Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly pictured here with Prudence Kudner, first wife of Arthur II, at the couple’s wedding.
The ‘Kudner property’, as the locals call it, on May 3rd will again be the site for the annual Derby Day Live! event benefiting the Talisman Therapeutic Riding program. Again this year 175 guests will don big gorgeous hats and sip mint juleps as they watch rider demonstrations and view a live telecast of the Kentucky Derby. Dinner in the manor house will follow.
The original Kudner manor house was built in 1934 by Arthur Kudner Sr., a New York ad executive. Located on almost 1000 acres, the house is located down the lane from the airplane hangar and adjacent to what was once a triangular airstrip that accommodated an airplane’s approach from any direction.
Arthur H. Kudner, Sr.
Although many Queen Anne’s Countians recall spending time as kids on the property’s beach or in the fields, the Kudner home also saw some grand parties. Among the dignitaries that graced the farm were boxing great Gene Tunney and former New York Governor Averill Harriman. The family friends’ list was highlighted by their close friendship with actress and later Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.
“We are especially excited that this year our special guests will include Mr. and Mrs. Art Kudner III,” said Anne Joyner President and founder of Talisman Therapeutic Riding. “We’re anxious for them to see the work we’re doing on their family farm, thanks to the legacy of Arthur II.
According to the wishes of the now-deceased Art Kudner II, the property is now an environmental preserve and under the management of the Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage. Over 200 species of birds migrate through the property annually while red foxes, turkeys, bald eagles, ground hogs, and deer make their homes on the land.
The tickets are $85 per person and include hors d’oeurves, dinner, mint juleps, bourbon tasting, rider demonstrations, and a live and silent auction. Some tickets are still available by calling 443-239-9400 or at www.talismantherapeuticriding.org
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