Pierre Lorrillard IV and Brittanys

Found this photo of Pierre Lorrillard IV, the American tobacco magnate with a Brittany.  Lorrillard was know for his Rancocas Stables (Jobstown, NJ) and Kennels. His kennels in the latter 1880's consisted primarily of Black and Tan setters.

Lorrillard was based in the New York City area and had a home in Tuxedo Park, NY. See the link for the Tuxedo Club which he founded in Tuxedo Park, NY.

Originally, I had dated this photo from the 1920's due to the hat and furniture in the photo, however, this Lorrillard (the IV) passed away in New York City in 1901, thus the photo likely was taken in the 1890's or 1900.  Harris & Ewing Company, based in Washington D. C. took the photograph.  H & E was a well known photography company in the latter 1800's and early 1900's.  They photographed dignitaries, including U. S. Presidents, celebrities, as well as, noncelebrities.   In their archives are photos of Presidents T. Roosevelt, Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover with their pet dogs. There are also a number of photos in their archives of other people with their dogs and some dog show photography.  I found this photo in the Library of Congress archives in Washington D. C. and subsequently noticed copies of this photograph can be purchased on Amazon.com and elsewhere on the internet.  There was no copyright on this photo stored at the Library of Congress.

What is interesting about the Brittany in this photo is that this dog breed was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until the 1930's.   Although a Red and White setter dog breed can be found in the British Isles, there is an occasional reference in the early American field trial history to smaller (under 50 pounds) orange and white pointers.  Lorrillard held the position as President of the Eastern Field Trial Club. He was also a field trial judge.  This particular dog reminds me of my own Brittany, Montana, who died 3 weeks ago at the age of 15 years.

Pierre Lorrillard IV was also a thoroughbred race horse owner and had American and European champion horses.  Also, he coauthored a book about Mayan archeology in Mexico after funding an archeological expedition to that location. 

An excerpt from the website NewYorkSocialDiaries refers to the photo: "Pierre Lorillard with his dog. Mr. Lorillard traveled with his dogs and horses. His yacht towed an auxiliary two-story boat equipped with stables and kennels, thus arriving at Jekyll Island ready for the hunt." The reference is to the Gilded Age estates on Jekyll Island which is now owned by the State of Georgia.  Upland game bird hunting became very popular with club sportsmen in the latter 1800's.  

Also view:  Handmade Houseboats, see Chapter 1, Page 2, 1st paragraph re:  Pierre Lorrillard's houseboat "Caiman".