The New Victorians

Centennial Soiree at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden

ethan — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:28:39 +0000

This past Thursday evening August 12 was the Linnaean Libation League’s Centennial Soiree. The celebration was held for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s 100th birthday. We did not have a speaking role, but our fashions were included in this video clip on the Long Island Channel 12 news. Here are some vintage styled photographs from the event that we took:

Step back in time for a good cause

elizabeth — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:57:54 +0000

Two very forward-thinking (or backward, if one chooses to look at it that way) New York City cultural institutions will be pouring some vintage spirits this month in celebration of a simpler time. Whether you find yourself in uptown Manhattan or deep in Brooklyn this August, head over to toast an old-fashioned in support of these fantastic locales.

The Speakeasy at 1220 Fifth Avenue
The Museum of the City of New York
on Wednesday nights, 6 – 9 p.m. through August 18th. Enjoy cocktails on the Fifth Avenue terrace and a special installation on the fictional 1920s character Flapper Jane. Visitors will be treated to tours of current exhibitions, live music, DJs, an antique car show, and other special events throughout the summer. Admission includes one FREE drink and access to the Museum’s first- and second-floor galleries. Tickets sold online and at the door.
Rain or shine!
Where: Museum of the City of New York
Details: Museum Members: $10 • Non-Members: $15

Garden Party Like It’s 1910
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Croquet 6:30 – 7:45 PM; cocktails 8:00 – 10:00 PM
In 1910, milk was 32 cents a gallon, average life expectancy for men was 48, the Ziegfield girls earned $75/week, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden was transformed from an ash dump to a glorious urban sanctuary. BBG and Brooklyn Based invite you to celebrate the Garden’s centennial with a one-of-a kind affair organized by the Garden’s Linnaean Libation League.
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Enter at 1000 Washington Avenue, near Eastern Parkway; take 2/3 train to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum or B/Q to Prospect Park. Call 718-623-7200 for more information.
Details: Strictly 21+. Advance ticket purchase required; vintage attire encouraged.

Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island

ethan — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:21:14 +0000

We spent the day on Governor’s Island with Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra at the 5th Bi-Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party, complete with vintage clothing vendors, a hopping dance floor, fashion shows, a tug-of-war contest, old-fashioned cocktails, and a showcase of vintage cars.

The party will be repeated later this summer on August 28th & 29th 2010.

Below is a photo collection of the day’s events.

Sarah Bernhardt in Prospect Park

ethan — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:39:30 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

On this Fourth of July we leave you with an archival clip of Sarah Bernhardt addressing the people Prospect Park.

Sarah Bernhardt Addresses Crowd in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 1917

On July 4, 1917, French actress Sarah Bernhardt speaks in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N.Y., on behalf of French-American cooperation in the war effort. Addressing more than 50,000 people gathered around a decorated music platform, Mme. Bernhardt stands and speaks from an open touring car parked in front of the platform. Medium close shot of Mme. Bernhardt speaking and gesturing, with man who may be her personal physician, Dr. Felix Marot, and woman who is probably her secretary and translator, Miss Elizabeth Ormsby, seated in car.

Retrofitting suburbia

ethan — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:10:46 +0000

Video via Ted.com – Ellen Dunham-Jones: Retrofitting suburbia

Redhook, Brooklyn in 8mm