Sunnyside, the historic home of author Washington Irving
The New York JASNA branch held a very tempting weekend conference March 21-22 in Tarrytown, NY, and I was fortunately able to attend, tying it in with a family visit. Tarrytown is such a pretty, old community on the Hudson River, spectacular in springtime, but New York’s long winter this year meant that springtime had definitely not arrived in time for the Jane Austen event. Nevertheless it was a most beautiful conference and I thought I’d share some of my impressions and pictures.
Abigail Reynolds, Diana Birchall, and antlered friend
The wee
kend was spent at Tarrytown House, a most attractive and luxurious estate, and the speakers included Jeremy Mussen, who spoke on Homes in Jane Austen’s Novels, Kim Wilson who spoke about both food and gardens in the novels, the hilarious Albert Roberts who gave a gory and witty presentation as a “Regency doctor.”
There was a side trip to the beautiful old home of author Washington Irving, Sunnyside (top picture) and much more. For me, the best part was meeting far-flung old friends and Janeites, notably fellow Austen Variations writer Abigail Reynolds, former JASNA President Marcia Huff, and Persuasions editor Susan Allen Ford. From banquet to costume parade, the whole weekend was a delight.
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Thanks for sharing the lovely photos, Diana! This weekend sounds such fun every year; it’s lovely to have a report on it from those who are lucky enough to attend!
Glad you had a wonderful time. Sunnyside is beautiful. One day I’ll be able to go to one of these events. 🙂
That certainly sounded like a lovely setting for a conference, I’m glad you got to enjoy it! I am not at all familiar with the Hudson River area — the closest understanding I have was from reading Mary Lydon Simonsen’s “Darcy on the Hudson!” I have to chuckle to myself at the comparison of the types of conferences I usually attend for work… they don’t involve costume parades or particularly picturesque settings!
Sounds like such a fun trip, Diana!!
Thanks for sharing it with us 😉 .
Thank you for sharing your photos! The buildings looks beautiful and the event alot of fun! I’ve driven along the Hudson River Valley and it’s a beautiful area.
Looks lovely, sounds enjoyable – thanks for sharing. That home would be very interesting to tour, I am sure. And hearing about the Regency Doctor does sound gory…but interesting.
Love to hear from you and how you are doing, Diana. I’m envious that there are many Jane Austen events in US (UK and elsewhere in the world) but none that I know of in my country. It’s okay cos I can vicariously experience it through your beautiful photos.