The Life And Times Of Conjoined Twins Margaret And Mary Gibb
Updated: Apr 15
In 1929, Margaret Gibb, one half of the famed Siamese twins, got engaged to Carlos Daniel Josefe, a gentleman from Mexico City whom she encountered while performing in New Orleans. Despite applying for a marriage license, their union never materialised. Throughout the 1930s, the duo maintained their performance career, captivating audiences as they toured with the renowned Barnum and Cole Brothers Circuses under the moniker "America's Siamese Twins."
Their travels took them to various destinations including Paris, Germany, Switzerland, and numerous spots across the United States. Following their retirement from the limelight in 1942, they opted to settle back in Holyoke.
Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on May 20, 1912, Margaret and Mary Gibb came into the world with a younger sister named Dorothy. Despite their parents' refusal to separate them during their early years, the twins embarked on a journey into show business, showcasing their talents in dance and piano. However, unlike the renowned Hilton sisters, they never achieved the same level of fame and recognition.
The Gibbs opted for a relatively secluded upbringing for the girls, providing private tutors for their education within the confines of their home. At 14, the sisters decided to venture out on their own, relocating to New York City to pursue a career in vaudeville.
The press speculated widely about their potential separation on various occasions, such as when Mary fell ill with influenza and later in 1928 when Margaret announced she had a suitor.
Dr. Francis P. Weston, a well-known surgeon, was scheduled to perform the operation, but everything was ultimately called off.
Throughout the rest of the decade and well into the 1930s, the Gibb twins continued to captivate audiences as stars of vaudeville and the circus. They embarked on journeys with the Barnum and Cole Brothers Circuses, showcasing their talents not only across the United States but also in Paris, Germany, and Switzerland, maintaining a prominent presence in the public eye.
In 1942, they made their way back to Holyoke and launched the Mary-Margaret Gift Shoppe, offering a variety of items including cards, novelties, vases, and handmade baby clothes. The shop thrived until 1949 when the twins decided to retire from public engagements entirely.
Following their retirement, they mostly kept to themselves, only making occasional appearances when attending church services. Their primary pastimes were reported to be knitting and indulging in television viewing.
In 1966 it was discovered that Margaret had cancer in her bladder, which, over the next year, spread to her lungs; however, the sisters still adamantly refused separation. On August 29, 1967, Margaret died, and Mary died two minutes later.
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