By Chris Hoffman
(Norwich, NY – Sept. 2015) The year was 1917. In the news: streetcars startrunning in San Francisco. Russian “February Revolution” begins.The first jazz records are recorded: “Dixie Jazz Band One Step” and “Livery Stable Blues.” President Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated for a second term. The U.S. declares war on Germany and enters World War I. Babe Ruth beats the New York Yankees, pitching a 3-hit 10-3 win for the Red Sox. 1st Pulitzer Prize is awarded to Richards & Elliott for the biography Julia Ward Howe. Lions Clubs International is founded. Mata Hari is executed by the French Government for espionage. 1st class U.S. mail is 3 cents per ounce. The 18th Amendment, authorizing prohibition of alcohol, is approved by the U.S. congress and sent to the states for ratification. And New York adopts a constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote in state elections.
Certainly a smaller news item, but nonetheless important to a particular subset of people in central New York, The Sherburne Inn holds its grand opening. As war and social change swirled around it, The Inn in 1917 took its place in history.
On Saturday Oct. 24, 98 years after the life-changing events of 1917, Save The Sherburne Inn Restoration Project and The Chenango Arts Council will co-host a Speakeasy Masquerade Ball that will give a nod to that exciting time in the second decade of the 20th century.
The event, which is a fundraiser for both organizations, will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Chenango Arts Council building at 27 West Main St. in Norwich.
“This is a masquerade ball and we’re encouraging people to come in era-specific costumes,” said Diane Batson-Smith, Arts Council executive director. “Of course costumes are optional, but wearing one adds to the fun.”
She noted that this event is not a substitute for the Arts Council’s biannual gala.
“This is a special event we’re working on with SSIRP,” Batson-Smith said. As part of the fun, guests can attend the Chenango Arts Council mask-making workshops with professional mask-maker Barbara Gregson Oct. 10 and 11.
The Speakeasy Masquerade Ball will feature live music with renowned musician Monk Rowe and his band, dancing, food, drink, a silent auction, a ticket auction, special raffles, and a step-and-repeat with keepsake photos of guests in their masquerade finery.
“We’re already getting great items for the silent auction,” said SSIRP President Kathleen Yasas, one of which, for example, is a six-hour fishing trip on Lake Ontario; another item, in keeping with the theme, is a three-bottle sampler of moonshine.
“The Inn and the Arts Council are important social and cultural focal points for the area,” Yasas said. “Combining our efforts to create a great evening of ‘making pretend’– especially so close to Halloween – just seemed like a really good idea.”
Tickets are now on sale at The Chenango Arts Council website, http://www.chenangoarts.org/ (click on “Speakeasy Masquerade Ball” under the Special Events tab, or click on “Buy Tickets” button on the website home page).
Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Arts Council at 607-336-2787.
“We’re planning an evening of good music, good food, good times, and even some surprises,” Batson-Smith said. “Join us!”