Jollification of Fort Clinch & Goodbye Lie Excerpt

welcome to Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch, here on Amelia Island, invited the public to their annual Jollification.  What is this you ask?  It is just as it sounds.  A joyous celebration of Christmas inside the fort. My husband, Bruce, and I were lucky enough to help serve hot chocolate and cookies to all the visitors. There seemed to be more guests this year.  Perhaps the full moon, mild weather and clear skies enticed so many to come out.

 

Some years ago, we attended a reenactors' Christmas ball as spectators. The Fort Clinch ball was the background for a scene in my historical novel, The Goodbye Lie.  Here is an excerpt from that scene.  As you look at the photos, you might better imagine the story.



And so The Goodbye Lie goes like this:   
  
      Pulling onto the long path to the fort, they followed the lamps from preceding conveyances through the dark. Nearing their destination, they found the traffic had slowed to creeping as ladies and gentlemen alighted from their transports. 
     Single candles in each brick framed window glittered star-like against the thick, wavy glass. A huge bonfire sent sparks up into the night, swirling wild from the bitter wind off the ocean, until they burned themselves out. Even the shelter of the fortifications did little to alleviate the piercing cold.

 a tin whistle is played & Christmas carols sung as a bonfire warms

     Music was heard, softly, then loudly again at each opening of the door to the second floor common room where the dance was being held. Once inside, Breelan took it all in. The entire length of the banister of the straight wooden staircase was swagged with a pine needle garland and the garland was draped with a red and green paper chain that had been her particular contribution. The smells of gingerbread and apple cider wafted down as they climbed up into the excitement. Add the fires burning in the fireplaces at both ends of the room, their logs strewn with cinnamon sticks and dried orange peel, and Breelan was carried back to earlier, happier Christmases.

note the full moon

     Eager eyes were fixed on the entrance to see who arrived with whom and in what fashionable garb. As Trip removed her black velvet cape with burgundy satin lining, Breelan's friends found her. Tonight, she wore the prettiest dress she'd ever possessed. Her mother and grandmother had created an entire gown of horizontally sewn rows of ivory lace. The drop shoulders were edged with four-inch white fringe, which allowed her upper arms to peek out. Pink and gold silk rosebuds intertwined in a vine of ivy leaves to diagonally cross the bodice. More rosebuds sat atop pale bows scattered over the drape covering an underskirt of ecru satin. An oval coral brooch outlined with tiny seed pearls and pinned to her mother's string of pearls, was positioned at the base of her throat, her earbobs matching. White gloves only long enough to cover her forearms, an amethyst ring on her right hand overtop the glove, and a tussie mussie of small pink poinsettias in a lace cone completed the picture of loveliness that she was. The women touched her gown, admiring its grandeur and the beauty of the woman who wore it.

     Trip enjoyed the envy in every man's eyes as he proclaimed Breelan his possession by staying nearby and playing with her sleeve trim or touching the back of her neck. She wanted to swat him away like some bothersome fly.

     ... The glowing fireplaces kept most of the cold at bay. They blazed high, casting a golden haze on everyone and everything. Passing the door in dance, Breelan felt a rush of raw wind enter the room, along with a late arriving couple. The cape the man wore was not military. She saw the woman next. The blonde hair, piled a little too high on the head, left no doubt that it was Leona Visper, a figure not seen since New York City and more importantly, not missed. Looking again at the silhouette of shoulders, Breelan realized the identity of the singer's escort. It was then that eyes met, expressions hardened and polite nods were exchanged. 

decorated mantle

decorated table

 





                                              

                                         good evening



Bruce, Mr. and Mrs. Father Christmas and Jane Marie

PS - I have to mention how very dim it was inside the candlelit rooms of the fort.  My flash on my camera phone changed the look to bright and cheery. Yes, everything has a golden cast because of the fireplaces and lanterns and candles, but it was very hard to see to read or do any needlework as several ladies in period costume were.  One woman said she had to quit sewing because her eyes were giving out. I never realized before I'd done my research how dark a home would be once the sun went down.  I guess that's why they have candlelight tours of places.  We find it fetching and cozy and intriguing, but only for a special occasion.  Once we've lived with bright electric lights, I expect there would be many a whine heard if we returned to that dark part of times past.  We are spoiled.

Oh, and one more thing.  Candle light changes colors.  Last year I commented upon the pretty purple pattern in the dress worn by a reenactor.  She told me it was green in the light of day!

 

Goodbye Lie Fave- Victorian Ball

As I was doing research about Victorian balls for The Goodbye Lie series, I was amazed to discover I had already hosted a ball – we just called it a wedding reception.  The main difference is that the rules for what was proper / improper were much more strict.                          - Jane Marie

Jane Marie at Gone With The Wind costume ball in Atlanta, GA Entertainment Tonight is filming.

Rules for a Victorian Ball Turn back the clock to 1894.  Picture yourself sitting on your joggling board on the front porch.  You are embroidering a pillow square for the parlor when the postman delivers an unexpected invitation to a ball.  You are overjoyed, but you haven't attended such an elegant event since last season, so you decide to reread your book of etiquette to make certain you don’t embarrass yourself or your escort.  You set aside your sewing, go to the library, find your favorite book on the subject and relax in a leather chair.  And so you open Manners, Culture and Dress of the Best American Society (1893) by Richard A. Wells and read:   Inviting over 50 guests makes the party a ball, while entertaining over 100 guests is a grand ball.  (Less than 50 people is a dance.)   Balls should be held in a stately hall of some sort.  The size of the room must be chosen in accordance with the number of guests attending.  Sufficient room for comfortable seating and standing as well as a fair size dance floor must be considered.    The invitations are to be hand written in the loveliest script possible or professionally printed.  They should include “We request the pleasure of your company,” as well as the date and place of the event.  Mailed or hand delivered, they must arrive at least seven to 10 days prior to the occasion.  A response (R.S.V.P. or r.s.v.p. -  French for répondez s'il vous plaît or please reply) should arrive promptly to give the hostess ample time to complete her preparations.   The guests discern the degree of formality according to the manner of invitation, i.e., handwritten/printed or spoken, the latter being less formal.  The feminine dress for a ball ought to be fashionable without being outlandish.  Moderation with regard to color and fit seems sage advice for most.  More often then not, gowns should be richly ornamented with drapes or sweepers (trains).  When a sleeveless dress with a low neckline is chosen, long gloves are to be worn so as not to needlessly expose the tempting flesh of the arm.  Often, too, ribbons are seen cuffing the wrist over the gloves as well as circling the throat.  For the sake of dancing, the length of the ball gown must be a tad shorter than dresses worn during the day.   White gloves are to be worn by the men so perspiration will not dampen the gowns of their partners. An escort may bestow a tussie mussie or nosegay on his lady so she might carry it during the ball and have a souvenir afterwards.  The particular flower in the small bouquet should be well chosen for each variety of blossom has a particular meaning in the language of flowers.   A cloak station or, if possible, a cloak room in which the domestic staff can tag and hang outerwear, is helpful and lessens confusion at the time of departure.  (The staff may also assist in removing and donning the garment at the ball’s conclusion.)   Making an entrance down a curving staircase is ideal for showing off one’s gown as well as one’s figure.  Additionally, one may be “fashionably late,” as late as 60 minutes.  However, any later would be considered rude without clear explanation to the hostess.  Married women, of course, are to be accompanied by their spouses.  Unmarried women are to be have an approved escort or attend with their mothers or fathers.   It is presumed the host or hostess has invited only persons of character and good reputation as well as social stature.  Therefore, when a woman is asked to dance, she must do so, lest she be considered rude and hurt the feelings of the man asking.     The host may assign a single gentleman the task of asking for the honor of a dance from any lady who has not danced.  Guests must never perceive that the host may have arranged such an opportunity.  His purpose is to entertain, not embarrass.  This way, the host is praised for his entertaining ways by all his guests, and his goal of a memorable event lasting long in the minds of those in attendance will have been met.  Of course, it is everyone’s duty to introduce gentlemen to non-dancing ladies around the hall, so all can share in the joy of the evening and no one feels left out.  Those ladies dancing most often must be careful not to appear to be bragging about all their activity, particularly in the presence of those who have not been so fortunate.   A slight nod of the head may be given in greeting to an escort.  One should always wear a smile while dancing.  When each dance is completed, the escort accompanies the lady back to her original location, bows and thanks her for the pleasure of her company.  She may bow, curtsey or nod in reply, again with a smile, no matter if her toes are bruised and battered.   Do not dance complicated quadrilles, or even the waltz, if unskilled at such.  If one has already begun to dance and the dance unexpectedly turns difficult, follow the lead of your partner or those around you.  Do not instruct someone as to a particular dance step in public.Control your love of the dance.  Enjoy yourself, but do not make any attention-getting spirals or leaps or you may be considered a show-off, a person to be disdained.   A feminine guest is never to cross the dance floor unaccompanied.  When a married or unmarried lady must excuse herself temporarily from the ball, at least one other married woman or her mother or a female chaperon must always accompany her.   No gentleman is ever to sit next to a lady unless he is known to her and invited to do so. A lady only accepts the offer of refreshment from a gentleman with whom she is well acquainted.   Ladies must never speak loudly, unless there is a fire, and then with a firm but controlled voice so as not to induce panic.  Whispering should be done only when necessary to avoid rudeness.   Graciousness is most important throughout the evening.  Although some may be strangers, polite acknowledgement of their presence in passing is important. Should a gentleman escort a lady home after the ball, he is never to enter her home.  He may ask only to see her again.   A thank you visit within a week’s time to the host and hostess is required where joyful highlights of the evening are expressed.  (Be sure and leave your calling card.)  Should any disturbing moments have occurred, they need not be mentioned unless the master or mistress first brings them into the conversation.   Two of the most memorable evenings I've spent were at Gone With The Wind costume balls in Atlanta.  If an opportunity should arise that allows you to attend a ball, wedding reception or large party, I can’t stress enough how wonderful your experience will be.  The scope of the events, including the hall, music, company and the vision you’ll be in your dress will leave you with a lifelong memory.

 

A Goodbye Lie Fave-Handmade Lace Hankie

In the 1880s when The Goodbye Lie takes places, girls and women, all, carried pretty hankies.  That's no longer the custom. For a special occasion, a wedding, a Christening, a theatre production, a ball, an anniversary or anywhere you might shed a few tears and need to dab your eyes, then a lace handkerchief is perfect and oh so feminine.   You can purchase one, of course, or make your own.  It's not difficult and will be treasured as an heirloom. If for a bride, it can easily be made into a baby bonnet for her first child.

(click on the links above and enjoy articles from our website, www.GraciousJaneMarie.com)

 

 

You'll need:

• One 9"x 9" square of batiste or any finely woven white cotton fabric or linen that is soft to the touch
• 44 inches of one inch wide lace, flat on at least one edge, cut into four equal pieces
• Sewing machine or minimal experience in hand sewing
• Matching thread
• Straight pins
• Embroidery thread and needle, white or colors (optional)

Cut the lace into four 11 inch lengths. 

Wash and press the fabric square.

Lay out the fabric square

Center the flat side of an 11 inch length of lace on each edge of the square and pin in place.   You want any scallops the lace might have to be on the outside edge, away from the cloth square.  The ends of the lace pieces should overlap at right angles. 

With a tiny zigzag stitch, carefully sew the lace around all four edges of the hankie. 

With a tiny zigzag, carefully sew from each corner point of the cloth square out to the edge of the lace.   When all four corners are sewn, carefully snip the overlapping lace off the corners close to the diagonal stitching and discard.  The lace will be joined in a diagonal seam at each corner.  

You may also roll the raw edges under and secure them by hand with a small whip stitch.  Add the lace as mentioned above using tiny straight stitches.

You may choose to embroider a few white on white or colored flowers and leaves in one or all the corners.  You can even put the initials of the bride or baby or grandmother or godchild in one corner.  I sewed a white shamrock on the handkerchiefs I made for the bridesmaids in my daughter Barbra's wedding.

 

If time is short, just add lace to a store-bought hankie that has the edges already finished.

 

Article reprinted from www.GraciousJaneMarie.com