Barnes Museum Brings Back Good Ol' Days

Give a girl a reason to dress up and little else is needed. Youngsters and grown ups alike came decked in their best linens and lace to Barnes Museum's Victorian Garden Party this weekend.

The event was a chance to reminisce and be charmed by an era gone by.

"I love visiting Barnes Museum because there's always something new to see, especially when the exhibits change," said Valerie Bubon. "I have a personal connection to Bradley Barnes. We share the same birthday, Jan. 27. That kind of mutual coincidence is not an everyday occurrence."

An entourage of Raspberry Tarts, a member red hat society, attended with each wearing decorative signature red hats.

"This outing is perfect for my group," said Marilyn Swain, 'Queen Mother' of the Tarts. "It's a fun, educational and entertaining outing. What more can anyone want?"

Iced cupcakes, light refreshments, free house tours and croquet games kept adults and children busy before live entertainment began.

"While the Victorian Garden Party isn't an annual event per say, I wanted to commemorate the museum's 175th anniversary and participate in Connecticut Open House Day," said Marie Secondo, museum curator.

The museums's '200 Hats' exhibit was extended through June due to interest stemming from the recent royal wedding. Some 215 hats remained on display and proved perfect subject matter for those who dressed for the occasion.

Kandie Carle, the 'Victorian Lady' gave her one-woman performance bringing old time traditions to life through humorous antics. Fashions of bloomers, garters, hand gloves of varying sizes and corsets were show stoppers. Carle entertained using specific examples of male and female etiquette 'rules of play' as material.

The sweet sounds of 'The Southington Chamber Singers' were a pure delight. The ten member group sang their unique versions of contemporary Beatles music along with 'Ride The Chariot' in perfect harmony. The group sings a cappella.

"It doesn't get old coming here," said Amanda Pickett. "I keep coming back because it's a chance to rewind and relax."

Socializing face-to-face is how things were done in the past and making time for conversation proved to be a tradition worth keeping.