Mesmerizing Webb

Preservationists and politicians prevail

Published On: May 27, 2010

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Old Hickory would have approved of the Hermitage Gala. Inside BMCC, considered by some to be a bastion of rock-ribbed Republicanism, two of President Jackson’s political heirs were spotlighted at a fête where having a good time was much more important than anyone’s avowed—or suspected—party affiliation.

Two of those Jackson heirs, former Tennessee Governor Ned Ray McWherter and United States Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, received honorary awards from the Ladies Hermitage Association. The third—legendary journalist and card-carrying member of the literati—John Seigenthaler, delighted the crowd with that mellifluous voice and sparkling erudition. Does he remind anyone else of Atticus Finch without the horn-rimmed glasses?

Ned Ray cracked ‘em up with his closer. He told how a farmer in his hometown rocked back on his heels, jammed his fists into his overall pockets and told the then-Governor, “No matter how rich or famous you become, the size of the crowd at your funeral will still be determined by the weather.”

Senator Webb’s beautiful wife, Hong Le, mesmerized the crowd while son Jim got some admiring glances of his own in his Sergeant’s uniform. The Senator related that three members of his Viet Nam company hailed from Nashville, including Mac McGarvey, former Nashvillian and night manager at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Mac was there to honor his former commander, who was there the day he lost an arm to war.

Senator Webb, an admirer of President Jackson, has admirable accomplishments of his own. A U.S. Naval Academy grad, he chose a commission in the Marine Corps. Twelve years later became the Secretary of the Navy, the first graduate of the Academy to do so. He’s also been a screenwriter, producer, teacher of literature and Emmy Award winner for his coverage of the Marines in Beirut. His election in 2006 was the successful culmination of his first-ever political campaign. Oh yeah, he’s also authored more than a half-dozen books, fiction and non-fiction. Jackson was surely smiling down on this choice.

Co-chairs Frances Spradley and Julie Walker marshaled their troops as efficiently as Old Hickory led his soldiers, flawlessly executing a beautiful event. For good measure they threw in a signature drink, “The Old Hickory,” a mint julep variation made with Tennessee whiskey and a salad that included Benton’s bacon imported from Madisonville. Add to that a pretty room with floral offerings from Knestrick by Design, an interesting silent auction, and an intelligent crowd with appreciation for a Tennessee treasure and you’ve got a Gala. Way to go, ladies!

Speaking of ladies, kudos to the Ladies Hermitage Association, which truthfully, has a few male members. Thanks for ensuring that many more generations of Americans may visit and enjoy The Hermitage, a national historic landmark. MLT

—photographs by
eric england