Carry Me BACK
Coming Out, Then Going Off the Rails
The spring market is heating up, choose an agent who is well connected with a wealth of experience
By Jimmy Hatcher
I
called Mimi Abel-Smith recently to find out the date of her long ago coming out party at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. She told me it was June 29, 1954, and I still have great memories almost 70 years later. I first met Mimi at the Loudoun Junior Horse Show at Glenwood Park in 1951 (feel free to ask me who was champion), but had not seen her since with the brief exception of Cathy Mellon’s party earlier that June. Mimi‘s celebration was Mary Chichester Mills (right) wore an offscheduled just before the white organdie gown with white sequins for annual July 4 horse show her debutante party in New York in 1954. in Culpeper. I had planned From far left, her friend Nancy Gerry (now to ride in that event, so I Bedford) her mother Alice duPont Mills and had already sent my regrets D.B. Parish. Other friends included Nina for Mimi’s party. But her Winthrop (now Bonnie), Catherine Mellon and Nina Auchincloss all to the toe tapping music roommate at Mount Vernon of the Lester Lanin orchestra. College in Washington, Mary Ann Saunders, called and convinced me to make trip to New York. We were both from Richmond and she told me she was planning to drive north for the party, then stay a few more days. She kindly offered to give me a ride up, then take me to the train so I could make a quick trip back and not miss too much saddle time in Culpeper. I don’t recall much about the drive north, but I do recall the party as if it was yesterday. Mimi was beautiful, as was the bathed in pink St. Regis ballroom. Going up on the hotel elevator, I was standing near a gentleman who looked very familiar. I later learned he was Mimi‘s father, James P. Mills, an internationally known polo player. I asked him if it was possible I’d seen him at a horse show in Virginia. He responded as any self-respecting polo star had the right to answer, “I hope the hell not!” In any case, the party was truly glorious and true to Mary Anne’s word, she got me to the train station in plenty of time. All went well until we reached Union Station in Washington. I happened to ask the porter what time the train would be getting into Richmond. He replied with a smile. “Boss I’ve been on this train for 20 years and it hasn’t been to Richmond yet.” Horrified, I asked him where it was going. To my chagrin he replied, “Charlottesville.” “So what do I have to do to get to Richmond?” I asked. With great humor, he answered “the train from New York to Richmond is just ahead of us and I’ll see if I can get you on. What’s your name?” “Hatcher,” I answered. “Jimmy Hatcher.” He said he’d see what he could do so, so I grabbed my hanging bag and small suitcase and got off that train to Charlottesville as quickly as I could. Seconds later, I ran smack into a very tall conductor who immediately asked me, “is your name Hatcher?” “Yes sir,” I replied. “Well hurry up, we’re holding the train to Richmond for you.” So railroad people everywhere, I certainly hope you’re still holding trains for slightly confused college boys. Richmond, there I went.
ER ACT D R UN NT CO
Old Iron Jockey
.13 acres | $1,100,000 Middleburg – Turn-key commercial building in the village on the corner of Washington and Liberty. Exposed log and stones walls, original hardwood floors and 5 fireplaces. Welcoming covered front porch and a large display window
Cricket Bedford Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
(540) 229-3201 Barrett Zurbruegg
Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
(404) 376-4561 “Since starting her career at T&TEP Barrett has hit the ground running - in fact she brought the firm a $1,000,000/+ contract within her first month. Having experience in the banking industry she brings to the table an in-depth knowledge of financing and is a pro when it comes to developing strong working relationships. Not to mention her warm and approachable demeanor make her such a pleasure to work with.” ~ Cricket Bedford Real Estate Professional
THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES
Opening The Door To Horse Country For Generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 Office: 540-687-6500 | thomasandtalbot.com
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