The best summer I ever spent was at the Tucker Mill Inn. I met the love of my life, worked hard all summer, and regretted having to leave, come Sept. I always wondered what happened to the Inn, to Mrs Tucker, and her son, Drew. I frequently reminisce about the friendships I made that summer, and what happened to the people with whom I worked. Mrs. T was a wonderful person to work for, and her assistant, Smitty, was like a dad to all if us. So wise and even tempered. I will always remember The Tucker Mill Inn fondly
~ Edi Lasher Birch,
Valley Grande, AL
I worked for Mr McCarthy at Bowden Square in the late 1960s. I sometimes ran errands for the McCarthys and he always let me use his burgundy and black Lincoln including a special catering job to Shelter Island. One time I was dropped off at their house to pick up Mrs. McCarthy's green 1966 Thunderbird Convertible. At 19 years old I was overwhelmed by being given the trusted opportunity to drive that car to the service garage, and I remember how kind and gracious Mrs. McCarthy was to me.
~ John,
Camillus, NY
My mother’s cousin Lori was like a sister to her. I have so many memories of my youth (and later) tied into her and the times I spent in the Hamptons.
Since I was about three years old when Tucker Mill Inn was sold, I don’t have many memories of it (other than me being fascinated that Drew was allowed to drive around the grounds even though he was about 12), but it stood as an icon every time I headed to the Hamptons as I grew older. And the stories Lori told about the likes of Tennessee Williams staying in the windmill suite and him being turned down (very apologetically) at the TMI dining room entrance for wearing tennis sneakers… After “Tuck” passed away, and years later she married Herb McCarthy and became hostess at his restaurant, Bowden Square, she had more great stories to tell--- of Truman Capote, who spent many a night there, of greeting Mick Jagger at the door (and as this was the 70’s, and a generation apart, Lori acknowledged she had no idea who he was), etc. I have very fond memories of having dinner and drinks with various friends there throughout my twenties and thirties…
I will forever associate Lori with her home at 152 South Main Street. An incredible Victorian house, she took great pride in it. Once Bowden Square closed, she spent most days maintaining the house, which was a full-time job. Amazingly talented, she served as the designer, contractor and laborer. It was always a special treat when my parents and I stayed there. And she relished giving tours of the house to my friends.
A very savvy business person, Lori was a true partner with Tuck in their NYC business & TMI and with Mr. McCarthy at Bowden Square. She was “flipping” houses before that came into vogue. (Oh, Dad, if you can hear me, why didn’t you listen to her and buy one? ;) ) She was “sharp as a tack,” and could always intuitively size up a situation.
Lori, you will be sorely missed. I will forever think of you every time I drive by TMI, Bowden Sq. or 152 S. Main
~ Peter Shershin,
New York, NY
I have lived my entire life on the West Coast. But while growing up my Mom Helene would talk about my Aunt Lori (her sister) who had owned a lavish inn and an adjacent windmill in Southampton NY. As much as I longed to take a trip 'back east' to visit Lori, it wasn't until I was in my late 20s that we were able to spend time together. In early 1982 I recall meeting up with my Mom and her husband Baker in Palm Springs, and Lori and Herb were visiting with them; we all had such a nice time. I believe it wasn't until 1985 that I finally made my first trip to New York; Lori and Herb were such gracious hosts when I visited their beautiful home on Main St in Southampton, and also dined at their marvelous restaurant, Herb McCarthy's at Bowden Square. In succeeding years Lori would vacation at my Mom's summer home in San Diego; my wife Sue and I would always look forward to coming down and visiting them both. With Baker, we all would go out for a fine dinner and then to their favorite piano bar, Milligan's in the earlier years and later Mille Fleurs. In May 2001, my Mom and Baker, my brother Jeff and my sister-in-law Nancy, and Sue and I all flew to Southampton to celebrate Lori's 80th birthday. That was such a wonderful time; we all went into Manhattan one night an saw 'Annie Get Your Gun' at the Marquis Theater in Times Square. Lori was always full of fun and a pure delight to be around. I'm sure that she is at a piano bar somewhere, singing an old familiar tune accompanied by my Mom, her younger sister Jane, and many of their friends... and Lori will certainly be keeping everyone happily entertained!
~ Dana Doak,
Simi Valley, CA
I have so many great memories of you Aunt Lori. All those visits I was able to take out to your place in Southampton awarded me the time to to see you in your element. You were always such a gracious host. Remember when Fred and I hosted your visit here to Chico? We all had brunch together at La Salles, and Fred gave Herb his secret recipe for Hollandaise Sauce. Besides what became your annual summer stay on the West Coast, I remember that very first trip you and Herb made to California. We all had dinner out at the Officers Club, with Marzie & Pop. Dad was still in the service back then. You guys took a trip to the Napa Valley for wine tasting. And, of course, in 2004 you hosted me and a slew of friends for a Long Island wine tasting trip. It happened to be Restaurant Week....we all had such a blast....and you were such a trooper to galavant around with us. I'd post a picture but that doesn't seem possible. Last week at our wine club meeting we lifted our glasses for a toast to you...we all know how lucky we are to have had that experience. You made it all possible. Thank you Lori for being in my life. I will always remember your beauty, your zest for life, your loving words these past few years when we spoke on the phone every month. You are loved and treasured forever...and you Dieterle girls are all together again...raising cain as usual, I'm sure! xxox
~ Pam Stoesser,
Chico
Aunt Lori, via my friend Pam, invited us to Southhampton. A group of about 10 of us, all wine afficianados, explored Long Island and its wineries. Lori was such a delight. One of my most vivid memories was an evening where we prepared to go out to dinner. She was all decked out in a fur coat, a string of pearls around her neck (maybe diamonds?), but then she wore her athletic shoes. Such a contrast. She was definitely her own person. Warm, fun, had great stories. I'll never forget that trip. Thank you, Aunt Lori
~ Lori Ide,
Chico, CA
