Taking the prize

Friends of Drumthwacket enjoy the artistry of garden clubs

By: Christian Kirkpatrick
   If anything can put you in the holiday spirit when the temperature’s 70, it’s Drumthwacket, declared Jim Robinson, chairman of the Drumthwacket Foundation Gala, which was held Friday evening at the governor’s residence on Stockton Street in Princeton.
   The house was beautifully decorated, he exclaimed: "The garden clubs outdid themselves."
   The 225 gala guests seemed to agree as they passed through the dining room, set for a feast; the parlor, which had been transformed into a Victorian fairyland; the library, with its majestic tree adorned in handmade decorations, and the study, trimmed in evergreens.
   Every year state garden clubs festoon the mansion’s public rooms in flowers and greenery in response to a chosen theme. This year it’s "An Old-Fashioned Christmas."
   Each club, or group of clubs, decorates a different room, and Garden Club of New Jersey judges choose which did the best job. This year, however, they decided to make first, second and third place awards. How could they choose just one winner?
   First prize went to the Garden Club of Fair Haven for its lush arrangements in the music room. Here, salmon-colored roses, dried hydrangeas and magnolia leaves complement the room’s rich colors and elegant furnishings. On the porch, the second-place Plainfield Garden Club adopted a holiday hunt theme. Toy foxes in red hunting coats guard Drumthwacket’s front door; hunting horns hang from nearby windows, and pheasant feathers are woven into the festive garland.
   The combined clubs of Bridgewater, New Providence and Westfield won third place by using the light of the solarium, its sunshine during the day and white tree lights at night, to make the room glitter. Crystal snowflakes catch the light, and ice-encrusted boughs send it flashing.
   Drumthwacket is always a beautiful setting for a party. But during the holidays, it glows with creativity and holiday cheer, thanks to the efforts of some of New Jersey’s most dedicated gardeners.
   "I want these garden club people to come to my house," joked William Walsh, vice chairman of the Drumthwacket Foundation’s board of trustees.
   Unfortunately, these botanical experts don’t make house calls. But a tour of the rooms they decorated is almost as good as a lesson in wreath construction and tree trimming. Anyone looking for holiday inspiration is encouraged to view the club’s efforts on Wednesdays, Dec. 6 and 13, and Sunday, Dec. 10, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tour reservations, which are necessary, can be made by calling (609) 683-0057.
   On Friday night, gala guests not only got to see the house in its holiday finery, they were served a delightful buffet dinner in a tent off the library and music room. Looking surprisingly festive, the tent was lined in red fabric, hung with greenery and lit by chandeliers. Trust Drumthwacket to make a tent look elegant!
   Entertainment was provided by pianist Bob Egan and the bell-like voices of the Alumnae Cantores from the Princeton Girlchoir.
   Because he was visiting the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gov. Jon Corzine could not attend the gala. He sent his regrets, however, and promised to invite everyone back to the mansion in the spring when he’ll have time to greet them all personally.
   Drumthwacket is the official residence of New Jersey’s governor. It provides a gracious setting where governors can host events and entertain visitors.
   The Drumthwacket Foundation ensures that the house always looks its best. Proceeds from its annual gala, the organization’s only major fundraiser, go to preserve the house and its grounds, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
   These funds also enable Drumthwacket to be open on most Wednesdays, with tours for children and adults.
   According to the foundation’s executive director, Beverly Mills, about 3,000 school children visit Drumthwacket each year as a part of the "Discover Drumthwacket" program. Most are fourth graders learning about New Jersey history. The foundation, with a generous donation from Wachovia, covers the costs of busing those children who come from Abbott Schools, and ShopRite provides them a box lunch.
   The "Discover Drumthwacket" program is designed to be inspiring, said Ms. Mills. "Docents love giving these tours," she added. "We hope the children leave believing they could become governor one day."
   Sponsors of the 2006 Drumthwacket Foundation Gala included The Jon S. Corzine Foundation, PSE&G, BP and Wachovia. World class ShopRites of Mercer County was recognized for its contribution to the Field Trip Program for Economically Disadvantaged School Districts.