Deco on the Delaware: Picnic in Roaring 20’s Fashion at Glen Foerd Mansion in Philadelphia, PA

Picture-perfect and pastoral picnic.

I love her and that’s the beginning and end of everything. – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

When finding out about 20’s themed party at the Glen Foerd estate and mansion along the Delaware River, and that the event’s theme was “Deco on the Delaware,” my first thought was, “What to wear?” An English major, my thoughts quickly turned “all things Gatsby,” specifically the two flawed characters, Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. I’d read somewhere that F. Scott- and  Zelda Fitzgerald were known as the Jazz Age’s “Golden Couple”.

I located the perfect flapper dress at Phoenixville-based LuLu Boutique & Gifterie. It was a reproduction at $35, so I snapped it up. Flapper-mission accomplished. And so on a perfectly lovely day (albeit a warm one) for the 4th annual Deco on the Delaware, I joined the sizeable crowd, many of whom were head-to-toe perfectly attired (read: Deco-d out). Had they all attended some master class? Arguably, only a tiny minority looked as if they threw something together on the fly. All others were fly, sartorially nailing the era’s look.

My initial stop was just prior to mansion’s entry-the porch, where a large quantity and variety of pies awaited judging. Once inside, I alternately fixed my astonished gaze at the attendees’ admirable attire and the mansion’s glory. A true feast for the senses continued as I ventured out back, where a scene out of a picture book unfolded. With the sailboat-populated Delaware River as backdrop, crowds of era-resplendent folks were lounging on chairs and blankets, enjoying the contents of their picnic baskets they’d brought from home. What a spread! I nearly had to tip-toe through the masses, lest I plant a heel spike on someone’s hand. Ouch!

Stopping at the libation station, where a plentiful variety of drinks were available, I opted for bubbly and later the Deco Bramble specialty cocktail. Bluecoat American Gin and Saint Benjamin Brewing Company were the liquor sponsors. Nearby refreshing mini sorbetto batches from D’Emilios Old World Ice Treats beckoned. Since I was on assignment, I wasn’t able to splay myself on the lawn in picnic mode to indulge in people-watching and packed foodstuffs, so I roamed the grounds, encountering vendors selling everything period-imaginable. It was all there: parasols, jewelry, cosmetics, cigars, vintage clothing, accessories and more.  I had the appropriate dress but no headwear, so I bought a black fascinator that worked for the event and was also not so era-centric that it couldn’t be worn for most occasions.

There were so many captivating outdoor activities that I hadn’t even begun to properly discover the mansion’s interior. Lawn games, Charleston dance lessons with Roddy Caravella and even a honey-extraction demo by the Philadelphia Beekeeper’s Guild. On the main stage, entertainers included Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, which featured a dance performance by The Fishtown Footers, Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, and Queen Esther & Her Quartette. Master of ceremonies John A. Petty II would later command the main stage, where in between music and dancing, the popular best-dressed fashion judging took place. See snaps below to view the judges and winners! My last venture en plein air was to the front of the estate to check out the antique rides displayed by their owners along with those featured by the Delaware Valley Model “A” Ford Club. All were beautifully staged and spotless, shiny examples of the era’s best.

The scenes happening inside were as fascinating and fun as those outside. The mansion alone was a sight for the ages-both humans young to old and for the times. In between admiring Glen Foerd’s interior beauty, I was intrigued by activities such as a women’s make-up demonstration by Jessica Saint and “Dining Do’s and Don’ts” held in the dining room and with mannerly instruction by Michael Bufalino & Geoffrey Webster.

According to the event’s brochure, “Glen Foerd on the Delaware is a nonprofit organization that preserves and enhances the historic Glen Foerd estate while engaging the community with a variety of creative and environmental programs.” Additionally, they work with “local artists and innovators to provide public programs and events such as live music performances, art installations, guided nature excursions, habitat and horticulture education and workshops in artisanal crafts. The grounds are open to the public for recreation such as walking, birdwatching and picnicking every day from dawn to dusk.”

Now that I have my requisite Gilded Age dress, I may consider bobbing my hair!

Proceeds from the event benefit Glen Foerd’s environmental program. Coming next year is a new boating program-yet another add-on to the already prolific array of events and things to do at Glen Foerd. Discover it all for yourself by visiting their website at glenfoerd.org.

Boats on the Delaware River as backdrop were like something out of a landscape painting.

A stroll along the Delaware with charming gazebo in forefront.

All of the elements of this photograph, particularly everything about the couple, just really epitomized the event. If I had to choose a single feature snap, it would be this one.

These Jazz Age turned out ladies know how to picnic with the best of them.

Something for everyone, including bubbly and the always interesting specialty cocktail.

Thirst quenchers arranged to entice on a lovely but hot day.

The foundations for the specialty cocktails Deco Bramble and Kir Royal.

Can we all just “ARW” in unison at this precious sight?

This festive, in-the-spirit couple are a perfect sartorial match. Do they know their Jazz Era get-up details or what?!

Photogs and equipment-ready Commonwealth Pictures make the scene. Did they say cheese or speakeasy back in the day?

These Deco darlings know how to relax while looking fab!

Terrific era-inspired merch. I purchased an all-occasion (yet perfect for this one here.

From head to toe, this photog covers jazz-age to perfection … right up to his hat’s press pass.

This quartet nails the look! Nothing is done half-way.

Are suspenders now an endangered sartorial species? Meg Sharp Walton, Executive Director, Glen Foerd on the Delaware, has one of the best seats with the best view, looking out toward the Delaware River.

Queen Esther, award-winng jazz vocalist, entertains the crowd.

Members of Queen Esther & Her Quartette take a short break.

Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra also featured a dance performance by The Fishtown Footers.

Let the additional fun begin. Introducing the judges for the best-dressed male and female by Master of Ceremonies John A. Petty II.

From left, judges Marietta Bieberfeld (Vintage Fashion Expert), Antonia DePace (Philadelphia Style) and Martin Murhpy (Ransome & Gwynn).

Brian Craig won “The Most Dapper Gentleman” category.

Sarah Kruse (with fan) was chosen “The Most Fashionable Flapper.”

Well, if that isn’t one fascinating how-it-came-to-be story. Knowing the history really fleshes out the experience.

Inside the spectacular mansion, poised and Deco-d out.

Momentarily stepping away from flappers to shine a light on the mansion’s interior beauty.

What a lovely pose … such warm body language and poise.

Jessica Saint demonstrates the art of period make-up application.

Genevieve Tierney of Garces Catering and Glen Foerd staffer Dorothy Sheridan ruled as pie contest judges.

Oh, beautiful for spectacular pies … for purple (or blueberry) colored majesties.

Sharon Kozden with a gentleman caller, er, driver, that is … ready to ride in an antique car. Actually, rides were prohibited but a girl can dream.

I’m sure Glen Foerd would have approved of this passionate frontispiece (so-to-speak) to his mansion’s breathtaking backdrop.

Last but never least, Deco on the Delaware’s sponsors deserve massive applause and recognition.