On a blissful Saturday afternoon, the Wilderstein Board of Directors hosted its elegant summer lawn party that was both a nod to the storied history of the Hudson River estate and a look forward as it embarks next week on a $1 million capital campaign.
Wilderstein hosted its annual summer gala Saturday, kicking off a $1 million capital campaign to restore its 10,000-square-foot Carriage House. (Photo by Emily Sachar)
Tennis was the theme, giant shrimp and humor were in abundant supply, and goats gnawed offstage on overgrown weeds.
Former Board President Risa Getman noted that the Suckley family that lived in the home from 1852 to 1991 was “dysfunctional and suffered many tragic losses.” But, she said, “We’re dysfunctional, too.” As she grabbed the microphone, she encouraged all 127 guests to toast the future.
Marist tennis historian Tim Smith served up a comical talk, with both the 1948 Jack Kramer and the famous T2000 Jimmy Connors tennis rackets in tow. “How many of you have ever played tennis?” he asked. Many hands shot up. “What about pickleball?” The crowd, gathered at tables tucked under sheltering trees, chuckled.
A brass band, Saints of Swing, including a tuba player, serenaded the partygoers. Food was provided by Black-Eyed Suzie’s of Kingston.
Bradley Rolston (left) won the men’s costume contest for best tennis attire even though he said he did not intend to compete. At right, Brett McCormack. (Photo by Emily Sachar)
The event attracted long-time residents and newcomers alike. Jen and Julian Fernandez, who recently moved to the area from Menlo Park, California, said they were drawn to the gala by proximity to the estate, a lifelong love of tennis, and a chance to bid on some fun items such as a figurine with two small furry pigs playing tennis at the silent auction. “It was a lovely evening on the Hudson with a soft, warm breeze,” said Jen. “What could be better?”
Walt Horstman, who took over as Board President from Getman at the beginning of 2026, talked of the importance of the Carriage House restoration for Wilderstein’s future. “It will transform Wilderstein into a premier cultural center with over 10,000 square feet for exhibitions, performances, local programming and more,” he said.
Informality reigned, including for the unannounced tennis costume contest. Bradley Rolston of Stanfordville showed up in tennis whites – a skirt and v-necked sweater – and was delighted to win the top prize for men for his attire. “You give me a dress code, and I will turn it up,” he said, relaxing with his friend Brett McCormack. “If I’m going to show up, sure, I do love the attention.”
From left, Jonathan Bergman, Board Chair Walt Horstman, and Tina Tockarshewski take a break from party festivities. (Photo by Emily Sachar)
The winner for women, Sheila Robinson, donned a white shirt emblazoned with a logo and the words Wilderstein Tennis Club, a nod to the legacy of the sport decades ago. She said she, too, was delighted by her moment of sartorial fame.
The Wilderstein tennis court dates to 1912 and sits northeast of the house. But the focus on Saturday was on the Carriage House. The next phase of renovation will focus on restoring all the windows and doors, replacing the deteriorated siding, and preparing for the future interior adaptive reuse, Horstman said.
At the beginning of 2025, Wilderstein completed comprehensive structural improvements to the Carriage House, including replacing the roof and straightening the turret. In 2023, after completing a five-year restoration, Wilderstein opened the second floor of the mansion for tours. The second floor includes bedrooms and guest rooms, so visitors now enjoy a more detailed experience of the Suckley family’s life, according to Executive Director Gregory Sokaris.
See more photos from the Wilderstein gala below.