Fur and American History (Long post!)

[ChicagoFurFan]

As many of us fur fanatics may know already, fur has played a uniquely important role in human history, and U.S. history in particular.

Whether it’s the impact the fur trade had on the nation’s original colonial past, or the way fur became the status symbol of old Hollywood, fur has been an ever-present piece of the American passion since its inception, and, in many ways, before it as well. In a recent visit to the National portrait gallery, I took note of how fur had a unique presence in American art and American social consciousness throughout many eras. Here are some standouts: 

The first picture is actress Gypsy Rose Lee in what appears to be a fox stole, photographed by the legendary George Hurrell.

The second is of the brave and talented Marian Anderson, the skilled songstress who took on Jim Crow by signing on the steps of the Washington monument at the request of the pro-civil rights icon and fur lover that was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Anderson and her iconic mink coat became instant symbols of the fight for racial equality, and serves as one of many examples of how the luxury, power, and strength of a fur coat became a hallmark for so many American trailblazers. Fur and mink in particular has a particularly well-regarded status in the Black American zeitgeist, and with Anderson’s mink, it’s not hard to see why.

The third one is probably my favorite. If you’ve known me on this forum, you’ll know there are few things I love more than a good bear skin rug. From the looks of her smile, I’d say Jean Harlow agrees. This legendary picture, also photographed by Hurrell, is perhaps the most powerful picture of the “beauty on the beast” trend that took over pinup photography in the immediate pre-and-post war American Hollywood scene. Symbolizing primal sexuality, the burgeoning feminist movement, and the glamour of old Hollywood, I consider this photo featuring a ferocious rugged polar bear to be Hurrell’s finest work. 
 

The fourth is the great Greta Garbo in what I believe to be chinchilla. Ever the beauty, Garbo was one of old Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, and, well, for good reason! 
 

I apologize in advance, but I remember neither the name of the last picture’s artist nor what said painting depicts. However, as a man on this forum, I figured America’s fur loving boys deserve some plaudits too. This painting shows how fur can be regal — as it adorns a well made coat that exudes statesmanship. It also, however, is evidence of man’s primal nature, and the fact that such fine furs grace a wearer who appears to be a soldier is no coincidence in my view. Rather, it is an admonition, a confession of the fact that, for many of us, including us fur den users, fur is a primordial aspect of who we are and an irrepressible symbol of our lust, hunger, and passion.

 

anyways, thanks to those who stuck around. I love seeing how my passions and interests and, well, kinks can be seen through a more serious and reflective historical lens. For all we know, each of these figures could’ve felt the same way about fur as we do. I hope they did. 

[james93]

8 minutes ago, ChicagoFurFan said:

As many of us fur fanatics may know already, fur has played a uniquely important role in human history, and U.S. history in particular.

Whether it’s the impact the fur trade had on the nation’s original colonial past, or the way fur became the status symbol of old Hollywood, fur has been an ever-present piece of the American passion since its inception, and, in many ways, before it as well. In a recent visit to the National portrait gallery, I took note of how fur had a unique presence in American art and American social consciousness throughout many eras. Here are some standouts: 

The first picture is actress Gypsy Rose Lee in what appears to be a fox stole, photographed by the legendary George Hurrell.

The second is of the brave and talented Marian Anderson, the skilled songstress who took on Jim Crow by signing on the steps of the Washington monument at the request of the pro-civil rights icon and fur lover that was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Anderson and her iconic mink coat became instant symbols of the fight for racial equality, and serves as one of many examples of how the luxury, power, and strength of a fur coat became a hallmark for so many American trailblazers. Fur and mink in particular has a particularly well-regarded status in the Black American zeitgeist, and with Anderson’s mink, it’s not hard to see why.

The third one is probably my favorite. If you’ve known me on this forum, you’ll know there are few things I love more than a good bear skin rug. From the looks of her smile, I’d say Jean Harlow agrees. This legendary picture, also photographed by Hurrell, is perhaps the most powerful picture of the “beauty on the beast” trend that took over pinup photography in the immediate pre-and-post war American Hollywood scene. Symbolizing primal sexuality, the burgeoning feminist movement, and the glamour of old Hollywood, I consider this photo featuring a ferocious rugged polar bear to be Hurrell’s finest work. 
 

The fourth is the great Greta Garbo in what I believe to be chinchilla. Ever the beauty, Garbo was one of old Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, and, well, for good reason! 
 

I apologize in advance, but I remember neither the name of the last picture’s artist nor what said painting depicts. However, as a man on this forum, I figured America’s fur loving boys deserve some plaudits too. This painting shows how fur can be regal — as it adorns a well made coat that exudes statesmanship. It also, however, is evidence of man’s primal nature, and the fact that such fine furs grace a wearer who appears to be a soldier is no coincidence in my view. Rather, it is an admonition, a confession of the fact that, for many of us, including us fur den users, fur is a primordial aspect of who we are and an irrepressible symbol of our lust, hunger, and passion.

 

anyways, thanks to those who stuck around. I love seeing how my passions and interests and, well, kinks can be seen through a more serious and reflective historical lens. For all we know, each of these figures could’ve felt the same way about fur as we do. I hope they did. 

Thanks for drawing attention to the historical aspects of furs in the US! Those of us who live in the US Midwest live in states that were largely settled on account of French and later, British fur trading posts, including Vincennes in Indiana, Kaskaskia in Illinois, and Detroit in Michigan. Some of these towns still honor that history with events each year paying tribute to the rich commercial past these towns played in the formative years of post-European North America.

[dongleboy]

I always found it ironic that fur, which was responsible for so much of America’s early wealth, was turned into an evil entity by groups such as PETA.  And shame on those who allowed themselves to be bullied by these terrorists!  I really think the fur industry should have fought back harder against those thugs. 

[shyfurwriter]

On 3/1/2025 at 9:09 PM, ChicagoFurFan said:

If you’ve known me on this forum, you’ll know there are few things I love more than a good bear skin rug.

Research Rosina DaPello AKA Rose La Rose for a little fur history. She was a burlesque / exotic dancer who fancied shooting a polar bear so she could use him in her act!  Supposedly she went on a hunting trip were she did in fact shoot and wound a grizzly that her guide finished off. Some said it was only a yarn but a photo I seen in a book showed her in the wilderness with a skinned bear behind her. (Not a glamor photo) Either way there is a picture of her posing nude upon the fortunate beast. (See below. as she also is rather charming in a fox cape) On that note, I want a healthy bear population so we can welcome a few into our homes as rugs!  I don't want to sound cruel BUT...  I find a woman on a bearskin not only sexy but also soothing, even nurturing.  As if only a woman's feminine charms can subdue what is fierce and untamed in both man and beast.
I was always fascinated by the social, political, environmental and fashion influence of furs on society. 

Edited March 5 by shyfurwriter

[shyfurwriter]

The lovely Rose La Rose!

Edited March 5 by shyfurwriter

[ChicagoFurFan]

On 3/4/2025 at 8:51 PM, shyfurwriter said:

The lovely Rose La Rose!

What a story! Thanks for sharing! Any chance you have a link? I’ve been looking all over to learn more about her but it’s a bit hard to come by info.

[shyfurwriter]

Sorry, I only found pictures and some basic info. The hunting story with pictures I seen in a book years ago. One black and white picture shows her holding a rifle with the skinned bear spayed out behind her. She has a big smile and is wearing one those old plaid pattern hunting jackets with the matching hat. The second picture shows her on the bearskin rug. I recall this to be the same picture I posted above. So unless Teddy had a stunt double...
I believe the story because it stated she wounded the bear and her guide finished it off. Maybe she thought it would be  good publicity or she just wanted to try hunting her own rug. Over time I have learned of women partaking in blood sports, even (especially?) back then. I learned women also have taken interest in fur farming. There are old videos of women visiting animals on fur farms. One in particular shows a lady in a fox scarf playing with a fox kit. Lets not be chauvinistic about the subject! I find it kinda hot!!!!!

Edited March 12 by shyfurwriter

[ChicagoFurFan]

12 hours ago, shyfurwriter said:

Sorry, I only found pictures and some basic info. The hunting story with pictures I seen in a book years ago. One black and white picture shows her holding a rifle with the skinned bear spayed out behind her. She has a big smile and is wearing one those old plaid pattern hunting jackets with the matching hat. The second picture shows her on the bearskin rug. I recall this to be the same picture I posted above. So unless Teddy had a stunt double...
I believe the story because it stated she wounded the bear and her guide finished it off. Maybe she thought it would be  good publicity or she just wanted to try hunting her own rug. Over time I have learned of women partaking in blood sports, even (especially?) back then. I learned women also have taken interest in fur farming. There are old videos of women visiting animals on fur farms. One in particular shows a lady in a fox scarf playing with a fox kit. Lets not be chauvinistic about the subject! I find it kinda hot!!!!!

I’d love to see those if you ever do find them! I agree with all your points at the end too!