Retro RFHers’ ‘Hunt’ for the Fun in Tradition

RFH revelers of The Hunt in Middletown circa 1978
Photo/courtesy of Angela Carpenter

With the news of the revival of a newer Rumson area tradition, the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade, comes the news that its grand marshal had a close relationship with the famed Hunt.

The wife of this year’s marshal, in fact, was the daughter of Hunt founder Amory Haskell. The family followed in his fundraising and societal footsteps. Now Haskell’s son-in-law is leading the parade on March 13. Another celebrated tradition, like the Hunt, for years to come.

So, in keeping with celebrating good times in the area with the parade led by a longtime Hunt aficionado, we take a look back to a fun Hunt day with some RFH teens on that infamous hill on the Haskell Estate.

Back in 1978, when The Hunt was the premier social event of the fall for all, teens congregated on what was dubbed Hippie Hill for the festivities. This crew doesn’t quite resemble the true hippies of the hill. More like preppies of the hill.

No matter. Hill or tail … gate, for this Hunt, which took place on Oct. 22, 1978, the 48th annual, 15,000 showed for the gala horse race meet on the hills of the Haskell Estate in Middletown, according to Daily Register archives.

With that hill peppered with teens from all over, this RFH crew held its ground with some frill-free fun. No real fancy tailgate fare going on here. Just some topsiders, button down shirts, blankets, smiles and a few antics for sure.

They may not have been the true hippies of Hippie Hill at the Hunt, but these RFHers were definitely rocking a hip of their own. Recognize anyone? What do you think they were up to on this fine Hunt day?