SPEAKEASY: 1920's - Men's Fashion

SPEAKEASY: 1920's Style Makeup Tutorial

Several "flapper" friends have sent me questions about how they should dress for the Speakeasy next Saturday night.  I thought I would start here with the make up.  Most "flappers" I know have an abundance of brushes, tools, and makeup in their vanities...so this won't be a problem.  The hair accessories can only be limited by the wildest imagination.  My personal favorite is no doubt Mandy Sue's flowers...that good ol' Southern belle could put a cactus in her hair and it would look fantastic.  Amanda has used everything from flowers to feathers in her hair, and I just can't wait to see what she has in store for us this year.

For those of you who don't know what's going on...

Woodruff-Fontaine House

2nd Annual Spring benefit

 "SPEAKEASY"

Saturday, March 31

7-11PM

$20 at door

Art photography by Heather Simmons and Karen Auburger

Silent auction with lovely, intoxicating items

Signature "Speakeasy style" beverages and canapes

Cocktail or period dress is encouraged and anticipated

Speakeasy: Prohibition..."not your cup of tea"

I just assume that everyone is fascinated by details in history, especially those that affected social customs.  With the anticipation of WF's Speakeasy event, more and more questions come to light.  Some questions I have an immediate answer for...some more simple than others.  There are questions, however, that beg for specific information.  Nothing delights me more than to research our past to enlighten the present and inspire the future.  So here's a little information surrounding the question, "When did Prohibition in the United States begin and end?"

The simple answer is between 1919 (when a ban on alcohol manufacturing, sale, and transportation was mandated by the 18th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States) and 1933 (Dec. 5, when the ratification of the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment...lifting the ban).

But, the movement behind this historic period began much earlier.  The American Temperance Society formed in 1826, with the majority of membership being rural middle-class women.  These women believed that alcohol was disruptive and a threat to the home and family.  It wasn't long before religious leaders involved themselves...mostly protestant leaders who believed to be the moral majority.  Many preachers of the period equated the sale of liquor to that of prostitution! 

After the Civil War, the Prohibition party formed in 1869 followed in 1873 by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, both organizations assisted with the prohibition of alcohol through the late 19th century.  But, it wasn't until 1881 that Kansas became the first state to outlaw alcohol flat out in the state's constitution.  This came with the strong and radical force of Carrie Nation.  She formed and led a group of Christian moralists, mostly women, called the Carrie Nation Prohibition Group.  Members would enter saloons and bars to taunt owners and patrons, often singing hymns and praying loudly.  This radical protesting soon fizzled out, but not before pulling down most of the southern states and influencing political leaders that ultimately led to the 18th amendment.  Years later, the 21st amendment overturned the prohibition of alcohol...bringing an end to the speakeasy (which is a shame, because everyone enjoys being "bad" at least once in a while).

This is what I believe to be the beginning in the United States, in regards to prohibition.  Of course, there is a ton of information that mixes with these facts.  In my opinion,  Prohibition began as a loosely Biblical and largely moralist movement by middle-class Christian women...I guess it just wasn't their "cup of tea". 

Josephine says, "Save the date, sweetie pie!!"

It's that time of year again when we roll up our sleeves and push back to a time when cocktails were cool and jazz was hot!  WF's 2nd annual SPEAKEASY is Saturday, March 31 from 7-11PM.  $20 suggested donation at the door (plus, the password) will get you in.  We had such success with this particular benefit last year, the flappers and fedoras (aka planning committee) decided to up the ante. 

Local photographers Heather Simmons makes her WF debut and Karen Auburger returns, both with original art photography that will be for purchase.  They chose themes surrounding the era of prohibition...and have promised to knock your socks off!  A portion of the sales will go towards WF's preservation efforts.  If that isn't enough, a silent auction will be set up for bids until 9PM (or, so). 

Select vintage textiles and collections from the archives of the WF will be on display for one night only!  So, you won't want to miss that!

Of course, signature "period" cocktails will be served alongside canapes fit for a flapper!  And, vintage or cocktail attire is encouraged...and anticipated.  Last year, guests literally blew us away with their personal style.  Keep in touch with our FB page and the Daily Reminder for updates and inspiration to ensure you're the bee's knees this year!