Mark your summer soirée schedule for a spectacular social and sporting scene in Newport, Rhode Island, as 19th century carriages, led by stately steeds, gallantly gather to herald Coaching Weekend in Newport. From August 16th to 19th, The Preservation Society of Newport County hosts members of the Carriage Association of American who delight in the pageantry of parading for such an appreciative crowd. It is the very spot where the sport enjoyed great prominence in the late 1800‘s when the mansions of Newport were celebrated for their preeminent and opulent grandeur. Built by the titans of their time, they have stood the test of time, thanks to the steadfast diligence of The Preservation Society.
Photo by Sharon Lynn Reynolds
Occurring only once every three years creates even more excitement for the prominent promenade which takes place all over the town, stopping at both private residences and historical sites. On Saturday morning, August 18th there will be a demonstration of driving skills on the back lawn of The Elms at 10:30am. For a full schedule, please visit Newport Mansion Coaching Weekend.
Beverly Lindh Little and Kenneth Lindh Co-Chairmen of Coaching Weekend in Newport shared a little family history with us and eloquently described the venerable procession. “David Lindh, our father, and a member of the Coaching Club of America, revived the Weekend of Coaching in 1968. Every three years, impeccably restored coaches and horses arrive in Newport and are driven by their skilled handlers (known as whips) for 4 days around the island.
David E.P. Lindh
Newport is ideally suited to the event with its array of gilded age summer cottages and century old beech trees. The details are expertly orchestrated with the help of many people, and enjoyed greatly by both the participants and the community. The highlight of the weekend is an exhibition at the Elms, where the coaches and horses display their finery and the whips demonstrate their skill to the public. Throughout the weekend, the streets are lined with fans as the coaches make their way around the island. On Saturday night there is a dinner dance at the Breakers, originally the summer cottage of Cornelius and Alice Vanderbilt. Coaching has been part of Newport for over 100 years and we are honored to help preserve the tradition by organizing this wonderful weekend.”
Photo by Kenneth Lindh
The Breakers, the Grandest of the Summer “Cottages”
Grand Hall at the Breakers
In the photo below you can see clearly the elevated position of the Whip, as well as the footmen or grooms on the rear of the vehicle. You can also see “aprons” or lap blankets across the the driver and his companion. These are a required piece of livery to keep the reins from staining the clothing and from falling down between the Whip’s legs – a potentially treacherous situation. The center portion holds passengers, all adhering to the traditional dress dictates of men in top hats or skimmers, jackets and ties. Women also arrive in fine millinery splendor worn with dresses or jackets and skirts.
Photo by John Corbett
Each day the carriages crisscrossing the town as spectators line the streets to cheer the showcase of highly skilled equestrian prowess.
Photo Credit John Corbett
The Preservation Society was created in 1954 by a group of concerned residents intent on preserving the architectural heritage of Newport County, and most notably the Bellevue Avenue Historic district where the mansions and gardens provide a tangible experience of the elegance and artistic wonders of the Golden Age. Under its keen stewardship The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, Chepstow, The Elms, Green Animals Topiary Garden, Hunter House, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Marble House, and Rosecliff all are maintained to high standards and made available for enjoyment, education and research.
Executive Director, Trudy Coxe enthusiastically explained the significance, “The Newport Mansions exemplify three centuries of the finest achievements in American architecture, decorative arts, and landscape design. We hold these 11 properties – 7 of them National Historic Landmarks – in the public trust, and through them we engage the public in the story of America’s vibrant cultural heritage.”
The Gold Room at Marble House
Hammersmith Farm. Photo Credit Kenneth Lindh
Board Member and lifelong preservationist, Eaddo Kiernan, describes the festivities and fanfare. “Once every three years the Newport Preservation Society hosts the Coaching Club of America for an extended weekend of scenic carriage drives with seven receptions, parties and Balls in those four days. During those four days historic Newport is transported back in time with the elegance of these stately antique coaches as well as the beautiful horses and all of the surrounding traditions. For those of us who support these special events, it can be a wardrobe change marathon. I take a page from the Fire House and literally line up my outfits for that weekend in advance with shoes, hats, wraps etc so I can jump into them in a moments notice. Quick change artistry at its best.”
Photo by Kenneth Lindh
Photo by Kenneth Lindh
And what does one wear to go coaching? If you enjoy an opportunity to climb aboard the rig, keep your ensemble stylish and ladylike. We kept the pallette demure and are tickled to see that pink is still in fashion. When wearing a hat, I like to forego sunglasses and keep the earrings simple to not distract. Love the fresh silhouette of these new Stuart Weitzman pumps. Since shoulder surgery in June, I am lowering my standards – in heel height, that is. An updated “Lady Bag” completes the timeless look.
dresses: Shoshanna Ruffle Sheath $395 Shoshanna Floral Lace $450 hat: Giovannio Samantha $99 accessories: Asha Flower Stud $195 / Cult Gaia Cupola Baboo Bag $158 / Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Top Handle $2700 shoes: Stuart Weitzman The Hayday Pump $425 / Jimmy Choo Edina 85 Ballet Suede Wedges $675
Photo by Sharon Lynn Reynolds
But the real fashion highlight of this highly charged weekend is The Ball at The Breakers, one of the grandest summer “cottages” built by the Vanderbilts at the height of the family’s wealth and power. Hilary’s gorgeous Black Tie ensembles capture the glamour and romance of the past.
Photo by Kenneth Lindh
For this year’s Coaching Ball I am keeping it classic and chic. The party attracts all ages reflecting the multi generational support of the Preservation Society. So I chose dresses for the young .. willing to show a little skin, the not so young, and the young at heart. I particularly like the silver Les Heroines dress at it reminds me of the Golden Age and its glamorous movie stars.
gowns: Galvan Twist-Front Halter Neck $1575 / Alice McCall Notion Ruffled Chantlly Lace $590 / Les Héroïnes Ruched Metallic Satin Gown $510 accessories: Mallarino Gold Vermeil Earrings $430 / Kenneth Jay Lane Silver-Tone Crystal Earrings $210 / Nancy Gonzalez Metallic Crocodile Clutch $1700 / Jimmy Choo Dégradé Glittered Leather Clutch $995 sandals: Gianvito Rossi Metallic Leather $815 / Aquazzura Crystal- Embellished Metallic Leather $1295
Photo by John Corbett
Kenneth Lindh was exceedingly generous to share his vast personal knowledge of Coaching in America and The Coaching Club 1875 – 2018. We are grateful for his keen insights. “The history of coaching dates to ancient times. The Romans, Persians, Chinese, and Greeks were all “driving” horses early in their history. The “modern” Sport of Coaching was first introduced into the United States as early as the 1860s. (A single Royal Mail Coach was purchased in England and brought to Boston to be driven around the streets. )
