On the Town with Ted Clayton The New York Social Register of the 1930s had four hundred members. Maury Paul, aka Cholly Knickerbocker, was the social gossip columnist for the New York Journal-American, published 1937–1966. Knickerbocker’s syndicated daily gossip column consisted of the “Four Hundred,” members of the New York social elite. By no means am I a gossip columnist (well, almost never) but a social editor that brings you the party life of the Nashville Socials. In today’s time here in Nashville most of the social gatherings are charitable events, all for most-worthy causes. An event held last month at the Belle Meade Country Club benefiting Belmont Mansion was held to honor Nashville’s social press, the “Real” Social Press! I, along with my fellow honorees Brenda Batey, Rusty Terry, Sinclair Kelly, and Brian Barry, had the most wonderful evening being the guests. In other words, we were in the spotlight, on the other side of the camera. The Real Social Media Event – Shown in poster, Annette Eskind with actors for Nashville Cares
On entering the club the familiar sounds of the Pat Patrick Trio welcomed guests to the media celebration. So fitting to have the Pat Patrick Trio, as Pat is the social sound in Nashville! “This is just such a special, fun evening,” exclaimed Clare Armistead, one of about 300 social guests present. The atmosphere was as Clare said, a fun night at the club with one’s favorite friends. Many of the patrons expressed how they enjoyed seeing friends they had not seen in a decade (in social terms that means in about the last fifteen minutes, LOL). Every charity organization in Nashville was represented that evening congratulating us on the coverage we have given them over the years. Chairs Mary Morgan Ketchel, Jay Joyner, and Julie Stadler did an outstanding, overthe-top job! Honorary Chairs Barbara and Jack Bovender, two of the social press favorite people, were seen greeting Margaret Ann Chairs Mary Morgan Ketchel, Jay Joyner, Robinson, John Bridges, Julie Stadler – The Real Social Media Event Patsy and Bob Weigel, Joyce and David Hitt, Lisa Campbell, Theresa Godchaux, Brenda and Joe Steakley, Deby and Keith Pitts, Linda and Jere Ervin—you know, the Nashville Social Register. Some things just never change, and social press is a must read just as
it was back in the Cholly Knickerbocker days. My social reading goes back to the Betty Banner days when Betty Caldwell covered the socials as did Kay West and Catherine Darnell, and everyone’s favorite, Herbert Fox. This was an evening of glamour, sophistication, and, of course, sociable socials. Without the soc i a l s I wou ld h ave nothing to write about, Honorees Ted Clayton, Brenda Batey, and I do so thank my Brian Barry, Sinclair Kelly, Rusty Terry – The Real Social Media Event readers. I also want to thank Nashville Arts Magazine for believing in me and giving me a dream of a job. Yes, I am living the dream! As we are in the midst of the spring social season, the press works day and night, 24/7. Only in our great city would one find so many events in one month as I am about to share with you. Believe me when I say I could write a page on each individual event, for each one is for an important Sara Bovender, Blair Steakley, Denise cause and each a unique Johnston, Joe and Brenda Steakley experience. (That was not – The Real Social Media Event always the case—remember, back in the Betty Banner days there were only two pay parties, the Swan Ball and the Hunt Ball.) We, the social press, cover food, fashion, and all charitable events, such as Tennessee Flavors, an event benefiting the Randy Rayburn Culinary School at Nashville State Community College. My dear friend Alberta Doochin invited me to cover this event for her son; Jason Ritchason is the current president of the Nashville State Community College Foundation. All I can say is that there was no excuse to go home hungry after attending this third annual eat-a-thon chaired by Randy Rayburn and Bill Freeman. A few nights later I found myself at the new Omni Hotel celebrating the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Special guest speaker at this event was the one and only Rob Lowe, great guy and, needless to say, my new best friend! Later in the same week on the same social register of events was the first Art on the West Side chaired by Ron York and Rhonda Polen Wernick. As spring approaches so do Rob Lowe, CEO Dan Jernigan the art shows, and this – Boys and Girls Clubs was one outstanding show exhibiting great art by Nashville artists. Yes, I went home with an amazing piece by J.J. Sneed. Of course the socials love to dress to be seen, as they did for the Red Haute society evening. Victoria Hallman Traver chaired this lovely fashion show at the Parthenon where designer Jeff Garner
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