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Columbus Day Weekend, 2008 at Orleton Farm in Stockbridge was the setting for the third Berkshire Coaching Weekend, hosted by Harvey and Mary Stokes Waller. This year's extravaganza, presented by the Lenox and Stockbridge Chambers of Commerce, featured eighteen coaches and horses, with owners traveling from near and far. Frank and Mary Jensen brought their Holland and Holland coach and four matched crossbred horses from Franktown, Colorado, while Misdee Wrigley Miller traveled from Kentucky and Dr. Gary Montsdeoca hailed from Lorida, Florida. On day one (October 11) the coaches left Orleton Farm at 9:30 a.m. and traveled through the village of Lenox enroute to the grounds of Shakespeare &Co. for a presentation of the coaches and a special luncheon for the Coach Whips and passengers. They were greeted by crowds of applauding spectators, as they lined up their shining coaches and perfectly groomed horses on the vast lawns. Participants were dressed in stunning attire with ladies wearing their best dressy hats, and gentlemen sported toppers or bowlers. The weather was picture perfect for the three day event. Cameras clicked non stop. I spoke to one local woman who was in her glory, sitting on the lawn and taking in the rare display. She told me she had observed the coach parade in the past, from the street, but felt she must come here to get a closer view. "Her yard work, however important, would have to definitely have to wait." After the lunch break and presentation of the coaches, the procession left the property and drove back to Orleton Farm for cocktails and light faire. Later, at 6pm, guests were entertained at the Gilded Age Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield with a private exclusive performance of Neil Berg's "Best of Broadway" There was also a barbeque with a live band for the grooms at the Farm, and I am told, many ended up for dancing at the Coach Barn on the property. On Sunday, as I started my day at the Hospitality Tent, I chatted with passengers who were about to board a coach. I spoke to a Gloria Riordin who summers in Stockbridge and her daughter Susan Spencer from Rye, N.Y. They both had seen the coaches in parade 2 years ago, and now they wished to experience a ride of a lifetime for themselves. Claire Reid of Southern Pines, N.C. who preparing to drive her coach and four lovely grey Welch Mountain Ponies, told me she used to attend a camp in the Berkshires as a child, and was delighted to be returning the area. Mary Richie Smith from New Marlboro Mass, was joining a ride on the coach of Sasha Rockefellar of N.Y, N.Y.as was her cousin Diana Rockefellar of Cambridge. On this day, coaches traveled through Stockbridge Village and arrived at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Here, a Coach horn competition was held, much to the delight of the audience. I also spoke with a couple of passengers who had been invited to ride on the coach of Jim and Kathie Hundley of Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Jerry Zaetta and his wife Marilyn had traveled from Romeo, Michigan to volunteer and to enjoy a weekend in the Berkshires. Marilyn was totally estatic when asked to describe her experience of riding on a coach. She seemed almost for a lost for words. It was obvious how much it meant to her. As I further inspected the line-up of coaches, I had the great pleasure of meeting noted artist Jamie Wyeth, whose wife Phyllis is a big coaching and driving enthusiast. They had brought a stunning vehicle named the "Outlaw" drawn by four matched Black and White horses whose lineage is shared by stock brought from Holland by the Queen. Jamie, (who is the son of Andrew Wyeth) was about to visit the Rockwell Museum when I caught the chance to pose for a photo with him. This Sunday's schedule included a Black Tie Coachman's Dinner Dance and Tribute to the Whips The last day (Monday) of the grand weekend happenings saw a third drive to the estate of Edith Wharton's "The Mount"for a feature "Tribute to Sylvia Brocklebank's 100 Anniversary of her win of the Quick-Change class at Olympia in 1908. Ms Brocklebank, with her crusade for female equality, paved the way for today's notable Lady Whips such as Gloria Austin, Marilyn MacFarlane, Misdee Wrigley and our own Mary Stokes Waller. Monday afternoon concluded the weekend of Coaching. Our thoughts extend great appreciation to Mary and Harvey Waller for all their days of planning and generous time and effort.and use of their Farm. Also thanks to club member Jeannette Rotondo for co-ordinating the many willing volunteers who helped to make this event such a success. These magic memories will long be lasting as we return to the "real world" amid thoughts and wishes for another time when the "Coaches Are Coming" back to the Berkshires. |