For the fourth year, the Art Deco Society of California is bringing back the art deco heyday of the historic 1927 Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite, with an event on March 13-15 called 'Heritage Holidays.' This year's schedule will be one day longer and thus more relaxed, according to past ADSC President Cherie Oliver, who is once again coordinating this event. For the latest schedule and other news, please see Ahwahnee Heritage Holidays on the YosemitePark.com web page.
This year there will be time to look around and enjoy the scenery as well as the interior of the fabulous Ahwahnee. Events will begin on Sunday evening with a reception and conclude with the Grand Ball on Tuesday night.
- Sunday Evening, March 13: a Welcome Reception, and a Speakeasy featuring Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys, a favorite with our L.A. friends.
- Monday, March 14: Lecture, Dance Lesson, Tea Dance to the RSJO Sextet with Carla Normand, Gala Dinner with musical entertainment, and a second Speakeasy in the Ahwahnee Bar. Musical entertainers will include Tom Bopp, the bard of Yosemite; and ADSC's own Sara Klotz de Aguilar, Ann Gibson, and Frederick Hodges.
- Tuesday, March 15: Lecture, Fashion Show, and Grand Ball with the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.
The theme for the Fashion Show, by Deborah Rush’s Fashions of Yesteryear, will be "Sierra Honeymoon" featuring bridal and trousseau wear from 1880s through 1930s. The wedding theme will continue with a presentation by Laurie Gordon, event producer and author of Vintage Weddings.
Prices for 2005 Heritage Holidays: Price includes a room for two, two tickets to the Monday night dinner, and all the program events (the lectures, tea dance, speakeasy, and ball).
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The Ahwahnee
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Yosemite Lodge
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| 3-Night Stay |
$949
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$545
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| 2 Night Stay |
$719
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$449
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To sign up, phone the Ahwahnee Reservation Line, 559-252-4848. Be sure to call this event "Heritage Holidays"; the busy folks at the Ahwahnee reservation desk don't know about "art deco" or the Art Deco Society!
The Story Thus Far...
Originally done to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Ahwahnee in 2002, this program has been brought back annually under various names. The Art Deco Society of California partners with Yosemite's fabulous Ahwahnee Hotel to present two days celebrating the music, dance, art, architecture, clothing and culture of the 1920s-40s.
Here's a taste of what happened in prior years.
Background
In the heyday of the grand hotels, big bands would fill ballrooms with ballads and Broadway tunes nearly every night, while dancers dressed to the nines would fox-trot the night away. These days, though, folks who might fancy such an evening out could only experience it at the movies.
But in March, a group that brings back the 1920s, 30s and 40s is hosting an event that re-creates a gala night out in one of America's most celebrated hostelries.
The beautiful Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley opened in 1927 – right in the midst of the Art Deco Era. The Ahwahnee has delighted guests from American presidents to European royalty, and discriminating travelers from all over the world; its setting is awesome, its quality unsurpassed.
The Art Deco Society of California will bring the hotel's storied past back to life with a two-day series of events reminiscent of the period – most notably a Grand Ball featuring dancing to vintage music by the world-renowned Royal Society Jazz Orchestra with vocalists Carla Normand and Frederick Hodges, and a floor-show performance by the ADSC's own Busby-Berkeley-style revue, The Deco Belles.
The two-day program will also offer instruction in dances of the period; hair and makeup workshop; lectures and demonstrations on the art, architecture and culture of the period; and a Vintage Fashion Show of original clothing from the Art Deco Era.
All aspects of the event are being produced by the Art Deco Society with attention to period detail and authenticity, as well as the sense of fun and adventure captured in the screwball comedies and lavish dance musicals so many remember.
In addition, the top-notch chefs at the Ahwahnee Dining Room are creating an Art Deco Vintage Dinner, featuring dishes and delicacies popular in the past. Served in the soaring dining room, and serenaded by glamorous songstress Ann Gibson accompanied on the Steinway grand piano by Yosemite music man Tom Bopp, diners will truly taste the best of the past.
DRIVING. Please plan to take the " low road " -- Highway 140 -- and to BRING CHAINS. Although Highway 140 is kept clear year-round, there can be snow in the mountains this time of year, and the Park Service often checks to make sure you have chains when you enter Yosemite National Park. So for your own safety, and to prevent problems at the Park Gate, make sure you have your tire chains in the car before leaving. Re Highway 140, the most direct route is: 580 East to 5 South to 140 East. The only confusing part is getting through Merced, as 140 becomes part of the surface street system; just follow the signs and you ' ll be fine. March is still Winter, so please drive carefully!
CLOTHING. Of course you ' re all looking forward to getting dressed up Deco style for all of the programs! You can wear vintage (or vintage-look) clothing in the style of the 1920s, 30s or 40s -- whatever suits you best. Daywear for the lectures, day or cocktail attire for the Tea Dance, and formal wear for the Dinner and Ball. HOWEVER, it IS Winter so do plan to bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes as well, for the trip in, and for getting back and forth from the Lodge (if you are staying there) to the Ahwahnee. Stay tuned to the weather report if you plan to come.
There is a coat check at the Ahwahnee where you can leave your outdoor clothes. The large ladies room, should you need a place to change, is on the mezzanine level, accessible by stairs or elevator (walk into the front door, turn right, through the lobby, and you ' ll see first stairs then elevator).
For questions, call the Art Deco Hotline: 415-982-DECO or email Zelda
For reservation questions, call The Ahwahnee: 559-252-4848.
