- Name Article: Richard Canfield Killed by a Fall – Famous gambler’s skull fractured when he stumbled on Subway Steps
- Author: Unknown
- Year: 1914
- Published in: New York Times, December 12
- Location: New York, USA
Richard Canfield’s death
This article about Richard Canfield’s death on December 12, 1914, contains much information about his life as a gambler. However, there is no mention of a Solitaire game named after him. It is clear from the article that Canfield was a great gambler:
- Canfield bought the old Saratoga Club in 1892
- The club was originally opened in 1829 and was owned by John Morrissey under the name Morrissey’s Clubhouse
- In Canfield’s hands, the Club became the Monte Carlo of the United States
- Canfield was well known for seldom refusing high stakes and as an honest gambler, especially the last part was not very common at that time
- In 1902 there was a raid at Canfield’s home while he was staying in Europe
- After 5 months Canfield returned back to New York and pleaded guilty. He had to pay a fine of $1000 and another $1000 on lawyers
- In the years following public disapproval grew and in 1907 Canfield closed the Saratoga Club House for good.
- In 1911 he sold the complete property to the town of Saratoga for just $150,000, far below the value of the property
- Canfield also had a wide reputation as an art connoisseur, and, after his death, a part of his collection was sold for $300,000.
