Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-04-12
Beloir Fate Is in Doubt
No Natter Who Wins Suit

The legal battle between giants
of the BODYBUILDING industry
over the right to buy nearby
Belair. 2.280-acre Woodward es-
tate. headed into its second day
today at Upper Marlboro Court
house.
Prince Georges County Circuit
Court Judge Charles Marbury
indicated he might hear closing
oral arguments in the case this
afternoon. But he did not haz-
ard a guess on how long the
much-publicized fight would
continue.
One outcome seems certain.
however. Although none of the
principals involved in the case
has said definitely what he would
do with Belair if he had it, all
three specialize in erecting NAM
moth subdivisions or entire vii
lagos.
So Belair's rolling acreage,
about Is miles east of Washing
ton. near Bowie, seems destined
to be dotted with houses.
Contract Signed in October
A contract to buy the estate,
owned by the late William Wood
ward. jr., for $1.187. 1000 was
signed October 10 by Webb 81
Knapp. New York realty firm
controlled by William Zecken-
dorf.
Two other large-scale devel-
opers, William j. Levitt of Levitt
town fame, and Norman L. Adolf,
are asking the court to void the
contract. They testified yester-
day they offered more money for
Belair before the contract was
signed.
Mr.. Zeckendorf negotiated
with executors Of Mr.. Wood
wards estate. Hanover Bank of
New York City and John Lude-
wig, a friend and adviser of the
late sportsman.
Mr.. Woodward was shot to
death Ocober 80. 1858, by his
wife Ann. who mistook him TOR
a prowler. Two William
III, IL. and James, land other
child-relativeS. survive.
The Big Question
Judge Marbury said early in
the proceedings yesterday he had
this main question to answer
after hearing testimony and
arguments: Whether the ex-
ecutors did as much as they
could or should to sell Belair
for the highest price and thereby
derive the greatest benefit for
the legatees. especially the
minors.
Testimony so far has shown
that brochures describing Belair
AN internationally known stud
farm and home of such cham
pion horses as Nashua, Gallant
Fox and Omaha-were circu-
lated early in September. The
price sought was $l,250,000.
Mr.. zeckendorf told the court |
he mAde an offer orally and in
writing September 20, 1856, of /
S1.1 million. Later, he raised
this to s1.187 900, or the asking
price of the executors, minus
five per cent brokers commission
which he said he would pay him
self.
In an executors committee
meeting September IS. 1856.
Mr.. Zeckendorf's offer was &C
cepted. 81 4
The day before Mr.. Levitt,
who already had viewed Belair
from the air and ground, asked
for an appointment with bank
officials to discuss the property.
He was asked to come in the
morning of September IS.
I'VE were coming into the
bank that morning to buy 1t
(Belair)." Mr.. Levitt declared.
Zeckendorf Offer Accepted
He never had the appoint
ment. however. because as soon
as the committee met the fol-
lowing day and decided to accept
Mr.. zeckendorf's offer, Mr.. /
Levitt was notified by phone he
needn't make the trip.
Later, when he found that the
Zeckendorf contract was to be
presented to the Maryland Cir
cult Court for ratification. he
submitted formal offer of SIS
million to Mr.. Pyles.
Thomas r. Brooks, a Hyatts-
vile lawyer for Mr.. Adolf, estab-
lished that his client came to
the Hanover Bank October 8.
two days before the Zeckendorf |
contract was signed. and offered |
$1.4 million.
Mr.. Adolf said on the witness
stand he was told the property
had been committed and his
offer could not be considered.
Bank officers declared their
policy on such deals was to
state an asking price, accept the
first bid to meet 1t, and not to
negotiate with later bidders
thereafter.
Made appointment
Washington lawyer William T.
Hannah testified he made an ap-
pointment with a Hanover Bank
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