Llano bed-and-breakfast offers glimpse into past with Victorian fashion show
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
LLANO — The state of the times — good or bad — is often reflected in the fashion of the day.
“Depending on the economy at the time, that determined how much material (clothing makers) put into a skirt or how wide even a man’s tie would be,” said Virginia Walker, co-owner with her husband, Jack, of Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfest. “You can really learn a great deal about the times based on the fashion.”
And people can get a first-hand look at the Victorian era during Sandstone Street’s “Celebrate Llano’s Fashion Heritage” at 2 p.m. Oct. 13. The event includes an English afternoon tea and a Victorian fashion show.[box]IF YOU GO
WHAT: Celebrate Llano’s Fashion Heritage with English afternoon tea and Victorian fashion show
WHEN: 2 p.m. Oct. 13
WHERE: Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfast, 508 E. Sandstone in Llano
TICKETS: $40 for adults and $20 for ages 12 and younger; call (325) 423-2581 to purchase[/box]
Walker is hosting the show and the tea in the garden of the bed-and-breakfast, 508 E. Sandstone.
Along with select teas, attendees can enjoy a Victorian fashion show by J’Nean Henderson, the “Texas Victorian Lady.”
“She specializes in doing living history presentations through fashion,” Walker said. “She’ll have some original Victorian dresses as well as some reproductions. But everything she brings is historically accurate.”
And it won’t just be women’s wear. Henderson is bringing samples of the men’s clothing favored during the Victorian age.
This is the first time Walker has hosted an event such as this, though she’s quit adept at holding traditional tea parties.
“Doing tea parties is kind of a hobby of mine,” she said. “And since buying the bed-and-breakfast, this is a wonderful place to hold them. I just thought this show would really be something different.”
The Sandstone Street event falls in line with many of the historical activities occurring around Llano during October. Llano Heritage Day is Oct. 19, and the Llano River Chuck Wagon Cook-off is Oct. 18-20.
“So October is almost our history, or heritage, month here in Llano,” Walker said.
While many Texans can relate to chuck wagons and stagecoach rides, Walker said fashion helps bring history to life and often gives insight into what people were experiencing during a certain era.
“Fashion is a big part of how we live and lived,” she said. “And, who doesn’t like the Victorian-age fashion — the women and those beautiful dresses.”
Tickets for the event are $40 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger. Part of the proceeds benefits the Llano Food Pantry.
Advanced reservations are required by calling (325) 423-2581. Along with tea, refreshments such as scones and little sandwiches will be served.
People can park near the bed-and-breakfast, but for an additional $7, they also can park near the Llano County Courthouse and enjoy a horse-and-carriage ride to the event.
There also will be live classical music performed by Keenan Fletcher & Company.
“While people don’t have to dress up for the event, we really do encourage it,” Walker said. “But if you don’t have something, just come in your Sunday best.”
daniel@thepicayune.com