Richard Bryan, left, and Alan Carmichael pose in front of one of the tanks in the “party bunker.”
Nothing says “Happy New Year” like heavy artillery and stacks of ammunition.
At least that’s how those of us felt who rang in 2017 in Richard and Bette Bryan’s fascinating (and fun!) “party bunker” — dubbed The Bunker Ballroom for the evening — at John H. Daniel. The Bryans hosted the party along with their daughter, Laura Bryan, and son, Benton Bryan and his wife, Brenda.
I have heard for years talk of the Bryans’ collection of vintage weaponry, but I have to say its sheer size surpassed my expectations. The dozens of meticulously restored and detailed tanks, Jeeps, troop carriers and machine guns were artfully lit and displayed in the Central Street warehouse, parts of which were set up to look like a World War II officers’ club.
The Jim O’Connor Combo performed, a dance floor was installed and Rex Bradford Jones catered a full sit-down dinner. Whereas some folks elsewhere were concerned about the safety of being in large holiday crowds on this high-profile evening, we felt as if we were in the safest possible place should World War III or another catastrophe have erupted!
Check out this party of the century!
Yep. Most unusual decor for a party, huh?
This machine gun shoots 5,000 bullets a minute. And each bullet costs 80 cents!
The setup for dinner.
Rachel Ford, executive director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, relaxed in a vintage Jeep back in the catering kitchen.
Interesting German vehicle.
This tank is a Russian T-34 from World War II. According to the Bryans, it probably was built in 1941 or 1942 and was used extensively by all Russian forces in the war.
More machine guns.
Still more.
Gotta have bullets.
The Jim O’Connor Combo played all night from a raised stage.
With all that weaponry, it was nice to see law enforcement represented. Here’s Lee Tramel, left, from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office with his wife, Meg, and my husband, Alan.
The hostess and host.
Bette and Laura Bryan.
Brenda and Benton Bryan.
Joe and Leslie Taylor, left, with Dean Bob Rider of the University of Tennessee College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, and Kay Clayton.
If you wanted to slip away from the crowd for awhile, you could step into an elegantly appointed tent.
That’s where we found Sylvia and Dr. Jack Lacey.
At the bar, former Knoxville Mayor and Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe, left, was chatting with attorney Arthur Seymour, Jr.
Alan was catching up with Susan Seymour.
James and Hannah Slaughter.
One of the more impressive pieces of war machinery was this howitzer, an artillery piece still in use by some NATO forces in Europe. The Bryans believe this one was built in the early 1980s.
This is a German Flak “88” artillery piece . It was used extensively by the Germans in World War II and was very effective in shooting down Allied bombers over Germany. It is said to be a marvel of engineering and construction — way ahead of its time, according to Richard.
Joan and Victor Ashe.
Laura Bryan and Rachel Ford.
From left, Richard Bryan, Bette Bryan, Dr. Susan Newman, Dr. Laura Findeiss and Rick Giecek.
After an hour or so, dinner was served.
Chef Rex Bradford Jones.
Appropriate centerpieces.
Best pic of the night! Richard bringing a bottle of pinot grigio to our table!
The entree was great. But the best thing on the plate was what was described as “Bette’s famous cranberry bake.” It’s at the left under the steak, and it was fantastic.
Ron and Peggy Turner.
Chris Kinney and his beautiful daughter, Liz Kinney.
Lindsey and Phillip Kinney.
Ed and Joanne Owens.
Wayne and Connie Decker.
Dr. Bill and Sharon Laing.
Janet Testerman Crossley and Bill Regas.
Gerry and Kay Eastman.
Jennifer and John Burns.
Janine Hill and John Shoffner.
Charlie and Phyllis Severance.
Rena McAlister, left, and Rosemary Gilliam.
Ron and Carolyn Lawrence.
The cheesecake was awesome.
And there were bonus desserts, which made Alan’s night.
Time to hit the dance floor! Joe and Leslie Taylor.
Janet Testerman Crossley and Bill Regas.
Bob Rider and Kay Clayton.
Tony and Mary Lyn Cappiello.
Ron and Peggy Turner.
Bill and Jennifer Bergner.
Bette dancing with her son, Benton.
And then: Happy New Year!
Alan at midnight. (I think he’s holding my champagne.)
Happy New Year to our dinner companions, Terry and Rachel Ford!
What a start to what is sure to be an interesting 2017! Hope yours is great.
Holy cow – what a party! Thanks to the Bryans for a fabulous night. Happy 2017!
Fabulous party!! Thrilled to be a part of the celebration!! Thank you, Bryans!!
Thank you, Cynthia for the great commentary and pictures!!!
Wow. As unusual hobbies go, that pretty much takes the prize. What an interesting idea to use as party backdrop. Clever!
Laura Bryan and I were friends and classmates back in the day. She looks great! And what a fun party!
To our hostess and host… You are both the best and know how to throw a party. Thanks for always including Peggy and I to share such fun times with such great friends. We appreciate your friendship.
Ron and Peggy Turner
Bette Bryan is as beautiful and charming as ever. After having moved from Knoxville almost 8 years ago, I appreciate BLUE STREAK more each year.
Rachel: Alan and I had such fun sharing a table with you and Terry. Just as we did on our vacay with you all to Aspen!
Peggy and Ron: You all are so photogenic! Some of best pics on the blog! Fun being with you guys.
Gay: Gr8 party setting, indeed!
Michelle: Agree that Laura looks great – and is so much fun!
Martha: Miss you! Do you ever get back? Thanks for reading the Blue Streak!
There must be some interesting stories on how the Russian and German weapons that you saw were brought to the States. Always look forward to seeing the appearance of Pinot Grigio! Such fun!
The party bunker was the safest place in Knox County on New Year’s Eve.
What a party! Thanks to our wonderful friends Bette and Richard. Thanks to you Cynthia for a Great Bluestreak. What would we do without you and Alan.
Carolyn: Such a fun night! Happy to see you all there.
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