It’s 1928, and Mobster and bootlegger, Danny “Lucky” Campisano hosts a party for
friends and associates. He has ordered a special case of illegal gin just for the occasion.
Unfortunately, the gin is poisoned and someone wants to spoil the party!
Twenties Tidbit: This decade saw lots of
innovation. New inventions included the
washing machine, vacuum cleaners, radios,
pop-up toasters, phonographs and records
as well as the “talkie,” talking picture shows.
Twinhaven Reception Hall opens its doors at
6pm. Don’t forget the password to enter!
Hors d'oeuvres and drinks, with a side of
murder and music, will be served at 6:30pm.
Tickets may be purchased at Twinsburg
Public Library or on the Library’s website.
Want to talk like a 1920s gangster or his
moll? Want to know what the palooka next
to you is saying? Here’s a little 1920s slang
to get you started.
1920s attire is encouraged. The evening’s
events will include a voluntary costume
contest. So, look in your closet and see what
you have. Borrow what you don’t. And
remember, thrift stores are an excellent
source of inexpensive costume pieces. Put on
your glad rags and come have an evening
that will be the cat’s pajamas!
Cat’s pajamas - something splendid or stylish
Bee’s knees - extraordinary thing, person
Ducky - very good
Glad rags - “going out on the town” clothes
Horsefeathers - an expletive
Hotsy-totsy - pleasing
Juice joint - speakeasy
Keen - attractive or appealing
Can’t find inspiration? Here are some
suggestions that might help:
Watch:
The Great Gatsby, Chicago
The King’s Speech, The Artist
Brideshead Revisited, Downton Abbey
The Princess and the Frog
Read:
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Visit:
vintagedancer.com
holidappy.com/costumes/DIY-FashionCostumes-Through-the-Decades
Level with me - be honest
Moll - gangster’s girl
Mrs. Grundy - extremely uptight person
S P E A K E A SY O F M U R D E R
On the up and up - on the level
Orchid - an expensive item
F RIDAY, S EPTEMBER 30 , 20 16
6:00 - 9:30 PM
T WINHAVEN R ECEPTION H ALL
Palooka - social outsider, from the comic
strip character Joe Palooka
Scram - ask somebody to leave immediately
Tomato - a female
Wet blanket - solemn person, a killjoy
For more 1920s slang, visit
local.aaca.org/bntc/slang/slang.htm
HBB 7.16
How to Dress Like the Bee’s Knees...
Gals
Twenties Tidbit: The Harlem Renaissance
was the African-American literary and
artistic culture that developed in the New
York neighborhood of Harlem.
The Cotton Club was the most famous
nightspot and famous musicians such as
Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington
played jazz there.
Going for the flapper silhouette? Try a
sheath dress with a dropped waist or a slip
dress. The hemlines in the 1920s rose above
the knee and had low necklines. Tie a scarf
around your hips and anchor with a brooch.
Stockings were nude or pastel colors —
extra if they have a seam up the back. T-strap
shoes or chunky heels (with a strap) in black
or a metallic color were in fashion.
Jewelry consisted of long-beaded or pearl
necklaces, sometimes worn draped down the
back. Earrings were long and dropped.
Bangles of gold or colored plastic with an
Egyptian theme were worn around the bicep.
Gloves were a must.
Headbands, sometimes feathered, sparkled
on the crowns of women young and old
alike. A sparkly hair comb, tiara, or a turban
were also seen. Of course, the bob was all the
rage or the hair in a bun at the nape.
For a more sophisticated costume, pair a
loose fitting blouse with a long thin skirt.
Pleated skirts were often worn with a light
jacket or cardigan. A sash or fabric belt helps
the outfit from becoming unflattering.
Twenties Tidbit: The 1920s were called the
“roaring twenties” because of the exuberant
popular culture of the time including new
dances, modes of dressing, and jazz.
The 1920s is probably best known for its flapper girls
and neatly dressed men with hats and two-toned shoes.
Here is a brief guide as to how to dress like you are
going to the local watering hole or a party at Gatsby’s.
Guys
Men in the 1920s wore suits. They could be
any weight or pattern; the most popular were
striped, tweed, or herringbone patterns. The
culture was coming off of the war and color
was being brought into fashion with bold
stripes, tweeds, or checks.
The pants, vest, and coat all matched. It was
worn with a striped shirt with a white color
and a necktie with matching pocket square.
Single-breasted coats were worn over doublebreasted vests. Pants were wide-legged (think
boot-cut in modern terms).
Shoes were oxfords — black or brown. Twotoned shoes were worn with sportswear such
as knickerbockers or short golfing pants.
Men had their choice of hat styles: bowler,
fedora, straw boater, panama, or if you were
a working stiff, a newsboy cap. So, just about
any Sunday-go-to-meeting hat will do! Hair
was slicked back and clean-shaven was the
look of the day.