The Tryon Hounds is off to a great start, thanks to Piper Close, who is chairing the committee. Many Tryon Hounds members stepped up to chair or serve on a committee to create a tribute to the various aspects of our sport; art, fashion, and music will be mixed in with our usual special events. Everyone who attended the Sporting and Country Life Art Gala agrees that the bar was set high and is looking forward to a memorable year. Piper is proof that being a social member with the Tryon Hounds is a valuable asset to the Club. After moving to Tryon with her husband, Jeff, from Palm Springs, CA, they joined the Tryon Hounds. It’s a wonderful way to meet people by becoming involved in the Tryon Hounds' many activities and events.

Piper admits that producing a coffee-table-style book commemorating our 100-year history was not on her bingo card. But once suggested, she was all in. “This project has introduced me to Tryon Hounds legends through their spouses, children, and extended relatives and friends,” said Piper. “I feel lucky to have this opportunity.”

Her research has taken her to the “living rooms” of Tim Brannon, Nancy Mahler, Ann Allen, Gerald Pack, Chris Bartol, Lisa Walker, Madelon Wallace, Betty Reynolds Oare, and more than a few hours in the archives of Anita Williamson, Libby Johnson, The Daily Bulletin, and the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg. “And more hours than I can count asking Bonnie questions,” Piper quipped. “A true highlight was meeting Betty Reynolds Oare, the daughter of our first professional huntsman. Aside from all the historic family photos made available to me, Elizabeth Sher and Don West shared their finest work of members, horses, hounds, our beautiful hunt country, and social events. A very special gift came from Chris Bartol, who offered the historic photographs of our earliest events shot by Hansel Meith for LIFE magazine. “

“Ten Huntsmen in 100 years was an easy list to compile,” she stated. “Tracing the sequence of the Masters from inception was sketchy at best. But with the help of Bonnie and a recently discovered brochure, a complete chronological list of our masters has been compiled.” The book also commemorates our recent history with members, staff, the centennial pack, and more. It will be released at an event on January 31, 2026, at FENCE so save the date!"

A limited number of books will be printed, so reserve your copy today at TryonHounds.com.