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James Gordon
Bennett, Jr.
b. New York City, NY, May 10,
1841
d. Beaulieu, France, May 14,
1918
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Newspaper editor, sportsman, the youngest Commodore of the New York Yacht
Club.
Born with silver spoon in his mouth, he was heir to the New York Herald.
Victorious skipper in first trans-oceanic race (Christmas Day 1866).
His days as a Newport summer resident begin in the early 1870s. He rents
various villas on or near Bellevue Avenue.
First American editor to explore the international scene and solely responsible
for the shameless publicity stunt or marketing ploy to sell newspapers,
when he promoted and financed the Stanley's expedition in quest of Livingstone.
He is credited with the introduction of polo into the United States in
New York City (Winter and Spring of 1876).
Introduces polo to Newport on July 10, 1876. Victorious, along with Lord
Mandeville, he is the only one wearing proper polo attire by sporting high
top boots, light pants, and a blue and white shirt with matching cap. Location
of polo ground: Earl, Meikle and Vaughan Avenues (not morton Park).
Stories surrounding him abound and reach legendary proportions.The
Newport Reading Room incident concerns Bennett and one of his polo buddies,
Captain Candy, better known as "Sugar Candy." A wager was concocted whereby
Sugar Candy would mount his polo pony and ride up the short flight of stairs
into the exclusive club located on Bellevue Avenue. Bennett was reprimanded,
Sugar Candy supposedly shown the door for the last time. As the story goes
(never proven), Bennett started the Newport
Casino in response.
He is supposedy a notorious indulger in the demon drink and women. While
screaming and yelling, he enjoys riding in his four-in-hand coach stark
naked in the countryside (O'Connor, p.49).
He abruptly halts a New Year's party at his future in-laws by impulsively
relieving himself in front of the guests. One version places this unmannerly
act in the grand piano, another in the fireplace (O'Connor, pp.136-137).
In 1879 he purchases land and a house owned by the Sidney Brooks estate.
His house "Stone Villa" was located on the present day eastern section
parking lot of the Bellevue Shopping Center.
The Newport Casino
is considered to be the first multi-recreational facility of its kind in
the United States. It officially opened July 26, 1880.
Bibliography
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