DAN'S PAPERS, July 4, 2008 Page 87 www.danshamptons.com
By T.J. Clemente The headquarters of the Ladies Village Improvement Society of East Hampton, Long Island, Inc. (LVIS) are located at 95 Main Street in the historic 1740 Gardiner Brown House. For the last 113 years the LVIS has been providing East Hampton with many services. Now under the direction of President Joan A. Ehren, the LVIS is preparing for its 112th annual fair, which will take place July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to General Manager Mary Anna Jun-Morris, fair proceeds finance local scholarships and maintain the East Hampton Village green, historic trees in town and historic landmarks, such as Ashawagh Hall in Springs. Besides the many booths selling the famous Beach Plum Jam and donated garden items, the fair also offers face painting for children, a petting zoo, three ponies and traditional carousel rides. The BBQ that follows, co-sponsored by the Lion’s Club, starts at 4 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. The silent auction this year will offer a diversified grouping of items, such as an hour-long seaplane charter, three nights at the posh Hotel Plaza Athenee in New York City, golf packages and exciting getaway trips — including one to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There will also be superb local art. It was noted that, for some reason, the weather is always perfect for the fair. This year, when the volunteers wear the traditional green aprons, white dresses and straw hats, nothing less than the best of weather is anticipated. Jun-Morris talked about how truly impressive the LVIS scholarship program is, and how amazing it was for an organization like the LVIS to raise and award $88,000 in financial aid to students. The breakdown is eight $10,000 awards, two $2,500 awards for local community college attendees and $3,000 for an older woman who decides to go back to school. Another event coming up this summer will be the 100th birthday of Alice Ham, who is perhaps the most senior member of the LVIS. Since 1989, the historic house that was actually moved from right on Main Street to its present location in 1924 by then-owner Winthrop Gardiner, has been the home of the LVIS Bargain Box thrift store, Bargain Books used book store, other knick-knacks for sale, and the administrative offices. The 360-member strong LVIS (of which none are men, although there are male volunteers who assist the ladies) has a volunteer corps of over 100 ladies coordinated by V.P. Mo Cohen. Within the LVIS are over 20 committees. A walk to the LVIS headquarters from Main Street is a pleasant one, and when you enter the historic home, one of the first things you see is the “Octagon” dollhouse constructed in 1892, which was a gift of Deborah Light. The 5’4” dollhouse is redecorated four times a year for the various seasons. It alone is worth a visit, but it’s not the only reason to stop by. There’s great treasure-hunting (books for one or two dollars, Brooks Brothers men’s blazers in mint condition for$30), as well as great les(continued on page 89)
Photo by S. Galardi
Hampton Tradition XLIV — LVIS
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