34
CLASSNOTES | Profile
with
Gretchen Cooper Leach ’57
KJ: What were the simple pleasures you missed the most
while living in the Ambassador’s residence? GCL: It did not always seem appropriate to prop up one’s
feet and leisurely enjoy a good book with a staff of 22 working so industriously around us, so that’s something I missed. Also, there was little opportunity to be spontaneous or have free time. There was always something to do and decisions to make. One had to be “dressed” for any occasion at all times, as you never knew if there was a photographer lurking about. KJ: I remember when Barclay the “Ambassa-dog” came to the
Gretchen Cooper Leach has published Letters from Paris, a memoir that recalls her life as the wife of the U.S. Ambassador to France from 2001–2005. Here the author shares a few scooplets du jour with Katie Jewett, French teacher and Choate’s Director of Curricular Initiatives. KATIE JEWETT: Many spouses of world leaders take on
a cause during their tenure. Is this also expected of an ambassador’s wife? GRETCHEN: Not necessarily, but I wanted to have a cause and I took the notion seriously. I saw this role as one of service to my country in that it was an opportunity to better the image of the United States in France and in the world. The American Hospital in Paris is a fantastic place that offers excellent care and services. It turned out that they were in need of a new mammogram machine while I was there. I put together an advisory council made up of both French and American philanthropists. We met monthly and despite being told we would never be able to come up with the necessary funds, we raised the $1 million within a year.
Choate campus back in 2009. What role did he play during your time with your husband (Ambassador Howard Leach) in Paris? GCL: France is one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world, and thus Barclay was very well received there. He flew over with us and played a huge role in our diplomatic lives. Barclay was invited EVERYWHERE in France – on hunting expeditions in the country and weekend visits to friends’ houses. He traveled on the train with us and was always, always at my feet when I wandered through events at our residence. He was very famous. A friend who is an artist painted many portraits of him. I still miss that dog.
INSIDE Letters from Paris FRENCH CREPES RECIPE by GRETCHEN COOPER LEACH
KJ: How did your experience as an Ambassadrice change you? GCL: I was married to the ambassador of France and that is
something that will always be a part of my identity. It can never be taken away. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience which I took very seriously. One is constantly judged when in that role and I still think about that and try to always put my best foot forward wherever I am. People still acknowledge the role that Howard and I played in France. Our time there will always be a huge part of our lives. Creating Letters from Paris was a wonderful opportunity to share this unique experience with others. KJ: Besides your record of emails written to friends and
family during the four years you lived in Paris, you include some recipes from the Ambassador’s residence. May we share a recipe from the book with our readers? GCL: Avec plaisir! By Katie Jewett See Katie Jewett’s review of Letters from Paris on page 62.
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon white sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 3 eggs 2 cups milk 4 tablespoons butter, melted DIRECTIONS: 1. Sift together flour, sugar and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat eggs and milk together with an electric mixer. Beat in flour mixture until smooth; stir in melted butter. Let stand for 1+ hours. 2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each crepe. Tip and rotate pan to spread batter as thinly as possible. Brown on both sides and serve hot. Makes 8 crepes. 3. Enjoy!