Happy Valentine’s Day, dear friends! It’s been a little snowy today, but luckily last Saturday was a clear and lovely day for Locust Grove’s Historical Ball! This year was our third ball, although it would have been the fourth annual event, if last year had not been cancelled due to ice and snow. I was delighted to see so many familiar faces, as well as some new friends, decked out in their period finery! Guests came dressed in their favorite period garb, whether it was Regency, the Roaring Twenties, or the 1940s! Tom and Toni Tumbusch of Cincinnati acted as our dance callers, and brought along their adorable puppies, Bingley and Tilney, as they led our guests through reels, waltzes, and quadrilles, although my favorite was the Grand March! Here are some pictures from the event, many shared by our guests! Enjoy!
Dancemaster Tom instructing the guests
President and Mrs. Lincoln made an appearance.
From left to right, our guests represented the 2010s, the 1940s, the 1920s, and the mid-1800s! (Photo credit: Kate Hughes)
Dance mistress Toni and HLG costumed interpreter and hearth cook Melissa show off their 1920s style with Bingley and Tilney!
(Photo credit: Melissa Alexander)
Many of our guests created their own costumes for the evening. Melissa’s frock, seen above, is based on a 1922 Robe de Style design by Lanvin, with great success! Melissa chronicled the process of making her frock here, in case you have a yen to learn more about historical dressmaking!
New friends and dancing experts Bingley and Tilney! Bonus points to you if you can name the Austen novels with characters by these names!
A spirited whist game in the surveyor’s cabin.
Many of our costumed interpreters were in attendance at the ball! See if you can spot them from Christmastide!
Deep in conversation at the ball, costumed interpreters Keith and Brandon play Dr. John Croghan at two different ages in our current interpreter season.
Taking a respite from dancing
Three beautiful gowns seen at the refreshments table.
The wonderful musicians!
Jamie and Janice, who portray Owen and Ann Gwathmey in our interpreter cast, took the chance to explore a different period of dress at the ball.
Amy and Christen represent the 1840s and the 1920s, respectively! (Photo credit: Christen Runyon)
Although I didn’t get to experience all the dances, I managed to pop my head in for the Grand March, which looked like such fun! You can read more about the Grand March here.
The Regency meets the Civil War.
1940s sailor, meet 1810s belle!
I had such fun watching all the dancing, seeing the clothes, and visiting with friends, new and old, that I hereby take it upon myself to proclaim the 2015 Historical Ball a success! If you were at the ball, leave a comment by clicking the link at the top of the page to let us know what you thought! But the fun and frivolity doesn’t stop there! If you’re interested in becoming a costumed interpreter at Locust Grove, auditions are just around the corner! You can visit this page for more information, or contact our program coordinator Brian Cushing at bcushing@locustgrove.org. Auditions are February 25 from 6-7pm and February 28 from 1-2pm. Come join us for a chance to be a part of our historical cast!
February means we’re open for tours again, so be sure to stop by to see us soon! We’re always glad to see our friends.
I remain, yours affectionately,
Hannah
P.S. To receive updates on all the goings-on at Locust Grove, why not join our e-mailing list? Sign-up HERE to receive monthly updates! Or if you foresee numerous visits to Locust Grove in your future, why not become a member? Friends of Locust Grove receive free admission, invitations to members-only events, a 10% discount in the Museum Store, a copy of our quarterly newsletter, The Grove Gazette and much, much more! More information can be found HERE.
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Historic Locust Grove 