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18th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States) and 1933 (Dec. 5, when the ratification of the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment...lifting the ban).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!

Inside the WF: Using the Space!!

February 11th marked the anniversary of the "door that goes nowhere".  In celebration of this historic day for the mansion and to honor St. Valentine (of, course), WF hosted a concert in the drawing room!  It was a beautiful event in true turn of the century fashion.  A few of our guests even attended in very proper parlor attire for the evening.

Afterwards, a chocolate soiree was held downstairs in the root cellar as the perfect ending to a perfect evening.  Guests celebrated and stuffed themselves with all things chocolate. 

Above all details of the evening, the fact that an interior space of the museum was used.  In the past the dining room has been rented for "state dinners" as high dollar fundraisers and the formal parlor has been used as a "tea room" for ladies luncheons.  The concert was a unique venue that made use of the space as it was originally intended, to entertain the masses.  It truly was a beautiful evening, and quite nostalgic seeing chairs filling the room and the air of grace and propriety everyone felt.  The expressions, posture, and movements of every person changed through the course of the concert.  Guests may have come in clumsy and stumbling, but left looking like proper Victorian society...a true sight to behold!

 We look forward to many more opportunities to use the spaces at WF for which they were intended...to entertain and moreover to educate.  These social situations always give us a chance to put our best foot forward.  Coming to a museum, one expects to see collections and artifacts.  But, this isn't for every museum guest.  After the event I mingled and learned that some of our guests really prefer to BE a part of WF's history, not to simply look at it.  Going forward, I'm sure this will be a consideration for future events and fundraisers

If you have questions about tours or venue rentals, call the museum Wed-Sun, noon-4pm (901-526-1469)...we'll be delighted to assist you!

St. Valentine's Day

The modern St. Valentine's Day celebrations are said to have been derived from both ancient Christian and Roman tradition. As per one legend, the holiday has originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration that used to observed annually on February 15. But the rise of Christianity in Europe saw many pagan holidays being renamed for and dedicated to the early Christian martyrs. Lupercalia was no exception. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day and set its observance a day earlier, on February 14. He proclaimed February 14 to be the feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, a third century Roman martyr. During this time, Claudius II, who believed marriage made men weak in battle, banned marriage for Roman soldiers under penalty of death. The compassionate Valentine performed secret marriages of soldiers in remote locations. Later, he was arrested and imprisoned. After attempting to convert Valentine to the Roman gods, Claudius II had him executed. It is believed that his martyr date is February 14, 270 A.D.

In 19th century America, St. Valentine's day was one of four holidays most widely celebrated.  It was during this time that the contemporary exchange of "valentine" gifts and notes was developed.  During this time, "valentines" were hand made...hand written...and most were hand delivered.  It is no surprise that parties began to pop up on this day...along with special sweetheart dances, teas, suppers...anything to celebrate this most lovely day.  Today, many of the traditions associated with this day are still celebrated.  Chocolates, candies, flowers, jewelry, and plenty of cards and notes are exchanged...and, in much the same manner as the Victorians.  So, on this day...St. Valentine's day...be sweet!

Inside the WF: The Door That Goes Nowhere Pt.2

Here are a few images from the "door that goes nowhere".  Some of the signatures look the same, as we assume that some of the gentlemen couldn't write and had their colleague do it for them. 

Among the many signatures, Canadians seemed to have made their mark on the WF.

"Heavy man of the job" was basically the maintenance man. 

"Now we have to stop for now it ist 12 o'clock" probably refers to a dinner or lunch break.

Mr. Beaudry no doubt made it possible to have the door hung in the first place...he fitted the door.