The Darien Historical Society steps into the jazz age

The Darien Historical Society hosted an evening of "Stepping Out in the Jazz Age" on Thursday evening, Nov. 29, offering Prohibition cocktails and fashions of the times. Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Jack Gault, Executive Director of The Darien Historical Society, shakes up a "French 75" jazz era cocktail for fellow board member Susan Massamillo during their "Stepping Out in the Jazz Age" party and costume exhibition. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

"Stepping Out in the Jazz Age Costume Exhibition" curator Babs White shares her wealth of knowledge with patrons and partygoers at The Darien Historical Society, Thursday evening, Nov. 29, 2012. Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Some of the Flappers at the Darien Historical Society Thursday evening! Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Charky Armstrong stands in front of her artwork that is being used in the exhibition to emphasize the influence of Egyptian art on fashion during the jazz age. Darien Historical Society, Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Most impressive were the unique rafia ribbon hairpieces that the Darien Historical Society costume exhibition committee created for each mannequin for their "Stepping Out in the Jazz Age" exhibit. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

A clutch and shawl from the 1920's that shows the influence of Egyptian art in fashion, on display at The Darien Historical Society. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Stephanie Flanagan and Debbie Lang have some fun with a Flapper wearing one of the very first "little black dresses" from 1926. The Darien Historical Society, Nov. 29, 2012. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Sarita Hanley steps out in the jazz age with her own style Thursday evening, at The Darien Historical Society's "speakeasy" and costume exhibition. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Babs White, Costume Curator for The Darien Historical Society "Stepping Out in the Jazz Age Costume Exhibition," shares her knowledge of jazz age fashion and history. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Most impressive were the unique rafia ribbon hairpieces that The Darien Historical Society costume exhibition committee members created for each mannequin for their "Stepping Out in the Jazz Age" exhibit. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Babs White, Costume Curator for the "Stepping Out in the Jazz Age" exhibition at The Darien Historical Society, points out a dress that was contributed to the exhibit by a woman who's in-laws bought the gold lame dress, they think for the groom's mother, while on their honeymoon in Paris in 1926. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Deborah Gault finds the perfect cape on exhibit to match her jewels! Darien Historical Society, Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Ruthanne Ramsey, Penny Bowers and Sis Henderson Step Out in the Jazz Age at The Darien Historical Society last Thursday evening. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

A silver and white beaded net over pink taffeta dress on display at the Darien Historical Society's newly opened jazz age costume exhibition. Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Eileen Coburn contemplates being a Flapper during the Step Out in the Jazz Age exhibition at the Darien Historical Society! Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Patrons of The Darien Historical Society during the tour of the Step Out in the Jazz Age Costume Exhibition Thursday night, Nov. 29, 2012. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

A sign of the times: drinking, dancing, smoking...and gone were the times of the bonding corsets! "Stepping Out in the Jazz Age Costume Exhibition" at The Darien Historical Society, Nov. 29, 2012. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

"And then the party was over" Babs White, curator the the jazz age fashion exhibition, exclaimed at the end of the tour, and pointed to this last display. The Darien Historical Society, Nov. 29, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard