Miscellany: Thumb's House

Brisk citizens of Middleboro, Mass., paused startled last week before a neatly lettered sign:

FOR SALE THE HOUSE OF TOM THUMB

The house, built half a century ago, stands far back from the street, masked by huge trees. There memories foregather. There Charles S. Stratton, exploited by P. T. Barnum as "General Tom Thumb," dwelt with his wife, that delectable midget, the onetime Lavinia Warren.

The "General's" career was unprecedented, surpassed the triumphs of modern cinema idols. No screen sheik from Rudolph Valentino down can truthfully boast, as did Midget Thumb: "I have kissed...