Sweet Chauncy Brown: Dancing the Night Away around to asking who provided the music. went to my first dance “Chauncy Brown,” I said. when I was 13. Somewhat wistfully, she replied, In the 1950s, boys didn’t “Well now, Chauncy Brown played wear tuxedos until they at the first dance I ever attended, were 15 or 16 so I wore a blue too.” suit to this party, a dinner dance Born near Middleburg, he grew held at Huntlands near the up in that area and began learning Foxcroft School. to play the guitar as a boy. He Huntlands was occupied by joined the army in the early 1940s Compte Guy de La Frigoniere, and fought in France in World War his wife and her daughter, Betty. II, but had established himself as a When dinner was announced musician earlier. we proceeded to a fully set table After the war, he put together a and were served from silver dance band and soon came into platters—full manners on! I demand all around Northern The great Chauncy Brown was seated next to Betty, the Virginia. He developed a jazzy hostess—double manners on! style and played at dances, hunt breakfasts, debut After dinner we escorted our partners to the parties, and a variety of other social events. ballroom. Mrs. De La Frigoniere and one of her Many were held at Upperville’s Buchanan Hall, friends guided through the proper etiquette of the perfect venue for a good dance two or three asking our partner to dance, escorting her to the times a summer. Those gatherings became very dance floor and back to her seat, then fetching her popular, and of course, Chauncy Brown was our a glass of punch. music maker. The music was provided by a three- or four-piece The nights were hot, the music great and the dancing band led by the great Chauncy Brown. Altogether, it fast and furious. Claudia Saffer (Young) and Sandy was a lovely party, quite fun and an education. Young were the best dancers. Claudia’s older brother, When my mother came to pick me up, she was Tommy, had a nice voice and at some point in the fascinated to know all about the party, finally getting evening, he could always be counted on to take to the By William H. (Mike) du Pont
Courtesy Photo
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stage and belt out “Sweet Georgia Brown.” Chauncy Brown wrote that song for his business manager/wife, and early on, Chauncy’s friend and mentor, Duke Ellington, the great band leader, popularized this song all over the country. A few years later, the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team made it their theme music. Just prior to one of those great Buchanan Hall dances, I’d heard about a potent adult beverage, Old Mr. Mack. I paid $1.69 and proudly took my bottle to the dance, and ended up drinking most of it myself. It didn’t take long for me soon become sleepydopey-sick, and was deposited in Phil Thomas’ car. When he and his date reached the car, it was a terrible mess, but Phil has been a good (and forgiving) friend to me ever since. Two other good friends, John and Timmy Riley, gave me a lift home. But my condition was such that I wasn’t allowed in the car. I was placed on the right front fender As we approached my house, my father was sitting on the front steps. They drove right up to him, slammed on the brakes and dumped me on the gravel at my father’s feet. He took one look at me and said “Go to bed, sleep it off and then cut the grass!!” Some Buchanan Hall dances ended well. Some did not. William H. (Mike) du Pont is a long-time Middleburg resident and former MFH of the Orange County Hounds.
The Ashby Inn & Restaurant Winter Special
ASHBY WINTER GETAWAY
Enjoy a stay in any of our four School House rooms or Fireplace room Wednesday through Sunday. Package includes a 3-course meal for two in our restaurant (gratuity included) and a bottle of our Ashby Port. Package originally valued at $535. Winter Getaway Package Price: $450 Email us at info@ashbyinn.com or call us directly at 540-592-3900 to redeem this offer. Valid through 3/31/20
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