We are fascinated by the hobbies that people pursue. From button collecting and deltiology to knife making and cosplay, if we can collect it, craft it, or compete with it, we’ll do it. Trains, for example, are a popular interest. Some railway enthusiasts make model trains, others train chase. Either way, true affectionados will be familiar with the name of Henry B. Plant.  Though the man was involved with many transportation projects, mostly in Florida, he became famous as President of the Plant System of railway and steamer lines.

He was also a “Pointer man.”

Some think these two bronze Pointers that stand outside the H. B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa is the oldest outdoor sculpture in Tampa. Cast in France by Maurice Denonvilliers in 1890, the piece is named, “Au Coup de Fusil” and represents H.B. Plant’s personal favorite hunting dogs (the hotel itself had kennels stocked with hunting dogs for guests use on hunting expeditions).  Originally, the “dogs” faced south rather than north, and their rapt attention was focused on a small bronze squirrel placed in a low hanging oak limb. The squirrel eventually was stolen and the dogs were moved to their current location outside the Museum entrance on the lawn. At one time, you could purchase your own Pointer for $1,685.00, but that site has since been taken down.