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ROBERT BENCHLEY SOCIETY 2010
ANNUAL GATHERING and HUMOR AWARDS DINNER

Friday Afternoon Pool-side Cabana Reception.
We gathered at four o'clock on July 16th for a private party at Mary and David's poolside Cabana #26 at the sign of Rose-and-Crown at the Clubs at Charles River Park. David poured the drinks at the cabana tiki bar and Mary arranged for hors d'œuvre to be served. The dress was beachwear and many brought their swimsuits to enjoy the outdoor and indoor swimming pools with hot tub.
Friday Dinner.
Mary DiZazzo Trumbull of Boston's We've Come for the Davenport Chapter of the RBS arranged for us to dine at Scollay Square (scollaysquare.com) at 21 Beacon Street (across the street from the Boston Athenaeum) Scollay Square is a warm inviting environment serving American comfort food at a reasonable price with a sophisticated cocktail list. It is a local neighborhood bistro style restaurant that is a great meeting place for friends and small groups to eat, drink and socialize.
Saturday Book Talks and Signing.
Five writers and editors tipped their caps to beloved American humorist Robert Benchley at a free book talk and reading Saturday, July 17, on Beacon Hill. The event began at 11 a.m. at the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem, the Church on the Hill, 140 Bowdoin Street (churchonthehillboston.org). The talk and book signing was free and open to the public and resulted in recruitment of some new RBS members. Featured authors were:

  • Benchley cousin T. Marie Benchley is a Miami-based author of thrillers. Once Wicked Always Dead (M.M.W.E. Publishing, 2010) is a sharp mystery that swirls with family secrets, betrayal, love and loss.

  • Robert Benchley was a member of the legendary Algonquin Round Table, and the new book, The Lost Algonquin Round Table (Donald Books, 2009) brings out many missing pieces by Benchley and his friends, including Dorothy Parker and George S. Kaufman. Kevin C. Fitzpatrick edited the book with Benchley’s grandson, Nat Benchley, and has uncovered more than 50 pieces by the illustrious group.

  • Detroit humorist and editor Thomas Saunders was be on hand to present The Athletic Benchley (Glendower Media, 2010). Robert Benchley was only one of the writers of national fame who wrote for The Detroit Athletic Club News. Dorothy Parker, Ring Lardner, Donald Ogden Stewart and many others contributed to the magazine for the elite members of Detroit’s automobile industry.

  • Following on the heels of his novella, The Fishing Trip That Got Away, Philly native Ed Tasca continues his humorous tales of adventure and entertaining escapades in his latest comic novel, Lub Dub (Rose Heart Books, 2009). In this hilarious account of a heart delivery gone wrong, the comic antics are never-ending.

  • Philadelphia writer Rose Valenta discussed and signed copies of her new book, Sitting on Cold Porcelain.

Saturday Walking Tour.
Did Boston roar in the 'twenties? Participants found out on this walking tour designed to show off buildings and sites in Boston associated with Robert Benchley, Dorothy Parker, and other note-worthy or notorious characters of the 1920s. A couple of the sites at the beginning of the tour may have been familiar to those who went on the 2005 Boston walking tour, but the rest of the route and narrative were completely new and included things that even most Bostonians are not aware of, such as the Niles Building, out of which Charles Ponzi ran his eponymous scheme.
Saturday Evening Awards Dinner and Boston Harbor Cruise.
This year's Annual Humor Awards Dinner was held aboard the Secret Love. This handsome yacht has the charm and amenities that define private yachting. She features luxurious finishes and state-of-the-art electronics, a full galley, and multiple dining layouts. Secret Love has a large and airy salon. For the guests wanting to take in the ocean breezes, the large aft-deck, spacious bow and expansive fly-bridge offered ample seating -- the perfect locations for cocktails under the stars.

We chartered the vessel for Saturday evening, which started with the crew passing hot and cold hors d’oeuvre. There was a full open-bar for the entirety of the cruise. Boston organizer of this event, Mary DiZazzo-Trumbull, opted for the most luxurious of the dinner selections offered on the Secret Love, Boiled Maine Lobster Tails with drawn butter and Tenderloin of Beef with creamy horseradish sauce.

Our daylight departure afforded stunning views of Rowes Wharf Marina, the Boston skyline as best seen -- from the water -- and historic Boston Harbor. The cruise was timed to give us a fabulous view of sunset over Boston and after dark return to spectacular Rowes Wharf and its Venice-like waterside promenade.

Dress for the event was optional black tie and/or 1920s-1940s period.



Sunday in Boston's North End.
On Sunday, July 18th we were be in Boston's North End, the "Little Italy" of the hub city, for the Processione San Rocco.