, with the exception of the years he traveled as a performer, that he spent most of the rest of his long life.
In 1875, at age 20, Louie stood 33 inches tall and weighed 33 pounds. He was apprenticed to a jeweler in Dayton until, while attending a performance of the American Lilliputian Opera Company in Buffalo, he was spotted by the performers and recruited to a career on the vaudeville circuit.
For the next 12 years Wiegand, known on stage as “Prince Louis,” sang tenor and performed with the company all across the country. He performed twice at the White House.
When the American Lilliputian Opera Company broke up in 1887, Louie returned to Markhams Corners and took up tailoring for a while (he made most of his own clothes). After a couple more years of vaudeville and a stint as postmaster of Markhams Corners, he retired to a life of farming. He was said to have raised the plumpest hens for miles around.
“Little Louie” passed away Jan. 2, 1945, in his 90th year.
Items in this display include articles of Louie’s homemade clothing, his walking stick and several photographs, many appearing on loan from the Gowanda Area Historical Society.
The Cattaraugus County Museum is located in the Stone House, 9824 Route 16, in Machias. For more information, visit www.cattco.org/museum or call 716-353-8200.
