THE GRAND DAME OF BRIDGE
The 1982 Atlanta Labor Day Regional Committee had planned a special evening in honor of Margaret Wagar, referred to by her contemporaries as “The Pride of the South.” A portion of the invitation read ……
“There will be a cocktail reception and dinner followed by a celebrity roast featuring Lou Bluhm, Dr. John Fisher, Richard Freeman, Emma Jean Hawes, Jerry Machlin, Dr.George Rosenkranz, Carol and Tom Sanders, and others.” It went on … “Margaret has insisted that special invitations be extended to her oldest and dearest friends, especially partners in the many national and regional titles she won.” That is where Norman came in. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend but sent our regrets…
| There is a great gal from Atlanta
More beloved in Georgia than Santa She’s won Open and Mixed With whomever she’s picked Hail to this Southern Enchanter Her master point record’s impressive Though her bidding is slightly aggressive She’s got gold points galore That she’s won by the score In fact they are really excessive! Now Georgia has done herself proud Native sons have emerged from the crowd There’s Jimmy, Miss Lillie And dear Brother Billy .. Though his name has been under a cloud This tribute is long overdue For performances equaled by few She’s made OUR Hall of Fame MAGGIE WAGAR’s her name Right next to that fella — TY WHO? (*) ~~Judy and Norman Kay |
(*)Frequently when Norman played in Atlanta with Margaret, he wondered who the silent, attentive kibitzer was at Margaret’s side — hanging on every bid and play — but never uttering a word. You guessed it — THE GEORGIA PEACH HIMSELF — the great TY COBB. If only Norman had the foresight to get a few balls or pictures autographed, it would have come in quite handy in our sports memorabilia business during the fleeting height of its glory. But, alas, nobody’s perfect — not even Norman!
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Judy, I love your blog. You write about things the average player knows very little about. All very interesting and sometimes quite controversial. Thanks for taking the time.
Tommy Sanders, a great player in his own right, and a good friend of Margaret Wagar, recently supplied me with a great trivia question involving Maggie. It is coincidental that every time I would think of Margaret Wagar, I would associate her with Atlanta. And — Atlanta always calls to mind Gone with the Wind and it’s celebrated author, Margaret Mitchell. And now, Tommy tells me that Margaret Wagar’s roommate at boarding school was none other than — you guessed it — Margaret Mitchell! Small world!
“Ditto” to Jack Mendelsohn’s comment above. Your blog is such a novel entertaining read each week. Speaking for myself, I love the variety — the mix of bridge hands, stories of the legends of days gone by, entertaining poems, and the edgy-no-nonsense approach to the rules and the administration of the game we all so deeply love.
Everyone has their own personal likes and dislikes, whether it be regarding politics, music, books, fine-dining or something as simple as what bridge conventions we favor. Having a preference or opinion is easy — but to have the courage to state one’s feelings for all to read and to respectfully and articulately (and often with a touch of humor) respond to others with differing views is a true gift and an art form. You have no fear going out on a limb – whether it is popular or not. BRAVO!!!
No advancements will ever be made in bridge unless questions are raised and people held accountable for their actions. Like any true journalist, you are never afraid to raise unpopular issues and you constantly, yet respectfully, challenge those in positions of responsibility appealing to them to work their hardest to achieve improvements. Every organization needs checks and balances. We need individuals who are unafraid to serve as watchdogs of our hobby in order for us to move forward. We need more people like you!
Thank you! Prior to doing my Ph.D in English Literature in the Renaissance I did my M.A. thesis on Margaret Mitchell and was also astonished to find the connection between these two women.