Arthur I. Appleton

Arthur Ivar Appleton (October 14, 1915 – January 15, 2008) was an American businessman from the Northbrook area of Chicago. He lived part of the year in Chicago and split time between his Indian Creek estate near Miami Beach, Florida, and his thoroughbred farm, Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida. He was one of the leading thoroughbred horse breeders and owners in the United States. He made his fortune in the family's electrical supply business, Appleton Electric Company, founded by his father, Albert Ivar Appleton, in Chicago in 1903.

Early life and education Appleton was born in Chicago on October 14, 1915, the son of the founder of the Appleton Electric Company, Swedish industrialist Albert I. Appleton, and Lillian W. Appleton. Appleton loved art and antiques from an early age. His mother was a concert pianist, singer and collector of fine art, who instilled in Arthur and his sister, Edith-Marie, her love of beautiful things. Appleton entered Dartmouth College at age 16, receiving his degree from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration and Finance in 1936.

Career Appleton joined the family business, which manufactured electrical products used in chemical and steel plants as well as indoor and outdoor lighting equipment. In 1947, Appleton became president and chairman of Appleton Electric Company.

Horse breeding and racing Appleton was interested in thoroughbred horse racing in Chicago and later in Florida; he served on the board of Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Appleton Museum of Art Appleton, his wife, and his sister started the Appleton Museum of Art in 1987.

Death Appleton died at home on January 15, 2008, at the age of 92.