by Laurel | May 21st, 2010
Mary and Margaret Gibb
May 19, 1958
Mary and Margaret Gibb, reportedly the oldest Siamese twins born in this country, celebrate their 46th birthday tomorrow “Happy just being here — being with our friends.”
The twins will be honored by their family and friends at a quiet observance featuring their special delight — cherry nut cake topped with white frosting.
Mary and Margaret are joined at the base of the spine which curves near their hips and have a common circulatory system, but share no organs. Each feels pain separately.
They attracted national attention when Margaret underwent surgery at a Boston hospital in 1946 and again in 1953. Since the last operation they have been in good health.
Vaudeville and circus audiences may remember them for their 14 years of appearances which ended in 1941. They sang, danced and played piano in vaudeville for six years and traveled with circuses during the last eight.
But Mary and Margaret say they’re glad the sawdust is behind them. They didn’t mind the spectators , but boarding trains at night and traveling for miles exhausted them.
After retiring they conducted a gift shop here and then a telephone soliciting business, but for the last three years they’ve just been relaxing and watching television at every opportunity.
From The Springfield Republican.
