The Dardens were taking a tour of the White House on Veterans Day when they were ushered into an invitation-only breakfast and Obama greeted them. The couple even had their picture taken with the president.
The Dardens’ visit made national and international news in the wake of Virginia socialites Tareq and Michaele Salahi “crashing” a state dinner two weeks later, shining a harsh light on White House security. But unlike the Salahis, the Dardens knew they weren’t invited, even pointing that out to a White House staffer. The Dardens aren’t seeking publicity or, like the Salahis, their own reality show.
Few in Hogansville even knew the Dardens had visited Washington, much less had brunch with the president and first lady. Allan Boyer’s wife BJ got a call Tuesday night as the couple and others gathered at Pappa Grasso’s to celebrate a friend’s birthday. BJ Boyer’s brother was calling from Los Angeles to say Hogansville and the Dardens were national news.
Then the CBS truck pulled up. Several in the restaurant made it on Atlanta TV that night and were taking the incident in stride Wednesday morning.
“At least it wasn’t another bear,” several residents said, referring to a wild bear that holed up in a tree in June, making Atlanta news and holding the entire town’s attention.
The publicity “is wonderful,” said Donna Arnold and Elaine Carr, who own Mimi’s in downtown Hogansville.
“We’ve been trying to get Hogansville on the map,” Allan Boyer said.
City Council members Jean Crocker and Thomas Pike said they were shocked to see Hogansville on the national news. Even though the Dardens didn’t crash the White House, Crocker said national security and the security of the president is beginning to concern her.
The Dardens spoke to reporters Tuesday, but no one was answering the phone or the door at their Hogansville house the next day. Business cards from several media outlets were jammed in the front door. Even the BBC called from London seeking information.
Friends and neighbors of the Dardens said the couple, well-liked and involved in the community, is intensely private and likely are not enjoying their 15 minutes of fame the story is bringing them.
“This is probably the last thing they expected,” Allan Boyer said.
Phil Waldrop, who owns and operates Hogansville Pharmacy, is on the planning board with Harvey Darden.
“Oh, he probably hates this,” Waldrop said. “He’s very private.”
Mary Stewart called the Dardens a sweet couple who are community-minded and care about Hogansville. Harvey Darden is often seen jogging downtown, and his woodwork is on display for sale in Clemens and Company Books and Art.
“He’s a real Southern gentleman,” Stewart said, adding the couple likely didn’t argue with the White House aide on whether the couple should be at the brunch.
“He wouldn’t want to make a scene,” Stewart said.
Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshrader@ lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.
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