The Edwardian Society of Oregon is hosting what it’s describing as an “elegant dinner party” Nov. 9 at the Eatery at the Grant House.
A group of friends created the Edwardian Society of Oregon four years ago to organize events where they could dress in period costumes. King Edward VII ruled England from 1901 to 1910.
During the Edwardian period, outdoor activities like picnics, croquet games and bicycle excursions flourished. Women’s dresses shifted from the stiff, heavy Victorian clothing to lighter material, which enabled them to participate in physical activities. Women’s roles were changing due to the creation of jobs like secretary, nurse and school teacher and the emergence of the women’s suffrage movement.
The Edwardian Society of Oregon’s first event was a picnic in Laurelhurst Park. Members dressed in period clothing, ate and played croquet. Most of their events are outdoors during the spring and summer. Last winter, the group hosted an elegant dinner at Huber’s in Portland. This year they’ve moved the festivities across the Columbia River to the historic Grant House. The former officer’s club was built in 1849, not exactly the Edwardian era, but this group is more about celebration than absolute historical accuracy.
Group leader Kay Demlow is fine with people wearing their Titanic costumes even though the ship sank in 1912. You can also wear your “Downton Abbey”-inspired fashions.
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