Our Background

The first Conversations were held in 1967. Conversations was the vision of Mrs. Gene Predergast, an early member of the Oatlands Council. She envisioned a congenial group of men who would meet from time to time in Oatlands' parlor. The men would exchange views, drink in hand, much as the first owner, George Carter and his friends used to do early in the 19th century.

Mrs. Prendergast's objective was two-fold:

1. to provide summer entertainment for the men, and

2. Stimulate their interest in helping fund Oatlands' extensive needs for maintenance and restoration.

B. Powell Harrison, then Chairman of the Oatlands Council, promptly endorsed Mrs. Prendergast's concept. Mr. Harrison became Chairman of Conversations' Executive Committee and served in that capacity for 23 years. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, one program each season is dedicated to his memory.

Today

While keeping the same objectives, Conversations has evolved since 1967:

1. Men and women are welcome as members.

2. The group outgrew the Mansion parlor and talks are now held in the more spacious Carriage House.

3.Conversations still maintains a close association with the Oatlands Board of Directors and Oatlands staff, but is now led by a separate Conversations at Oatlands Board of Directors.

4. Conversations membership is limited to 100 members, because of space limitations. (A "member" can be either a couple or an individual.)

5. Members are permitted to bring an occasional guest, on a very limited basis.

6. A formal Gala (a Dinner Dance with catered dinner) is included in the membership fee each year. It has evolved into a social highlight in Loudoun County.

7. Five to seven Conversations take place on Friday evenings each summer and early fall. All remarks are "off record". No media attendance or coverage is allowed.

8. Schedule for the gala: 5:00PM on a Sunday evening in early summer.

9. Schedule for the Friday Conversations:

Wine, beer, sodas: 7:30PM
Presentation: 8:00PM
Discussion: 8:45 - 9:30PM

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