Dr. Balthasar’s Marvelous Miracle Medicine Show 

Not feeling well? The Gathering at Garst is honored to have in our presence, medicine man and curer of all ills, Dr. Balthasar. Bring your aches and pains to The Gathering on Sunday July 28 and the good doctor will no doubt convince you that he has all the answers.  During this comical interactive performance Dr. Balthasar offers audiences a "magical miracle medicine that cures everything from a common cold to death of two weeks' standing."  Ailments and afflictions such as consumption, baldness, the "summer complaint," dropsy, drunkenness and extreme nervousness were just a few of the maladies that magical potions hawked by traveling medicine men of the 1700s and 1800s would supposedly cure. 

"Dr. Balthasar" is a character based on research conducted on the medicine shows performed in America from the late 1700’s to the late 1800’s.  Interpretive Education Specialist Michael Follin performs Dr. Balthasar’s Medicine Show. Mr. Follin has been with the Ohio Historical Society for almost thirty years. The show has been performed throughout the United States entertaining and educating audiences about the life and times of everyday citizens, medicine, and “medical quackery” in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Dr. Balthasar’s performance will take place at 12:30 on Sunday July 28 on the main stage at The Gathering at Garst. 

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the third Gathering at Garst on the grounds of Garst Museum on July 27 and 28.  Musical artists will be performing throughout the two-day event. Be sure to visit our website at www.gatheringatgarst.com for frequently updated details or “LIKE” and “SHARE” our Facebook page to learn more.