📸 Captured in this photo from 1929, J.P. Hooper proudly holds George Robey, his prized breeding fox, and a key figure in Prince Edward Island’s illustrious silver fox farming legacy.
Meet George Robey, a registered breeding fox owned by J.P. Hooper, one of Prince Edward Island’s dedicated fox farmers. While not much is known about George Robey’s specific achievements, his name alone sparks curiosity and imagination. In the highly competitive and prestigious silver fox farming industry, every breeding fox played a crucial role in producing the luxurious pelts that made PEI a global hotspot for this trade.
Up until 1900, Charles Dalton and Robert Oulton were the only individuals breeding foxes in the West Prince area of Prince Edward Island. In 1900, Dalton sold a pair of breeders to Robert Tuplin and Captain James Gordon and another to B.I. and Silas Raynor. These six men formed the “Big Six Combine” and made a pact not to sell outside the circle. Robert Tuplin soon sold a pair to his nephew, Frank. Frank, unlike the “Big Six Combine” could sell to anyone. Fox farming soon spread throughout the Island with many men, including J.P. Hooper from Charlottetown, becoming involved in the industry, breeding foxes with the finest characteristics, ensuring the continued success of this lucrative trade.
George Robey likely represented not just excellence in breeding but also the pride and passion of J.P. Hooper and his contributions to this fascinating era of PEI’s history. Whether he was named for his striking features, his pedigree, or perhaps even after the famed English comedian and singer George Robey (who was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries), this fox surely played a key role in Hooper’s farm.
The fox farming industry in Prince Edward Island began to decline significantly after World War II. The demand for luxury furs decreased as fashion trends shifted, and synthetic materials became more popular. By the 1950s and 1960s, the industry had largely faded, although some farms continued operating on a smaller scale for a time.
Today, the fox farming industry is part of PEI’s historical tapestry, celebrated at the International Fox Museum and Hall of Fame in Summerside. Farmers like J.P. Hooper—and perhaps even George Robey himself—remain emblematic of an era defined by innovation, ambition, and the spirit of this island’s people.
🌟 Here’s to honoring the legacy of J.P. Hooper, George Robey, and the role they played in PEI’s unique silver fox story! 🏝️✨
Photo credit: Public Archives and Record Office of Prince Edward Island
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