The Jazz Age on the Delaware Was the Cat’s Meow!

Story by “Hep Cat” Christine Tarlecki Trimble, Photos by “Swell” Samara Messer

The Jazz Age on the Delaware debuted on August 1 on the grounds of the Glen Foerd mansion estate, and what an event it was. Transforming itself to a grand old age of 1920s, this event was truly the bee’s knees!

The Glen Foerd estate is the only Gilded Age mansion along the Delaware river, and it’s sweeping, breathtaking views, it’s grand mansion, and lovely grounds are truly a place to enjoy the Jazz Age.

“Jazz Age on the Delaware is a day to experience and partake in the free-spirited fun so prevalent in the 1920’s,” said Executive Director Meg Sharp Walton. “Guests will immerse themselves in an era where it seemed as though good times would never end.”

Everyone was dressed in their 1920’s finery, with cloche hats, lacy parasols, stockings rolled to the knees, pearls, and bowties, suspenders, straw hats and Gatsby fashions. Watching everyone stroll along in their Art Deco styles was so much fun, and creative and inspiring.

Patrons began their day with a lesson on the Charlestown, then Master of Ceremonies Dandy Wellington welcomed everyone. Vistors strolled along the paths of the river in their finery, took in a game of croquet, relaxed on the grand lawn and listened to the music of the Red Hot Ramblers with Chelsea Reed, and the Gin Canaries. Later, the Minsky Sisters danced, and the Drew Nugent & Midnight Society band got the crowd on their feet and danced.

Visitors enjoyed jazz-era cocktails: The Bee’s Knees, Sageside Punch, or a Gin & Tonic, which were delightful and refreshing, along with delicious vintage-inspired treats. Many patrons brought a picnic basket and a blanket and enjoyed the sultry day under the trees.

Vintage vendors were set up all day, selling gorgeous crafts, hats, jewelry, apparel and other 20’s finery, while elegant antique automobiles and bicycles were on display. Tours of the mansion showed off the restored elegance of the estate, and the old boathouse offered a picturesque vista of the river.

The day took on a hazy patina as visitors sipped gin, danced the Charlestown, lounged on the grass, watched the Old City Sweethearts dance their hearts out, played 1920’s lawn games, and enjoyed the Pie Judging Contest on the porch. The back veranda held a back-in-time cigar bar, and the VIP patrons tent offered elegant bites such as salmon, filet mignon, crab claws, and oysters.

There wasn’t much missing from this back-in-time event, as the gorgeous sunny day and atmosphere showed that people really were enjoying the Jazz Age on the Delaware.

Jazz Age on the Delaware is presented by Glen Foerd on the Delaware, with support from inaugural sponsors Jamie Hollander Gourmet Foods and Catering, City Paper, Metro, Open Aire Affairs, Yelp, Art in the Age, Hendrick’s Gin, Holy Family University, Holt Logistics, Annie Vickrey Photography, and Design by Christa Hackenberg.