Lloyd Bedford Cox, Jr., Receives Founders Award at John Jay Homestead
By Nancy Dexter
On Saturday evening, March 8, Friends of John Jay Homestead celebrated the many contributions of one of their outstanding board members, Lloyd Bedford Cox, Jr., at a well-attended black-tie dinner in the historic Ballroom at the Homestead. On a blustery, March evening, with the rain and wind whipping around throughout the day, this elegant and subtly lit event was a welcome respite from the extremes of the season. Many Cox family members were present, including all three of Lloyd and Eleanor's children and two of their four grandchildren.
The evening began with cocktails in the period rooms. Champagne and wine were passed, along with the plentiful hors d'oeuvres supplied by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs, caterers of the seated dinner. As guests were serenaded with violin and cello duets in the dining room, others roamed into the front parlor, which now contains the recently refurbished bust of John Paul Jones on its new pedestal. The setting was particularly appropriate for honoring Lloyd Bedford Cox, Jr., as he remembers meeting with Eleanor Iselin in that same parlor while she signed papers for his father, the real estate broker who ensured that the Homestead would eventually become the property of New York State and open to the public.
At the sumptuous dinner, with elevated flower arrangements and lighting on each table provided by Sandra Clothier, the atmosphere was festive and elegant. Spectrum Lighting created the effect of candlelight throughout the downstairs rooms. Surrounded by portraits of Jay ancestors, guests enjoyed the Ballroom's historic ambiance. Thanks to the organizational skills of Dinner Chair Heather Langham and the Ballroom Dinner committee--Liza Clymer, Mary Cox, Tori Cox, Dale Forster, Anna Lee, Kim Maloof and Anne Polk—the evening was a resounding success. The Dinner sponsor was the Chubb Group of Companies.
After dinner, the President of St. Lawrence University, Don Sullivan, spoke of his long-time friendship with Mr. Cox and of the loyal support Lloyd provides for his alma mater. Following these remarks, Friends' Chairman Mackin Pulsifer praised Mr. Cox's many contributions to the community and noted the special friends gathered for the occasion, including Ambassador Walter Curley; former Congresswoman Sue Kelly; former County Legislator Ursula LaMotte; Jay descendant, Oliver Dominick; friends from the Chubb Group of Companies, the Bedford Historical Society and Antioch Baptist Church.
Friends' President Sascha Greenberg then presented the first Founders Award--a Tiffany glass box engraved with the date and the occasion--to Mr. Cox. The crowd was particularly moved when Mr. Cox's grandson, Brian, gave a tribute to his grandfather as he accepted the Founders Award on his behalf. As a final highlight to the evening, State Senator Vincent Leibell and Assemblyman Adam Bradley made an appearance, presenting Mr. Cox with Legislative Resolutions commending him on this special occasion, which were adopted by the State Senate on March 4, 2008.
Ballroom Dinner Event Photo Gallery
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