Torrential rain was not a deterrent for the revelers who came to celebrate the holidays at Coe Hall at their annual “Deck the Halls” fundraiser at the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay.
Greeting the guests in the grand hallway in front of a two-story Christmas tree was Henry Joyce, executive director of the Planting Fields Foundation, who said he was very excited by the turnout.
“We have been doing this for 15 years and this year is our biggest year,” said Joyce, noting there were 250 guests, a record high. “We are raising a significant amount of money and we have a lot of restoration to do at Planting Fields, particularly of the bedrooms to make them look like they did in the 1930s. Money raised here will go towards Mr. Coe’s bedroom, which needs to have its very fine antique furniture put back into the room. This event will help very much in the restoration of that room.”
As guests walked down the long corridor decked out in lighted garlands, they were greeted by waiters carrying silver trays with champagne flutes. The living room had a roaring fire in the fireplace—a first in many years—and was the site of the oyster bar. Throughout the house, music filled the beautifully decorated rooms. Even the deer hanging on the walls had ornaments hanging from their antlers.
In the great hall were several sushi stations set up along additional bars. Waiters passed trays of succulent lamb chops, shrimp, artichoke quiche, blue potatoes, chicken and sausage all while the champagne and wine kept flowing. There was no shortage of tables and chairs as guests could dine either upstairs or downstairs as they toured the house. Gold table cloths were adorned with fragrant paper whites, which were given away at the end of the evening to guests.
Mike Brown of Locust Valley enjoyed conversation with Dr. Mary Ann Rosman of Mineola in the dining room in front of another roaring fire in a seven-foot tall fireplace. “These parties at Planting Fields are wonderful. The house is a fantastic setting of the past. It’s hard to even describe it. It’s wonderful,” said Brown.
A frequent visitor to the parties at Planting Fields, Rosman concurred, “Deck the Halls at Coe Hall is the most fabulous way to kick off the holiday season.”
Jill Rooney, who was with her husband, Tom, of Westbury, looked stunning in a red evening gown. This was the first time they attended the gala. “My friend is on the board and she enticed me to be here. I am glad to be here; it’s just beautiful.” Tom agreed, “I think this house is magnificent; it makes me want to go back in time.”
Taking in the Mai Coe bedroom upstairs were Virginia and Joe Napoli of Syosset, who also were first-time attendees at the event. The mother of three small boys was enjoying a night out.
“We have been to Planting Fields, but this is the first time inside the house,” said Virginia. “This is lovely. We were invited by friends who are on the board.”
Joe was particularly impressed by the house. “I love it. I was struck by the decorations and the Christmas tree and the beautiful ornaments on it and just the place itself. I had never been inside. The mural in this room is beautiful and it has history to it. Just walking around the place there was a lot to take in and we are still taking it in.”
Enjoying the event were descendants of the Coe family. Grandson Dr. Michael Coe of Connecticut was there with four of his five children and his grandson, along with his cousin, Anne Coe Hayes, and her daughter Megan, who live in Wyoming. He recalled a Christmas at Coe Hall when he was a child.
“I only remember one big Christmas here in l939, just before the Second World War started. Our English relatives came over at that time and it was a huge affair held in the big main dining room. It was really something.”
Anne Coe Hayes marveled with appreciation at the changes in the house. “It has been a long haul getting this house back into shape and it’s looking wonderful.”
Daughter Megan agreed. “I think it’s what her grandfather would have intended for the public.” She will be married at Coe Hall next July.
Natalie Coe is the daughter of Michael Coe and the great-granddaughter of the founder William Coe. She comes down from Connecticut every year with her son Cassious and also has a great time.
“I think these parties are wonderful. They broaden the audience to this place. All sorts of people come here who probably wouldn’t come here otherwise and get exposed to the grandeur of it all. It’s beautiful and they dress the place up so lovely. The place was built for parties and this is how it is supposed to be.”
Gwendolyn Smith, curator of Coe Hall, discussed future plans for the estate.
“Coe Hall is really committed to the restoration of the house and we have a full furnishing plan in place,” said Smith. “We are finishing Mae Coe’s bedroom so it will look much more complete. We are also working on William Coe’s bedroom so we will be bringing whole new look to Coe Hall, in a sense new inviting the past. We will eventually be working on the baths of Mr. and Mrs. Coe, so we are tracking down the appropriate fixtures.”
As a barber shop quartet sang in the great dining room where a sumptuous buffet dinner was later served, Smith commented on the event. “This is a grand party. We have a whole village of elves who decorate every corner of this house, upstairs and downstairs. In spite of the rain, we have a lot of festive people here tonight, so we are so happy to celebrate Coe Hall.”
To learn more about Coe Hall and upcoming events, including a Christmas sleepover in the mansion with Santa and watching the movie Elf, go to www.plantingfields.org or call 516-922-9200.
