Our Baltimore County Bar Association Annual Black Tie Banquet is always entertaining and fun, and this year’s banquet carried on this tradition. It is a delight to see old and new BCBA members, dressed in tuxedos and gowns, enjoying themselves away from the stress of the legal day.
This years speaker, Baltimore County Circuit Court Administrative Judge John Grason Turnbull II, spoke of our banquet roots and several memorable incidents of the past.

The banquet was held at the Elkridge Club from the 1950’s until larger space was needed because of increased membership. The Greenspring Inn was then settled upon for our banquet until the early 1980’s, when our membership outgrew this location. The Greenspring Inn could hold approximately 300 people. The event was held on a Monday in January because that was the day the Greenspring Inn was closed and the BCBA banquet could take over the entire place.
The name “Monday Night at the Fights” to describe our event grew out of an argument over a craps game in the back bar at one of our banquets between one of our Past-Presidents and a BCBA member. In the ensuing verbal ruckus a fight broke out which was quickly stopped by clearer headed members. I’m not at liberty to give more details in print.

A story that bears repeating even though it did not surface at our recent banquet involves Spiro Agnew when he was Vice-President of the United States and our banquet guest speaker. I’ve been told that Joe Pokorny, a BCBA member and close friend of Vice President Agnew, caused quite a stir with the Secret Service detail accompanying Vice President Agnew at the banquet. Joe indicated to one of the Secret Service agents present that someone at the banquet was amorously interested in the Vice President. Quite concerned about security the agent asked Joe to point out this person whereupon Joe promptly kissed the agent on the cheek. I’ve also been told, to the dismay of the Secret Service, that as a follow up Joe later in the evening touched the Vice President in an inappropriate place. Again, I’m not at liberty to give more details in print. Those of you who were there or grew up with Joe Pokorny know what a neat man and great character he was. I know Joe would give those with knowledge permission to provide the full story to our younger members.

It is nice to have our old traditions and stories. It is nice to have younger members who will create new traditions and stories. Knowledge, friendship, sharing and camaraderie is what keeps the BCBA strong.

As always any thoughts and contributions for the benefit of the BCBA are greatly appreciated.