March 02

Carl Jacobsen was a Danish brewer born in 1842, son of the founder of Carlsberg Brewery. He expanded the family brewery business and established his own Ny Carlsberg Brewery. An avid art collector, he founded the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen, showcasing ancient and modern works. Jacobsen supported artists and public art projects, commissioning sculptures for city spaces. He also funded scientific research, education, and social welfare initiatives across Denmark. His dual legacy in brewing and the arts has left an enduring mark on Danish culture.

Robert Means Thompson was born in 1849 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy. He served as a naval officer before transitioning to a legal career in New York. Thompson later became a successful businessman, leading companies in shipping and finance. He was active in veterans’ organizations, serving as president of the Society of the Cincinnati. Thompson also supported athletic and educational institutions, including the New York Athletic Club. His multifaceted career spanned military service, law, and commerce until his death in 1930.

James A. Gilmore (1876–1947) was an American businessman and baseball executive who served as president of the short-lived Federal League. A successful entrepreneur in the brewing and railway industries, he applied his business acumen to challenge Major League Baseball’s dominance. Under his leadership from 1913 to 1915, the Federal League attracted star players with higher salaries and modern stadiums. The league’s antitrust lawsuit ultimately led to a landmark Supreme Court decision classifying baseball as non–interstate commerce. Gilmore’s bold venture reshaped the business and legal landscape of professional sports.