Ghost train a-comin’?

It was as if I had stepped back into time and was reliving 1909 all over again.  The day was hot.  Really hot.  Dust blew on the wind across my shoes and into my face as I and others walked across the hard ground before stepping onto the platform. 

Other passengers yet, were already waiting there in heat of this June day.

We were headed for the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition (AYPE) going on in Seattle.  The group had assembled from all over the world, literally.  There was a doctor from London (Essex) England, a woman coming from Alabama named Suzanna, and there was me, Elfriede Schratzenstaller of Bavaria Germany. 

I was heading to Seattle thru the United States in order to meet up with my distant relatives who had safely made the journey before me and had started a beer brewing business just outside of Seattle.  There were many fields of hops growing in the Kent and Puyallup Valleys. 

My little dog’s name is “Willy”, short for Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany.  I am a very long way from home and Willy’s company has been reassuring for me.

Neither Willy or I speak much English, but know enough hand motions to have made it this far.  We are now about a half-day’s journey outside of Seattle and the end of a long ride is close to an end.

Now flash forward.  Here we are all gathered at the South CleElum Station.  The lot of us are recreating the experience as the travelers would have had 100 years ago on their way thru this historic station which welcomed visitors to Washington State from all over the country and beyond!

As part of our day, we interacted with talented Telegraphers who actually used equipment to send historic telegrams this day. 

There was a young “runner” who acted as delivery boy at the station, also in full costume and historical attitude.

“Mr. Mark” was not only the MC at this point, but he was dressed as one of the conductors for the old railroad while others yet, dressed as the engineers.

After a delightful lunch served up in the now air-conditioned station, we wandered back outside for a second look.  Gone were the famous rails that brought the crowds to and from Seattle.  In their place was now an interpretive walk. 

Over yonder, a lone car stood next to one of the historical buildings, seeming to call for the other cars, locamotive and caboose which were missing.  If you listened carefully, you could hear the tweet of the steam engine’s whistle and just swear the train was coming around the bend headed once again for the station!

What happened to the train?  As is the case of many of these powerhouses, they were sent to the wayside.  It is now finally, the next generation is looking back and yearning for a slower, quieter time of history when there were genteel men and women traveling along side perhaps some of the more unsavory members of the community, but all dressed in such incredible attire.

Want to see more pictures and learn details of the day?  Please go out to visit Somewhere in Time, Unlimited (SITU – home page).  We are a historical costuming social group that holds 4 parties (Events) per year and participates in numerous community organized events (Dress-up Opportunities) during the year.  We’d love to have you come along sometime to enjoy the fun.

In the meantime, don’t be surprised if you hear the wail of that lonesome whistle near Cle Elum, Washington.  It’ll just be thunderous ghost steel headed for a beautifully restored Victorian South Cle Elum Station!

Horseless Carriages & A Victorian Connection…

Wouldn’t think they would have much to do with one another, but on a fine Spring day in 2009, these prized beauties met up with the members and friends of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited to participate in the “Quilted Tulip” up in LaConner, Washington.

Now, SITU has been doing historical costuming for a long while as a social group.  Most favorite is probably the Victorian era or the Edwardian period.  So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the group had co-hosted with the docents and management of the famous Quilt Museum, an afternoon tea.  Refreshments were free to the public with the paid entry to view the museum which just “happens” to be a Victorian home!

Ah, enter the carriages.  The owners of these fine specimens were invited to come out and get all gussied up in their finery and join in the fun.  Mission accomplished!  These ladies and gents did a wonderful job of recreating historical attire, complete with hats.  Their cars weren’t bad either….(wink)

 

 

 

 

 

 
So, you have a soft-spot for Victorian clothing or dressing up in Victorian dress?  Come along.  SITU holds a number of Events and Dress-up Opportunities which cross a wide array of eras, including Victorian/Edwardian. 

We even hold workshops to help you learn how to put together an outfit, whether sewn or thrifted.

 Men are invited to participate in our Events as well.  This is not a “Ladies Only” sort of social group!  Lady Victoria will also give you sage advice on how to find suitable gentlemen’s attire for whatever Event or Dress-up Opportunity is in store.

Contact Lady Victoria directly from the SITU site to find out more about the various eras we costume.  Be sure to visit our website’s Prior Events to see more photos of this particular Event.  We would love to have you come along for any of our Events or Dress-up Opportunities during the year.

These may include centennial celebrations, parades, parties, Kirkland Concours, murder mystery outings – virtually anything that  is centered around planes, train, cars and boats, provided we can put a historical spin on things!

Come, join the fun. You’d be surprised how much joy you will find…

Titanic – Survivors Hit…

Titanic - Dressed out in banners, Good Friday 1912, Courtesy Michael Pocock

…A joyful note this past Feb 28, 2009 when the members and friends of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited held Titanic-The Survivors’s Ball in Seattle, Washington. 

This historic costuming group paid homage to the fallen and the survivors of this noteworthy vessel in our history.  Guests were treated to a 7-course Edwardian-style dinner which was catered by Cindy Madsen of Ravenrook Feasts as a special benefit to the group.  Ms. Madsen dished up sumptuous round after round, while a few senior classmembers of Holy Names Academy provided excellent table-side service.  Thank you to the lovely ladies adorned in Battenburg-lace aprons.

The delightful husband/wife duo of Kleinschmidt and Conquest, dressed in their special formal attire for the evening.

Several times, this couple (along with many other attendees) could be seen about the room chatting with other guests and partaking in the excellent dinner.

Long-time members of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited, they can be seen in several photos on the main website’s “Prior Events“.

Guests were encouraged to pose before the image of Titanic in preparation of  “boarding”.

 

Always stylish and chic, Mr. & Mrs. Cash stepped out in grand style and allowed a quick snap of the photo lens to capture their dashing image!

Not to be outdone, I hear they were spotted twirling to a tune or two during the evening.  The rest of the time, they were lively company to their tablemates with news of “other survivors” in attendance….

This couple is relatively new to the group Somewhere in Time, Unlimited but have been spotted at a number of events since “coming aboard”.  They are great fun and I hope you get to meet them soon.

Opera Singer - Jeffrey Jordan & The Ragtime Orchestra

World-renowned opera tenor Jeffrey Jordan graced the audience with his brilliant performance of various songs all evening including “Torna A Sorriento”.  (Currently, he performs with Seattle Opera as well as represents the needs of artistic individuals when purchasing or selling homes in the Seattle area as a real estate agent.)  His vocal duet partner this evening was none other than soprano Lady Victoria, also of local Seattle fame.

Orchestra Maestro - Phil Wilkinson

Their musical efforts were complimented by the very talented, 13-piece Ragtime Waltz Orchestra lead by Maestro Phil Wilkinson.

The Maestro had chosen musical pieces that reflected the Titanic era such as “After The Ball”, “I Want a Gal, (just like the gal that married dear old dad)” and a number of ragtime, “piano-roll blues” and Castle waltz favorites which his orchestra performed “to a T”.  Well done, ladies and gents!!!

Also in attendance was a young ballerina Miss Madeline Peters who is sure to be a rising star on Seattle’s stage.  We look forward to seeing more of your performances Ms. Peters!  Guests enjoyed the dance instruction of the Castle Waltz as performed by Miss Christine Pinto and Miss Pippin Sardo.  This demonstration was the opening signal that the dance floor was now open for all to enjoy.  Thank you, ladies.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the dashing and charming “Captain” Alfred Myers.  His beautiful wife Linda greeted guests as they “boarded” and pinned fragrant carnation  boutonnieres to lapels and dresses.  Thank you to you both for enchanting everyone with your style and grace and making us feel so welcome!

If you missed this Event but enjoy historical costuming, hop out to the website of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited and check out the Calendar to see when you might meet up with us again.  We are headed for Port Townsend, Washington next for their Victorian Festival.  See you soon….

 

Victorian Santa Train Experience

Somewhere in Time, Unlimited Members

It was drizzling.  It’s the rainy northwest afterall.  A stout-hearted small band of members of Somewhere in Time traveled thru the mist and rain to arrive at the historical rail station in the town of North Bend, Washington.  The idea was to greet, mix and mingle with the families who were boarding the various train-loads headed for ANOTHER historical Victorian rail station just up the line in Snoqualmie, Washington.

Sir Harry of Essex waves to families boarding the train.

Would the familes come despite the rain?  Would the train be on time?  What would the children say when they saw a group of men and women in historical Victorian and Edwardian attire?  We didn’t have long to wait. 

Two lovely Edwardian ladies

 

Auntie Judy & niece prepare to see Santa.

Mingling to the happy Christmas songs transmitted by a local radio station (Warm 106.9) on a non-Victorian boom-box, the SITU members took photos of families waiting to board the trains.  “Did you bring your list for Santa?” or “Would you like me to take your photo of y’all together?” could be heard up and down the platform.  “Say candy cane!”  Children wiggled and giggled.  Parents tried hard to sip their warm coffee to get that jolt they needed to keep up with the energy level of their children.

Suddenly, “I see the headlight!!!!”  Oh, the thundering of the vintage engine as she rolled into the station area was tremendous.  Wow, real 1913 and 1915 rail coaches too!  The interiors were delightfully and joyfully decorated with holiday lights (What am I saying?  These are CHRISTMAS lights!  We ARE bound for Santa after all), stuffed toys, vintage wood or velvet seats, along with wicker chairs filling in the void spaces where more seating could be arranged.

Inside each coach was a volunteer from the railway.  The men were always friendly and happy to share the history of the train, from the coaches to the engine pulling us, to the stations we were visiting, to the what-it-takes-to-be-a-volunteer.  It was all interesting indeed!  The men were dressed in all sorts of costumes.  We had Mr. Bells in striped overalls and a cap with 3 large bells on the brim.  He lead us in Christmas songs.  We had two guys in festive “Reindeer noses” and one wore a hard hat when he had to clear the walkway “for safety’s sake”.  There was a Conductor in vintage attire who walked thru the cars smiling and talking to folks.  There was the official conductor who had the priviledge of shouting “Aaaaall aboard!” and waving the high-sign to the engineers up in the locomotive.  Riders were even happy to meet a very young volunteer who was about 10 yrs in age and already, a good representative for the vintage rail line.  He’d joyfully walk thru the coaches asking, “Does anyone have a question?”  We tried to trip him up with trick questions.  We found out he was related to at least 2 volunteers helping out this weekend.

Queen Anne-style Snoqualmie Rail Museum

Once at the historic Queen-Anne style station in Snoqualmie, we were given a tour of the station itself, a visit with Santa, a self-guided tour of the medical coach under reconstruction where the little ones (okay and the not so little as well), were given a chocolate chip cookie, cocoa or coffee.  There was even a renovated caboose on-site.  Wow, the men riding the rails back when, sure had tight quarters to get around in if they went to the caboose.  At least it had a table, some seating areas and two great look-out benches located high up near the top of the caboose for some great views!

Aaaaaall-aboard!

Suddenly, it was time to board the train for the quick trip back to North Bend.  Aaaaaaw, the day should’ve gone on longer cuz we had such a great time!  If you’d like to see photos of our adventure, hop out to the website and click on “Past Events”.  I’ll be loading up a webpage very shortly with the photos.  If it’s not there when you read this, email me and I will send you the link when the page is ready.

If you, as a reader, would like to volunteer or donate to help this worthwhile cause, please, DO consider contacting the rail museum.  It is a worthwhile cause.

Many thanks to Miss Susan, Head of the Marketing Dept for the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad Museum and to the many, many volunteers who made this day such an enjoyable adventure!  We appreciate you and your efforts to bring the love of vintage railroading to the next generation.   Merry Christmas.  Aaaaaaall aboard!!!!

The ghosts of Ezra & Eliza Jane Meeker…

Might’ve been in attendance when the members and guests of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited held a “Tea and Murder Mystery” at the historical residence of the Meekers in Puyallup, Washington on Oct. 26, 2008.

Ezra Meeker, as some will remember, was man of significance due to his connection to the Oregon Trail and the impact of hops farming in the Puyallup valley.  His lovely wife, Eliza Jane, had gone with him to England where she fell in love with Queen Victoria’s  home.  Ezra, being a rational man, told his wife if she wanted such a home, she’d build and pay for it, herself.  Well, never underestimate the power of a driven woman!  If you’d like to read more about the Meekers, visit the mansion’s site.

The tea at the mansion was hosted and served by the talented docents of the mansion in delightful costumes.  The food was delicious and the hot tea was served and refilled multiple times to grateful recipients.  There’s nothing like tepid warm tea, so having HOT tea served is WONDERFUL! 

Even the decorating at the mansion is incredible.  They have been able to replicate or restore much of the high style of the Victorian splendor in the house.   SITU participants were given guided tours thru the mansion.  We we treated to viewing quality furniture, beautiful fireplace mantels, leaded windows, crown moulding, stencils, inlaid wood, hidden spaces and more, along with a history lesson of the home and the family.

I am in the process (as of this writing), of putting together a webpage featuring photos of the frivolity of the afternoon tea.  Visit SITU’s regular site at: www.CostumingInSeattle.com and click on Past Events.  If I don’t have the photos up when you look, check back.  I may have them up soon, or email me and I’ll let you know when they’re uploaded.

In case you’re wondering, the murder mystery was solved and the missing antique necklace was recovered.  It turned out to be the ficticious half-sister of Eliza Jane.  Thank you to the Meeker Mansion management and docents who played along with us in the fun for the afternoon.  You folks were tremendous….

Autumn Leaf Festival – I just love a good parade…

There’s just something so joyful about actually being IN a parade, at least for me.  This year, I’ve been in 3 so far and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, even the “staging” part where we all have to wait for 2 hrs before “go time”.

Various members of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited joined me in the parades.  We dressed in historical costumes – one parade had a “nautical” theme up in Mukilteo, Washington and the other two parades we dressed in “1920’s” and blared some awesome music from a talented local group of musicians called “Combo de Luxe“.  Click HERE to listen to one of their tunes.

This past weekend, we skipped across the Cascade Mountains to the small town of Leavenworth, WA where we borrowed a truck from a fabulous real estate agent named Cameron West, son of Mike West of the Prudential Mike West notariety.  Leavenworth is this darling knock-off Bavarian town which is nestled in a kettle of mountains in eastern Washington State.  About 3-4 times a year, they hold major festivals that draw HUGE crowds of people from Seattle.  See a photo from the town’s own website here below:

The streets were PACKED with smiling faces as we rolled past the residents of and visitors to this quaint town.  The organizers of the parade did a tremendous job of keeping on schedule, having everything well organized so that the staging went smoothly and quickly.  They even thanked us for rolling over the mountains to participate in the event!

Also in the parade were a really fun bunch of pirates visiting from Seattle.  Unfortunately, I don’t have a name of the two men or their group, but “Aaaaar maties, there were some fiiiiiine lookin’ men in that thar bunch!”

Thank you everyone, for making us feel so welcome.  Thank you Leavenworth, for holding such a FUN yearly activity where people from far and wide can come to your streets, enjoy the wide variety of talents participating in the parade, the music at the bandstand, the delicious German foods, the oodles of gifts we can purchase in your stores and of course importantly, the “Gemutlichkeit”!  We’ll be back next year and hopefully with a larger group this time.

Fond smiles from the historical costumers of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited, Seattle.

Goin’ to The Fair – 100 Yrs Ago.

Harry, Kimberly & Beverly

What must it have been like 100 yrs ago, to go to a real “County Fair”?

That was on the mind of organizers of the Evergreen State Fairgrounds when they dedicated the Opening Day of the fair to centennial celebrations and invited local dignitaries and the members of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited to come out in 1908 attire to add “color” to the fun!

Here, three of SITU’s members are pictured resting in front of the lovely “Merry-go-round” after a turn or two on the large ferris wheel.

So back to our opening question.  What WAS it really like at the local county fair?  Well, the historical exhibits on-site gave us a few clues.  We quickly realized that “going to the fair” was a particularly special thing.  100 years ago, people dressed UP to be seen in public.  I can imagine the farming community probably wore Sunday finery (or pretty close to it) and city folk would’ve come out to the country to partake in a ritual and admiration of exhibits with which their world seldom collided. 

For fair 2008, participants had carefully collected examples of vintage garments, crafts, photos, etc. and created incredible displays for all to enjoy.   Preserved and fresh vegetables displayed with great flourish could be viewed and admired.  Incredible works of art were reflected in the quilts, the photography, painting, weaving, needle work and such.  Handsome animals large and small could be found in various locations on the grounds, ribbons dramtically and proudly displayed.  Even little habitats for kitty-cats with their young human designers standing at the ready to answer questions about their habitat handiwork, was inspiring.  Oh, were my own kitty to have such a wonderful hiding spot!

That wasn’t all.  In the middle of it all, came the welcome scent whafting thru the air of corndogs and hamburgers cooking.  The onions nearly made me turn on my heel and leave my friends behind because the onions cooking smelled sooooo enticing!  Then were was fragrant candy.  Popcorn.  Men and women working the carnie strip enticing us to cross their palms with coinage and take a chance of throwing a ball or tossing a ring.  Rides.  Lots of rides, our favorites being the ferris wheel and the merry-go-round. 

I could close my eyes and just envision what a warm day and evening might’ve looked like back then, 100 yrs ago.  The fair hasn’t changed much.  Even tho people now stroll around in jeans and sweatshirts instead of glamourous gowns, parasols and lovely hats, the enticement to come spend a few hours away from household and work duties is still an attraction that many of us can still enjoy.

Congrats, Evergreen State Fairgrounds.  It was a lovely day and one to be remembered!

Kimberly & Rita in 1908 attire

Gypsy Caravan Arrives – Bellydancers too?

European gypsies.  Middle-eastern gypsies.  American gypsies. They were everywhere I looked and all amassed in one place!

Okay, so I’m remiss in my sequence of storytelling.  The day began at Country Village in the city of Bothell, Washington, USA.  They have a delightful collection of old houses/shacks which positioned together, create themed retail storefronts.  In the middle of the cluster, one can find an outdoor “stage” of sorts with a large patio or “square” which turned out to be ideal for under-tent-seating on this 90F day.

The members of Somewhere in Time, Unlimited had gathered together for a picnic lunch followed by “gypsy dancing”.  Oh my!  I hadn’t seen such talent all in one afternoon anywhere else in the Seattle area.  Of course, I don’t go to Hemp Fest or other bellydancing sort of gatherings, but I did find it interesting none the less. 
Guests were also treated to traditional Flamenco dancing performed by fellow SITU member Miss Pippin.  The Event was organized by fellow bellydancer and SITU member Miss Marion.  She did an awesome job to bring everyone and everything, together.  Participants had a delightful, tho hot, afternoon!

Photos will be posted out on the regular website of SITU.  Click HERE to see photos of this event.

If you’d like to hook up with us for some other Event or Dress-up Opportunity, please let me know!  We’d love to have you come along!  See our Calendar if there might be something of interest to you….

Fond smiles from the NW corner of these GREAT United States,
Auntie Rita

Do you enjoy historical costuming and parties?

I am looking for other like-minded people (men and women) who enjoy costumes, historical types in particular.  If you live in the greater Seattle driving area and like parties, costumes and fun events, you will want to contact Somewhere in Time Unlimited!

Hop out to the website: www.CostumingInSeattle.com and take a look at all the various photos.  On the “About” tab, you will find email addresses.  For a mere $10 a year, what other source of entertainment have YOU found recently?

Smiles, Auntie Rita
P.S.  If you have a costume blog, could you let me know?  I am very interested in hearing from you too…

Looking for reenactors in Seattle?

Look no further for either the reenactors OR the “Dress-up Opportunities” to participate!

Somewhere in Time, Unlimited is a costume, historical events social group based in the Seattle area.  Many of us wear vintage costumes or custom-make our own.  Although we host at least 4 major Events per year, we also like to participate in a number of fun and interesting things happening in our community at which we can turn up in costume, fitting of the theme of course! 

One such “Dress-up Opportunity” is going to be this weekend at the Master Builders’ Association “REX Awards” for the remodelers (this is THEIR Academy Awards), who will win top notations in their industry.  We were asked by the MBA to act as “color” to their event and show up in 1920’s sort of garb to do the “meet and greet” of all the people coming to the awards on Saturday evening.  Coooooool, huh?  We’re very honored indeed.

Then, on June 28, 2008, you will find us in 1908 attire up at the Carnegie Library in Snohomish, WA for the Capital Campaign Kick-off.  Seems that the city needs to raise money to restore the beautiful old library into a meeting space / hall rental sort of space since there is now a “new” library just down the street.  Wave at us when you go by (we’ll be out front), or BETTER YET, come in and make a donation!!!!

Another FUN “Dress-up Opportunity” is happening on July 19, 2008.  SITU members are signed up to participate in the “Hi-Yu” Parade in West Seattle.  This is a famous community parade and part of the annual Sea-Fair Festivities in the Seattle area.  Since SITU doesn’t officially own a “float”, I’m entering my old Dodge pick-up truck as the “float” and we’re inviting folks interested to come join us.  We’ll be dressed in 1920’s and 1930’s style, playing music from the truck, walking in the parade route and waving at the crowd.  For a few of the mature members, we’ll have the bed of the truck available to sit on (perched on a bale of hay perhaps?) so they too, can wave at the crowd.  Afterwards, we’re going to a member’s home who lives in W. Seattle for a picnic lunch at her little cottage.  Should be a total blast.  I encourage anyone from the Seattle area to email me so we can coordinate meeting up at the head of the parade.  Email to:  LadyVictoria “at” SITUSeattle.com

And this just BEGINS the fun we have set up for the second half of 2008!  Hop out to our regular website: www.SITUSeattle.com  or if it’s easier to remember: www.CostumingInSeattle.com  and take a look at the “Calendar” for a running list of what’s happening, “Dress-up” for those community “Dress-up Opportunities“, and “Upcoming Events” that will show you what we have officially planned to host this year.  There will be “Opportunities” for Victorian reenactors in Seattle and WWII reenactors coming up next year too.

Hope you too, can be a Seattle reenactor and join with us in the frivolity!!!!

Smiles from the lush and green NW corner of these GREAT United States,
Auntie Rita