Black cats have long been a symbol for Halloween, regarded as nocturnal creatures who thrive in the dark and move silently and mysteriously in the shadows.

This handsome fellow, with his lopsided grin and penetrating eyes, manages to be both spooky and friendly – thus epitomizing one of America’s favorite holidays that takes place every October 31.

He was created in 1921 for a Halloween dinner at the French Lick Springs Hotel in French Lick, Indiana.

The French Lick Springs Hotel is one of the oldest and finest resorts operating in America today. It opened in 1845 when a doctor called William A Bowles decided to establish a small, wooden-framed hotel near one of Indiana’s mineral springs as a health center.

The original hotel was destroyed by fire in 1897 and the project was taken over by Indianapolis politician Thomas Taggart in the early 1900s who rebuilt the main building and expanded the facilities.

In the 1930s and 40s, celebrities such as Lana Turner, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong vacationed there along with golfing greats such as Walter Hagen and Jim Barnes. Presidents Harry S Truman and Ronald Reagan also visited.

The resort was sold to the Sheraton Corporation in 1955 and was sold again in 1991 when it was purchased by entrepreneur Luther James and his family. They invested millions into restoring the French Lick to its former glory.

Current owners Bill and Gayle Cook continue the work of safeguarding this historic 443 room American hotel which has four golf courses and a spa among its amenities. 

Courtesy Private Collection.