Calling all flappers

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

Better get working on those Charleston moves, because the Roaring Twenties are coming back to Sandpoint in a big way.

The golden age of fashion, jazz music and national optimism returns 5-8 p.m. today—Thursday, Sept. 10—at Tango Cafe courtesy of the Bonner County History Museum. The museum’s “friend-raiser” promises to combine fascinating local history with first-class food and drink. Better yet, it should be a feast for the eyes as attendees are encouraged to dress in period-appropriate clothing.

“Like any woman I’m excited to dress up,” said museum curator Heather Upton. “But I’m also excited to share this time period with the rest of the community.”

Clothing isn’t just an opportunity to turn modern residents into flappers, gangsters, gamblers, guys and dolls. It also tells a story of the times and is a major part of the museum’s new exhibit set to open Sept. 26. In “Tales from the Wardrobe: A Look At Fashion From Bonner County History, 1920-1939,” a tour through the clothing of the time reveals how Bonner County lifestyles developed over two decades of booms and busts. It’s a continuation of a series examining Bonner County clothing that began with the 1880-90 time period, and museum personnel are excited to show off this spectacular era of fashion history.

“We all had in the back of our minds how extraordinary it would be to continue with the flapper dresses and [other clothing] of the time,” Upton said.

Rest assured, at least one element of the 1920s, Prohibition, won’t be making its way into the the fundraiser. Attendees will be free to sample a variety of drinks without worry over police raids. In keeping with the historic feel of the day, the event will replicate the speakeasy culture that arrived along with the Eighteenth Amendment. Planners even have some special cocktails planned for the no-host bar, including Endless Summer, a mix of lemonade, blood orange and gin.

Even the Reader is getting into the spirit of the event. Fans of our regular Then & Now feature, which sets historic photos provided by the museum against modern shots by Reader publisher Ben Olson, will enjoy a full collection of shots. The demonstration should give locals a deeper appreciation of just how much their town has evolved over the years.

The event anticipates the opening of the Bonner County Museum’s latest exhibit, which opens Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thanks to the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, you can check out this new exhibit free of charge. Simply print out your free ticket by visiting www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/tickets/