Dr. H. L. Todd “Doc” Addis was a singular force in the development of the Penn-Marydel foxhound and a tireless advocate for foxhounds and foxhunting. He died suddenly at his home, Fox Hill in Elverson, Penn. on July 24, 2019. Many who had the privilege of knowing him shared accolades and their favorite memories of his generosity and wisdom.
“In 1989 a group of fledgling foxhunters in Tennessee posted an ad in the Chronicle seeking a huntsman. Of the dozens of responses, one hand-written letter stood out. ‘I read your ad with interest and adventure. I’m retiring from veterinary practice and need to get out of Penn. for a year. My wife, Happy, and I will help you learn to foxhunt,’ Addis wrote. Thus began an enduring friendship of over 30 years with Doc Addis, a man generous of spirit, outrageously talented with hounds and a lot of fun. That year was one of the most exciting of our lives. It begat the Tennessee Valley Hunt, still running strong today, driven by the incredible voices of Doc’s Penn-Marydel foxhounds.” - Carla Hawkinson, ex-MFH, Tennessee Valley Hunt (TN)
“Doc was the most influential hound breeder in America in the last 50 years. He was a happy curmudgeon who relished helping people and stirring the pot. His big smile and love of hunting live on. I was honored to know him.” -- Fred Berry, MFH, Sedgefield Hunt (NC)
Alice Ingram Hooker
Nashville lost one of its great philanthropists when Alice Ingram Hooker passed away after an extended illness on July 23, 2019 at age 85. She was a familiar face to many in the equestrian world and leaves behind a legacy of civic leadership, not only by supporting worthwhile causes, but also by doing the hands-on work a project needed to succeed.
Alice and her late husband Henry Hooker were instrumental in the growth of the Iroquois Steeplechase from a small event into a major fundraiser for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. When Alice served as board chair for the hospital, she and Henry — then secretary chair of the Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation organizing the horse race — brought together the hospital's fundraising goals with Steeplechase’s volunteer needs. The Steeplechase has since raised more than $10 million for the hospital. That work led to them being the first couple inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
“In 1989 a group of fledgling foxhunters in Tennessee posted an ad in the Chronicle seeking a huntsman. Of the dozens of responses, one hand-written letter stood out. ‘I read your ad with interest and adventure. I’m retiring from veterinary practice and need to get out of Penn. for a year. My wife, Happy, and I will help you learn to foxhunt,’ Addis wrote. Thus began an enduring friendship of over 30 years with Doc Addis, a man generous of spirit, outrageously talented with hounds and a lot of fun. That year was one of the most exciting of our lives. It begat the Tennessee Valley Hunt, still running strong today, driven by the incredible voices of Doc’s Penn-Marydel foxhounds.” - Carla Hawkinson, ex-MFH, Tennessee Valley Hunt (TN)
“Doc was the most influential hound breeder in America in the last 50 years. He was a happy curmudgeon who relished helping people and stirring the pot. His big smile and love of hunting live on. I was honored to know him.” -- Fred Berry, MFH, Sedgefield Hunt (NC)
Alice Ingram Hooker
Nashville lost one of its great philanthropists when Alice Ingram Hooker passed away after an extended illness on July 23, 2019 at age 85. She was a familiar face to many in the equestrian world and leaves behind a legacy of civic leadership, not only by supporting worthwhile causes, but also by doing the hands-on work a project needed to succeed.
Alice and her late husband Henry Hooker were instrumental in the growth of the Iroquois Steeplechase from a small event into a major fundraiser for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. When Alice served as board chair for the hospital, she and Henry — then secretary chair of the Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation organizing the horse race — brought together the hospital's fundraising goals with Steeplechase’s volunteer needs. The Steeplechase has since raised more than $10 million for the hospital. That work led to them being the first couple inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
