Jackson History and Hospitality

Yesterday I attended the annual Jackson Women’s Sewing Club luncheon, this year held at The Wentworth, which is owned by our friends Fritz and Ellie Koeppel. Fritz and Ellie, along with Jim and Ibby Cooper (owners of the Inn at Thorn Hill) were so very kind to all of us new innkeepers back in 2005. That year there was an influx of ‘newbies’ to Jackson, (four couples in all), and the Koeppels and the Coopers, who were experienced and successful hoteliers, acted as the welcome committee. They took us all under their wings by inviting us as a group to each of their inns for dinner on two separate occasions. As our hosts, they introduced us to one another, to Jackson, and set the tone for what was to be a very unique and cooperative business relationship amongst us all. As a result, we all became friends instead of competitors, a condition that has continued through the present day. I don’t know how common this sort of thing is in other places, but I suspect not very. Jackson is an incredibly special place, made up of wonderful people!

I’ve written about the Jackson Sewing Club a number of times in the past. It is a unique institution in Jackson; one steeped in tradition. Its complexion has changed over the years, especially as its older members, some of them Founders, have passed on. Since 1917, the Jackson Women's Sewing Club has provided a gathering place for the ladies of the village who wish to help their neighbors. This group is an integral part of the social history of Jackson. The original mission was to do something on the home front for the "Jackson boys" serving in WW I. The founders decided to wrap bandages and to knit mittens, socks and scarves to send to the troops serving overseas. Since then it has provided financial support and assistance to persons in the local community. The club sponsors two very important events each year - the Annual Luncheon and the Annual Christmas Silver Tea. Both have become Jackson traditions and are important fundraisers and social events for the community. I will report in tomorrow on the luncheon itself. I was anxious to hear guest speaker Liz Jackson (her name just coincidence!) speak on her restaurant, her travels throughout Europe, and her working relationship with Julia Child. I definitely wasn't disappointed. But more on this tomorrow!