BGRS Update

I must apologize for our absence.  Life seems to have once again 'gotten in the way' of managing this blog.  But, I would like to update you on an event or two that the Bluegrass Regency Society has been involved in over the past couple of months.  Rather than re-post all of the pictures, and copy and paste all of the text, I will guide you to posts that have already been assembled on various other blogs associated with BGRS members.  I do hope you enjoy the posts.  We are still trying to keep this group alive, and are hopeful that it will eventually flourish.  These things take time, or so I hear.  Please check our "Activities and Amusements" tab to see what we have planned for the near future.  As we work out the details of these activities, we will post updates.

 

The BGRS attends the Jane Austen Festival 2011

Living With Jane

A Frolic Through Time

The BGRS demonstrates at Ashland for the Costume Society of America.

Living With Jane

A Frolic Through Time

Jane Austen Festival Commercial

This commercial is hilarious!  A bit cliche, to be sure...but hilarious none-the-less.  Take a peak, laugh a bit (or a lot like I did), and then join us at the Jane Austen Festival on Saturday, July 9th.  For more information check out the JASNA Louisville site.



Jane Austen Festival of Louisville: Registration 2011

The 4th annual Jane Austen Festival of Louisville, is being held July 9th and 10th at historic Locust Grove . For details on the event, please visit JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America)  Greater Louisville Region.  Registration begins June 1st, 2011!

I'm so excited. It is a fabulous event for Regency and Literature lovers alike. You can read more about last year's Jane Austen Festival that I attended  here, here, and here.  Please do come and join us in the fun! 



English Country Dancing Lessons

Don't you wish you danced as elegantly as the lovely lady above?  Well, now you can learn how.  I thought it would be a wonderful idea to brush up on our English Country Dancing before we attend the Grand Ball at the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville.  The Lexington Vintage Dance Society offers classes for beginners every Monday evening from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

At:
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
1161 Liberty Road
Lexington, Kentucky

No experience is necessary.  Dress is casual.  First time lesson takers are free, and it's only $0.50 a lesson after that!  What a deal! Here's the official site offering up all of the details.

In addition to the lessons, the LVDS holds a monthly dance.  This month, the dance is Friday, Jun 17, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. (intro class starting at 7:40.)  The dance is to be held in downtown Lexington at Arts Place.  $5 per adult, $2 students, 15 and under are free.

I hope to be there June 6th and 13th, and of course, for the dance on the 17th.  I do hope you will join me.   For more information about the lessons and dances, please contact Bob at bobalonia@juno.com or 859 887-4888 or Terry at terryterry@windstream.net



William Whitley House Picnic: Follow-Up

The Blue Grass Regency Society traveled through the heart of the Bluegrass on Saturday morning to the William Whitley House.  As you can see in the above picture, the beautiful landscape was shrouded in a non-stopping rain for the majority of the morning and afternoon.  Thankfully, the estate had a picnic shelter in which we huddled comfortably.

Even more thankfully, the clouds parted toward the end of the afternoon, allowing us a glorious moment of sunshine and blue sky, in which we set out to carefully explore part of the grounds.  We were a bit damp, and our hems unfortunately were be-speckled with mud, but these trials were well worth it for the good fellowship and comfortable hospitality of the Whitley family home.

(Natalie fit in perfectly with her late 18th century finery.)

The house in itself is fascinating, full of quirky interior windows, hidden staircases, faux walls and hiding holes (to keep the 11 Whitley children safe from Indian raids).  The bravery of the family is evident in these things, but the interior furnishings show a carefully balanced juxtaposition between this courage and the family's simple, civility and elegance.

(Jenni and miss Jane spitefully ignoring the rain.)

We were a small party, but in honor of the heartiness of the Whitley family, a few of us braved the rain and enjoyed each other's company.

(Sharon taking the children -Christopher, Jane and Noah- under her wings.)

Because of the rain, our plans to play Quoits, Graces, Nine-pins, and Badminton were put off.  However, we enjoyed each other's company immensely. 

The table was set, and a feast was enjoyed.

We enjoyed a delicate salad of greens and aged balsamic vinegar.

Seasonal strawberries and an assortment of cheeses were a delight.

The piece de resistance was a traditional 18th century English pudding called White-pot.  You can read about how it was made and what it tastes like at Living With Jane.

We hope to return some day (perhaps a slightly less wet one) to this lovely bit of Kentucky history.  We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us on our next outing.

The Fair at New Boston

Have you been to the Fair at New Boston?

I have...and you can view my pictures here.  It's an event you won't want to miss.

Well, I just found out that the participants registration deadline for the Fair at New Boston (in Ohio Fair at New Boston ) is June 1st. The actual Fair isn't until Labor Day weekend in September, but if you wish to dress out as "Citizens" then you must register now. It would be wonderful if the Blue Grass Regency Society could attend as a group, but certainly it isn't required to dress out. If you would like to though, then you must register.

If I remember correctly from last year, tickets are $15 or $20 at the gate. First time (dressed out) participants pay a one time $15 fee (but aren't required to pay that in the future...unless you camp, etc. see rules.) Rules for participants are posted on the official site. Here: Participants They are quite strict about what you wear if you are participating as a reenactor. Here is the registration form in PDF: Registration Form

HOWEVER....if you have absolutely NO idea what you will be doing that weekend since it is so far in advance, please don't worry about registering. Hopefully, later on down the road, you will know if you are free or not, and you can come with the group just for the fun of it without dressing out! And FUN certainly is what I would call this event. You won't regret it. It's a family event...educational and fascinating. There are period foods, vendors, merchants, and artists of all sorts....think a feast of late 18th century, early 19th century articles such as soap, wool, fabric, clothing, accessories, metal work, home wares, furniture, and much more! It's a feast for the eyes!

I do hope you will be able to make it!

Picnic Weather Update

I'm writing to say that the BGRS is going to go ahead with Saturday's picnic as planned at the William Whitley estate.  There is a 50% chance of rain, and while that isn't the greatest of percentages, I think it's the best we will get this spring. There is a picnic shelter on the grounds which we can use if the weather turns bad.  See you Saturday, rain or shine!

BGRS Picnic: Weather or Not

This weekend, May 14th, is the Blue Grass Regency Society Picnic.  You can see the original save the date post here, to get all of the juicy details. 

However, I'm writing to say that in this area of the country, at this time of year, the weather is always a factor to consider into the equation.  The weather man is calling for a 40% chance of rain.  That statistic can, and likely will, change over night.  So, rather than make a decision now, I am waiting until Wednesday night to decide on a Plan-B.  Let us hope Plan-A will suffice!  Stay tuned!

First Meet and Greet: Follow Up

Today, three (and a wee-bit) members of the Bluegrass Regency Society met for lunch at the 6 Friends Cafe, in Lexington, KY, where we welcomed our newest member Sharon into the group.  Welcome Sharon!  Sharron drove all the way from Somerset, KY to join us!  Such loyalty!  Unfortunately, several of our other members had prior engagements and couldn't join us, so, it was a low-key gathering, but a productive one, at that.

We shared a bit about ourselves, and got to know our newest member.  We talked about what we would like to get out of the group, and what we would like to see happen...that sort of thing.  We know we would like to learn and do more dancing (the English Country Dancing sort...typical of the period.)  Picnics are also enjoyed (who doesn't like a chance to dress out and try period food.)  As is touring local historical sites and meandering through local museum displays.

So, in order to set this thing in motion, we've gathered together a rough list, or calendar if you will, of events planned for this year.  Please see "Our Activities and Events" tab above.  And as always, feel free to join us at any of these events.  If you have any other ideas for venues, please jump in and leave a comment below!

Picnic at William Whitley House: Save the date

The Bluegrass Regency Society will be having a picnic luncheon at the William Whitley house on Saturday, May 14th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00pm.

The home (considered a mansion during it's time) is located at

625 William Whitley Road,
Stanford KY 40484.

The picnic will be held on the grounds of the estate where we hope to eat (of course), possibly play some period games, walk the grounds, and tour the Whitley home. In general, we hope to have an over-all merry time of it!  All are invited!  Spouses and children are welcome!  There isn't a cost to enter the grounds, but if you wish to take a tour of the house, this will be available for the group rate of $4.00 per person. 

We humbly request that you bring a dish of some sort to share with the group.  Also, please bring your own beverages, cutlery, plates and cups (we recommend a picnic blanket as well).  You may be as historically accurate or not, as you wish with your food.  We do not require it, but it certainly is fun when it is!  If you do wish to make something period accurate, then here are a few links to some wonderfully researched period recipe sites.  I've tried a few of them myself.  HERE and HERE. They aren't nearly as difficult as they might appear.

The-Old-Foodie

Sundries

Historic-Foods

History-is-served

RSA-recipes

Umich-recipes

Jedwentz-recipes

Gode-cookery (17th c. but could still work)

As for what to wear...that is up to you.  A handful of us will be in period, Regency attire, but it certainly is not a necessity to dress this way in order to join in on the fun!  We understand some don't feel comfortable wearing anything but modern clothing, or perhaps you just haven't had the time yet to develop your Regency wardrobe.  Not a problem!  You won't be frowned upon if you don't dress out...we promise!

For information about the house and it's founders, the Whitley family, please visit the William Whitley House Foundation website, where they have posted a very informative video.

 As always, please feel free to leave a comment, or email us if you have any questions. We would love to meet other Regency enthusiasts in the Bluegrass area.  We hope to see you there!



The BlueGrass Regency Society First Meet and Greet

Do you live in the Bluegrass Area of Kentucky?  Are you interested in all things Regency? Do you dress up in Empire waisted dresses in your spare time and dance the night away to songs like "Mr. Beveridge's Maggot? 

Maybe you are a fan of Jane Austen, or read a little Keats or Byron in your spare time?  Perhaps you float away while listening to Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven or Schubert?  Or, might you be interested in the social history or fashion of the late 18th and early 19th centuries? 

If you fall under any of these categories (or even if your Regency knowledge extends only to the image of Colin Firth emerging from a pond wearing a clinging white undershirt) then please come and join in on the fun of the Bluegrass Regency Society's first meet and greet!

Date: Saturday, April 16th

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Place: 6 Friends Cafe

191 Kentucky Avenue

Lexington, KY 40502

R.S.V.P. (or have questions?) then email Jenni at bgregencysociety@gmail.com

This is a non-costumed event.

Hope to see you there!



Lovely Shoes!

Check out these beauties over at  American-Duchess!
You don't want to miss the pre-sale deal Lauren has going on....and for those of us
that don't do early or mid 18th century, the future of her Regency shoes depend
on the sale of these.  So, go!  Buy them up! Quick!

P.s. - They're die-able!

Jane Austen Festival - Louisville, KY - 2011



July might seem far away, but it's just around the corner when you find yourself in need of planning a Regency wardrobe.  Why would you need a Regency wardrobe (or outfit for that matter) you ask yourself?  Well, to wear to the Jane Austen Festival of Louisville, KY of course!

Here's a little something or two (or three) to wet your whistle and to set you bristling with anticipation!

SAVE THE DATE
4TH ANNUAL JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL, JULY 9 & 10, 2011

held at

1790 National Historic Landmark, Historic Locust Grove
Louisville, Kentucky
 www.locustgrove.org

sponsored by
Greater Louisville Region
Jane Austen Society of North America

Event will feature:
"Cheer from Chawton" an Austen family theatrical by Karen Eterovich
Regency Emporium
Regency Style Show
Four-Course Afternoon Tea
Entertainment-duel between gentlemen, live music, ladies archery competition & more!
Workshops
a Grand Ball & more!

 General Admission $10; ball, tea & workshops additional fee.  Reservations begin June 1 at www.jasnalouisville.com

Please contact Bonny Wise, Regional Coordinator for information about hotels, traveling, etc at wises4@insightbb.com

 

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…Just a little more about the Theatrical …

"Cheer from Chawton: A Jane Austen Family Theatrical" is a one-woman show about Jane Austen that will be performed at the 4th Annual Jane Austen Festival, July 9 & 10 at Historic Locust Grove

The Greater Louisville Region of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) is pleased to announce that Karen Eterovich of NYC will perform her one-woman show called "Cheer from Chawton: A Jane Austen Family Theatrical" at the 4th Annual Jane Austen Festival.

Ms. Eterovich recently performed "Cheer from Chawton" at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England to rave reviews.  "Eight members of Greater Louisville Region went on a Pride & Prejudice Tour and also attended the first weekend of the Jane Austen Festival in Bath this past September, but Ms. Eterovich performed the next weekend so we did not get to see her performance, said Bonny Wise, Regional Coordinator."   "We are very pleased to introduce her to our festival," she continued.

Ms. Eterovich also wrote the play which is based on the life of the legendary novelist, Jane Austen, and highlights Austen's contributions to the world of literature, her relationship with her family and her adventures as a "flirtatious butterfly" in rural England.  Eterovich created the piece after performing in a play about Jane Austen.  Austen is best known as the author of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, & Emma but others include Mansfield Park, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.

Tickets for "Cheer from Chawton" are $10 in addition to the $10 admission fee of the festival.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

…A bit about the Archery Competition…

Ladies Archery Competition at the 4th Annual Jane Austen Festival, July 9 & 10 at Historic Locust Grove

Something new to look forward to is the Ladies Archery Competition that Rebecca Cooper is organizing
A ladies-only archery competition will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday of the festival for experienced archers.  At the end of the second day of competition, prizes will be awarded to the best shots for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place.  Period attire and equipment is required.  English-style "longbows" and three arrows with silk wrapped fletching and target points are required.  Modern equipment will not be allowed.

There is a $5 entry fee.  Maximum of 10 participants and must participate both days.  Anyone with questions and would like the contest rules, contact Bonny Wise, Regional Coordinator of the Jane Austen Society, Greater Louisville Region at wises4@insightbb.com

*All images and announcements courtesy of Bonny Wise and the Louisville chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America.  Thank you, Bonny!*