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On a hot, sunny Sunday June afternoon, Tomiko, Donatello and I dressed up and walked up the hill to Spadina House to the Gatsby Garden Party. Although the party started at noon, we arrived around 2pm. At 3pm we gathered by the terrace and watched the Fashion Parade and the costume contest.
Luckily, Spadina House itself was open for us! We toured the grand old rooms of the Austin family, visited the kitchens (obviously!), and even the servants quarters upstairs. They were surprisingly roomy with large lovely windows.
Built in 1866 by Irish immigrant James Austin and his wife Susan Bright Austin in the Second Empire style, it underwent renovations and additions by subsequent generations. Now it also displays Victorian and Edwardian elements. In the extensive grounds there is a herb and veggie patch, a fruit orchard, and a beautiful gardener’s cottage with accompanying greenhouse.
We were quite surprised at the turnout! Dozens of people of all ages dressed up and picnicked in the gardens of Spadina House. For the ladies’ costumes, there were lots of drop-waisted dresses, headbands, cloches, short bobs, pearls, lace and silk. There were some great outfits in the fashion show.
For the gentlemen’s costumes, there were lots of waistcoats, boaters, watch fobs, canes and leather shoes. We want to make sure Donatello has all of these items next year!