Hobcaw Barony is the former reserve of Bernard Baruch, a self-made millionaire born in Camden, South Carolina
Former slave homes and a chapel are well preserved at Hobcaw.
In a 1973 photo by Lewis Riley, a road courses through an area of higher elevation at Hobcaw.
Baruch’s stately mansion overlooking Winyah Bay is well-preserved and open for tours.
Belle Baruch built her home at Hobcaw and spent much of her later years there with her horses.
The chapel and modest homes of former slaves were occupied well into the 20th century, and the Baruchs took good care of the residents.
Belle Baruch built elaborate stables for her champion horse, Souriant, and others she owned and rode.
Portrait shot of Baruch with pince-nez glasses, a popular style at the time. The photo inscription reads “To my Belle, with fondest love from ‘Chick,’ 1932.”
In a circa 1925 photo, Bernard Baruch poses on the porch rail of the Old Relick, which faces Winyah Bay.
A shot from August 16, 1900, in which Bernard’s wife, Annie Baruch, poses with their first-born child, Belle Wilcox Baruch. On November 1 of that same year, Belle became the youngest person admitted as a member of the Children of the American Revolution.
A circa 1909 photo of Belle Baruch.
Belle was a world-class equestrian and her horse Souriant was a world-class champion.
Here they are seen crossing a major jump in a competitive event. Belle and Souriant also competed in steeplechase events.
A group gathered at Hobcaw to enjoy the leisure, privacy and relaxation the property offered.
This circa 1907 postcard features an excellent photographic image of the house, affectionately known as the “Old Relick.” Note the lack of sun porch on the south side —one was added shortly after the Baruchs purchased Hobcaw.
Belle Baruch was, among many things, an accomplished horsewoman.
Bernard Baruch continued to advise and counsel world leaders well into his 90s.
Baruch and Winston Churchill were very close friends.
Churchill visited Hobcaw Barony with his daughter.
Baruch in the Oval Office with President John F. Kennedy
In addition to being a world-class equestrian, Belle was also an expert female pilot. During World War II, she loaned her plane and the Hobcaw airstrip to the U.S. Army Air Corps for coastal reconnaissance missions.
In a circa 1910 postcard made for guests, Annie Baruch, second from right, and Bernard Baruch, far right, pose with three hunters and one hundred ducks at Clambank Landing at Hobcaw.
Annie Griffen in a circa 1897 photo, the time of her marriage to Bernard Baruch. Due to Bernard’s career as a “speculator” on Wall Street and his Jewish faith, Annie’s father objected to the match.
Annie and Belle prepare to go crabbing circa 1937.
93-year-old Bernard in 1963 with nurse Anne Cullen. Cullen was chosen by Bernard to care for Belle during her last struggle with cancer in 1964
In a circa 1937 shot, Belle and Lois Massey prepare to boil water for crabs right at the boat landing. Lois served as Belle’s secretary and house manager.
Bernard and Annie pose proudly with a fallen pine, pleased to be the baron and baroness of Hobcaw
Dr. Skip J. Van Bloem, left, and Dr. Jay Pinckney are directors and professors at the institute.
The Baruch Foundation trustees pose outside Bellefield Plantation in this circa 1984 photo. Left to right: General Harry Arthur, Leonard Scully, Ella Severin, Nelson Buhler, Leon Cohen and Craig Wall Sr.