Ebby isn’t the only Dallas lady who is enjoying life past the 100-year marker. First Lady of Dallas Philanthropy Margaret McDermott just celebrated her 101st birthday on February 18. Like Ebby, Lady McDermott is still active in supporting area nonprofits. One of them is the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society. It was just reported that she will serve as honorary chair of the 2014 Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Series and Historical Home Tour “Architects of Distinction” presented by Pritchett IV and D Home.
According to PCHPS President Al McClendon, “Mrs. McDermott’s joining our luncheon as honorary chair is truly an honor. Her appearance and literally pulling the switch at the lighting of the Highland Park pecan tree at Armstrong Parkway during the last holiday season reminded us of her dedication to our community. At that same time, PCHPS unveiled a landmarking plaque celebrating Highland Park’s Centennial and commemorating the Cole Family Farm, where the tree stands. Now Mrs. McDermott joins us in this 2014 Home Tour kick-off raising awareness of the unique attributes of the Park Cities, which we seek to preserve and protect.”
The April 2nd luncheon keynote speaker will be Harlan Crow, whose presentation “Architectural Features and Historical Collection in the Harlan Crow Library,” will include a slide show. Even if you’ve had the good fortune to visit the library in person, there is absolutely no way you could have discovered all the treasures held within. So, you just know that Harlan will share some true insider info about this mega storehouse of one-of-a-kinds.
Luncheon Chair Lucia Hrncir added, “This is PCHPS’ third annual Distinguished Speaker Series Luncheon and Mrs. McDermott’s involvement and support as honorary chair, along with Harlan Crow as the featured speaker, is a celebration of the history of our community. We are all looking forward to an exciting event.”
Proceeds from the luncheon and the April 12 home tour will “fund scholarships at Highland Park High School for graduating seniors who plan to study architecture, history, preservation or another major related to the preservation of our heritage.”
* Photo provided by Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society