Homeowner Holli McCray with Knox Heritage Board President Jeff Wilke.
It was hot as blazes for the second of Knox Heritage’s three Summer Supper fundraisers this season, but the food, drinks and camaraderie were awesome.
And there was good music and an interesting restored house. It featured a fantastic poker room, which had been offered as an enticement to convince the professional gambler husband of the household to live in the suburbs instead of moving downtown, as he was wont to do. How often do you hear that? In any case, it was a win-win! For the urban-inclined husband, who got his gambling dream room, and for his suburb-loving wife, who got her house in one of Knoxville’s great neighborhoods. I love it when a plan comes together!
Annandale, as the Lakemoor Hills landmark is called, actually was the name of the previous home on the property. Built in 1919 by David and Sue Chapman, it was destroyed by fire in 1933. Today’s house was built in 1940 and was designed by famed local architects BarberMcMurry.
The current owners, Holli McCray and John Verdeaux, have restored it, retaining many of the interior and exterior details.
Party-goers were offered tours of the house. But most of the evening’s activities were on the lawn under a tent that, thankfully, had an abundance of fans. We picked a table directly in front of one! (Thanks, Alan, for staking out that spot.)
First things first. Guests were welcomed by Dr. Anthony Wilson, left, and Tyler Janow offering “Limoncello Ala Annandale,” a delicious vodka cocktail.
Now, THIS was a good idea! Poppy Beach was passing out towels drenched in ice water!
Tom and Blanche Vester offered tomato crostini with whipped feta and apricots wrapped in bacon.
The tables were pretty. Each place setting included a hand fan!
Susan and Bill Morris prior to seating.
Kimberly and Jim Hays.
From left, Jerry and Emily Lenn and Susan and Jim Turner.
Danielle and Jared Garceau.
Cayce Petko, left, and Ashley Wade.
Christine Cloninger, left, with Steve and John Cotham, right. Christine is the new executive director of Knox Heritage.
Ashleigh and Ray Christian.
Pandy Anderson, left, and Kathy Brennan.
Here are Stuart Worden and Lane Hays waiting to tour the house.
Want to see inside? Here’s the view from the den.
Owner Holli McCray said she hung this dramatic wallpaper at 11 p.m. the night before the party!
Music room.
Here’s that poker room!
Perfect artwork.
Modern kitchen.
Guest bedroom.
Partial view of the exterior. I was afraid of sliding down the steep front lawn had I ventured much farther down!
Ken Cagle was a very busy bartender. And I was very happy to see him holding this bottle!
Other hardworking bartenders were Matt Graves, left, and Michael Combs.
Mike Berry had the super important job of filling glasses with ice!
The event was a sellout at $200 per person.
First course was gazpacho with croutons and creme fraiche. Love the Knox Heritage logo on the crouton!
Chad and Melissa Tindell getting ready to plate the salads.
And here comes Rosa Mar with the salad course.
And Steve Drevik.
It was a delicious strawberry spinach salad with vinaigrette.
Paul Hotsinpiller was there in case you wanted extra dressing!
Two of our tablemates were Leslie Coleman, left, and Penny Lynch.
Dennis and Kim Denton were at our table, too.
Throughout the evening, smooth jazz music was by a band called Downtown Bigfoot.
The Faerber family going through the buffet line. From left, Jerry, Peggy and Kristen.
Caterer Holly Hambright made the fantastic main courses: roasted beef tenderloin served with horseradish cream sauce and chicken piccata finished with a caper lemon sauce. Classics.
Host committee members made the sides: heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella with balsamic vinaigrette, marinated asparagus with toasted walnuts and lemon vinaigrette, and wild rice mushroom pilaf. All delish.
Alan’s plate.
Blueberry cobbler for dessert.
This is Brianna Hartford. She was the valet driver from the Valet Guys service. We all parked offsite at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church and were shuttled to the house.
Hosts taking a water break: John and Marla Peterson.
Somebody’s got to do the dishes! Melissa and Bill Charles pitched in.
The sun was setting as we left and we caught this beautiful view.
There’s one more Knox Heritage Summer Supper left this year. It’s on Aug. 20 and a few tickets remain. Info is here.
Hi Cynthia,
Your coverage and photos are wonderful. It looks like a grand time was had by all despite the heat outside. The event looks like great fun.
Looks like a good time was had by all. I enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces.The Knox Heritage Summer Suppers were a huge part of my life for so many years. I miss those days.
Enjoyed catching up with Knoxvillians after traveling for nearly two weeks. Really like the sunset photo.
Seprenia, Gay and Georgiana: A little heat — or a LOT — can’t deter a party-minded crowd set on having a good time! This gathering proves it! Kudos to the determined host committee who pulled it off.
Thanks to your story I just bought a ticket to the last Summer Supper. It’s across the street from my condo! I am looking forward to it.
Jennifer: That’s great! You will have a wonderful time! It sounds like a really interesting one.
So glad this house was saved ! It’s beautiful
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