The Washington times., 1934-11-01
Horse Is King
At Historic
Estate
By BEAU McALLIsTER

FOR the first time we had
the privilege of journeying
to Montpelier-once the resi-
dence of President Madison
and now the home of Mr..
and Mrs. T. H. Somerville-
whose stables are extensive,
and whose interest in turf
and field has inspired them
to carry out to the last de-
gree their ambitions in this
direction.
To see the three e-quarter of
a mile track-where a radio
to announce events also is
installed-the brush jumps
and a fascinating trophy
room-is to realize just how
important King Horse is to
the Somervilles.
And so a croWd-moStly from
the Virginia Blue Grass coun.
try-GSSembled last week to nit
ness flat and jumping races
and to haze luncheon at his
toric Montpelier.
A curving gravel drive brings
you to the entrance of the house
itself-which, as you doubtless
know, is yellow stucco, with i'm.
pressive white columns. Off to
one side, one gazes through
white gate posts over the race
track and beyond to the most
beautiful view of the Blue Ridge
Mountains that could possibly
be desired. Forming an arch
over the posts-a frame for this
fascinating picture-are willow
trees, stately landmarks of the
Old South.
After we explored the race
track-and gazed over the sur.
rounding countrySide-we en-.
tered the hOuSe-furniShed en-
tirely in English antiqueS-and
frightened throughout with the
tasteful use of chintZ-on chairs
-SOfas-and at the windows.
Luncheon was served on q ter.
race.
We wandered into the Trophy
Room, literally lined 1Uith large
cups and ribbons. Hanging on
the beautiful paneIed 1O1IlS lOGS
an oil painting of the famous
Somerville hunter, Trouble
maker, noW UeterGn.
Over the fireplace is some i'm.
pressive scuipting in bronze,
done by the well-known young.
gentleman jockey, Carroll BaS-
sett. If he can turn out work
like that, this youth will never
want. if he gives up racing.
X \ X
The bronze is in three parts,
representing the saddling Of the
hOrse-taking the jumps-and
leading him in, the victor.
And now for the galleries!
We Spied Liz Whttney-i7t
bright green mired tVeed, 1Dith
lynr collar in the loveIieSt
creamy Shdde-Gnd green
suede hat, 1Dith brOtDn suede
shoes. With her lDGs Thomas
w. Dur1nt-in a brcWn Glen
UrquhGrt pIGid-dnd a yellotO
tie.
Mrs. Somerville was Smartly
dressed in a striped frock, with
a blue tweed swagger sport coat
and blue felt hat to match.
Mrs. Willie du Pont, jr., was
there, wearing . wine and blue
suit, with a lynx cOllar-and q
wine and blue hat.
X X
Spied Peggy Holden, 1Dith her
father, Preston Burch, and her
uncle and aunt, the Selby
BurcheS. Peggy looked as smart
as usual in a coat OF broUr and
yelloD tWeed-tOtth beaver
collar.
Also the Edward FriendlyS.
recent additions to the Warren
ton colony-and the Dion Kerr'S
young son who was riding for
some well-known owner - we
can't recall the name-but we
can't believe this youngster is
old enough to be in the saddle.
And "Debbie" Rood, Of Will
mingtOn-whO seldom misses
any race meet in the East. She
wore a mustard yellow wool
dress, with brown lacingS, 4
brown coat Of ribbed wool and
q brown hat.
\
Also AIer HGgner-in d tan
suit 1Dith large brown croSSbGrS
-vhich he tGUorS particularly