Whist Wednesday: The Basics

If you were wondering what Whist was all about, don't worry because YOU will have your chance to play it at the Lafayette Ball! Just make your way from the Ball Room, through the garden walk, to the back Exhibits and Game Room where you will find at least one table set up for the playing of Whist. We will have staff available to remind you of rules, and a rules sheet at the table, but use the links below to familiarize yourself (and any friends and partners attending the ball with you!) with the game prior to the ball and you'll be sure to take all the tricks!

Due to its simplicity and scientific nature, Whist was a much preferred game during the Regency and is seen more in Regency novels than any other card game. Ironically, the name Whist refers to an observed silence while playing the game, despite the fact that the game itself was considered a social game and much talking was expected during its play.

According to George Hempl, who wrote a book about the game in the 19th century: “Whist was a favorite game with Josephine and Marie Louise, and it is on record that Napoleon used to play whist in Würtemberg, but not for money, and that he played ill and inattentively.” (Whist in the Georgian and Regency Eras)

Click the links below for 2 quick video demos on the basics of playing 4-person, 2-team Whist.

Now that you've got the basics down, enjoy some contemporaneous satirical cartoons lampooning the game.

Marquis Monday - Learn More about the Man

 Learn More about the Man

Okay - you may be following along in great anticipation of the Lafayette Birthday Ball because you love Regency events. Or . . . you may be really annoyed that I have been focussing so much on this event and era instead of the 1930s which had been my focus for so long. I have to say I appreciate everyone tolerating my historical and sewing ADHD and sticking with me as I jettison all over the place between 1770s and 1970s. I promise "vintage" will be back on the menu in due time.

In either case . . . while Lafayette was something of an iconic hero in his time, his glory days have become overlooked in our modern times and most folks don't really know much about him. So on the Mondays between now and the ball, I'm going to share some tidbits about the man the ball will be celebrating.

I hope you enjoy!

Marquis de Lafayette, in full Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, Lafayette also spelled La Fayette, (born September 6, 1757, Chavaniac, France—died May 20, 1834, Paris), French aristocrat who fought in the Continental Army with the American colonists against the British in the American Revolution. Later, as a leading advocate for constitutional monarchy, he became one of the most powerful men in France during the first few years of the French Revolution and during the July Revolution of 1830. (From Britannica)

I'm Cheating Here Folks!

I'm going to kinda cheat on this first Marquis Monday installation and point you to a couple of groups that you should follow if you want to really get into the fun history about Lafayette and start preparing for all the really fun Bicentennial Events that are going to start up in 2024.

Bicentennial Events, You Ask?!

That's right! August 16, 2024, kicks off the beginning of this monumental occasion with hundreds of events planned tracing the footsteps of Lafayette on his tour of America as the “Guest of the Nation” between 1824–1825, in the exact order he traveled.

Click on any of the images below to go to their sites to learn more about this Great Patriot, Hero in Two Worlds, and Ardent Supporter of Emancipation and Equality for All.

The American Friends of Lafayette has a really active Instagram Site so I suggest you go follow them there as well!

 Announcing a Friday-Night Movie Opportunity!

For those of you attending the ball and coming in on Friday September 8th (or those just in the Fayetteville area) I am excited to bring to you a special limited-time showing of Austenland at the Cameo Art House Theater at 7:00pm

If you haven't seen this movie, I promise you it is a fun-filled, tongue-in-cheek, look at Regency enthusiasts gone a bit too far! Just the thing to provide us all a bit of humor and perspective as we get ready for the Lafayette Ball weekend!

Movie Synopsis: Socially awkward Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) is obsessed with the works of Jane Austen and fantasizes about the character of Mr. Darcy. She scrapes together as much money as she can and takes off for Austenland, a British theme resort where guests immerse themselves in a romantic fantasy worthy of Austen herself. However, because Jane's limited funds do not allow as many privileges as other guests, her chance at a fling with her very own Mr. Darcy may be limited as well.

More information and links for ticket purchases will be following soon but get this on your calendar so you can add this to your list of fun things to do in conjunction with the ball!

Perhaps we will make this a dressed event for anyone wanting to show off some of those wonderful Regency Day Dresses? What say you?

Haven't bought your tickets yet? No problem!

Click the link above for information and tickets.

 Happy Mother's Day to Lafayette's Mom -
Marie Louise Jolie de La Rivière

Unfortunately, there is little written about Lafayette's mother. She died on April 3, 1770 at the age of 33 when Lafayette, himself, was only 13. Since Lafayette's father had died 11 years before, his mother's death left Lafayette a very wealthy little boy. It is fascinating to think that such a privileged young man who lost so much so young, would have such a big heart for so many and a true calling for FREEDOM beyond the borders of his own country.

In the portrait below you can clearly see the resemblance between Lafayette and his mother. I don't know if the portrait was taken just prior to his mother's death or after, but one must take a moment of pause to consider the sadness the boy must have been feeling at the loss of his mother. To suddenly be alone in the world at such a tender age. Regardless of his unusual height. Regardless of the fact that children "grew up early back then." Regardless of the fact that he would be married only a year later. The loss of a mother on a boy already fatherless, on a boy already tender-hearted and sympathetic to the plight of those yearning for freedom, must have been felt.

A Rare Portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette as a Teenager, 1773

(This excerpt is taken from Susan Halloway Scott's Blog)

It's rare to see portraits of any of the Founder generation as teenagers. In the 18th century, very few people ever had their portraits painted, and then only after they'd become older, famous, and rich.

But here's a seldom-seen portrait of "American's favorite fighting Frenchman", Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, as a painfully geeky fifteen-year-old in 1773. He was tall for the time at 5’9”, and socially awkward. With popping eyes, a long nose, and small mouth, he was never going to be a handsome man, and he wasn’t at this age, either.

An orphan, he’d already inherited his title, a sizable income, and his family’s estate, and this portrait might have been painted to commemorate his presentation at the French royal court at Versailles. He is certainly dressed for it, in costly silk and lace and a black silk bow at his throat. His cocked hat is tucked beneath his arm, as a gentleman does, and his hand rests lightly on the hilt of his dress sword. The ornamental loop on his shoulder may refer to his rank as second lieutenant in the King's Musketeers.

 Understanding the Ticket Tiers . . .

The basic ticket is the Gentry Ticket and includes all the standard amenities of the event: the dancing the French desserts, the event or dance card, access to the games room where you can play whist, dominoes, skittles (lawn bowling), view the exhibits, use the selfie station, all at no extra charge. You may also choose to book a sitting with the professional photographer, the silhouette artist or the fortune teller for an additional charge. You may purchase soft drinks or alcohol at the bar for additional charge as well as souvenirs.

Each tier up from the Gentry Ticket will add little extras including reserved seating, announcements, cockades and carriage rides among others.

Some extras can be purchased at the event (like souvenirs and photos) while others (like carriage rides and reserved tables) will only be available through the tiered tickets.

Please read each tier carefully and reach out with ANY questions you may have prior to purchasing. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

For the ladies who wish to leave the hairstyling to the professionals, we've got you covered! Local Hairstylist, Erica Purvis, will be available throughout the day of the ball (by appointment) to make your dream look a reality! $40 and up.

Book with Erica (starting at $40)

910-229-4131

Book with Davina (starting at $75)

910-273-3526

(Click Image to Purchase)

10 minute sessions

7:30 - 10:30pm

$25 each

(Click Image to Purchase Silhouette Sitting)

Commission your silhouette painting on the spot to capture the true spirit of the Regency.

$50 single $75 Facing Couple

A portion of all ball ticket sales will be going to my newly formed non-profit organization: The 10Dresses Project. To learn more about the Project, including its Mission and Goals and all the ways you can support, please click the image below.

 GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Planning on Attending the Ball?

Ticket Prices Go Up in TWO WEEKS so tickets are the CHEAPEST they will be RIGHT NOW!

GET TICKETS

Other Upcoming Events:

11 May - Avalon Ball (Catalina Island, CA)

June 10 - Preparing for Lafayette Workshop: Foundations (Fayetteville, NC)

July 8 - Preparing for Lafayette Workshop: Daywear (Fayetteville, NC)

(I may be turning the Daywear workshop into a second eveningwear workshop to help facilitate those who are working on making outfits for the ball.)

August 12 - Preparing for Lafayette Workshop: Eveningwear(Fayetteville, NC)

August 9 - Party with Lafayette - Grand Ball and Soiree (Fayetteville, NC)

With all my love and heartfelt thanks for your sincere devotion.

Go out there and spread the word and "Wear the Love"

Love,

Rebecca

A portion of all ball ticket sales will be going to my newly formed non-profit organization: The 10Dresses Project. To learn more about the Project, including its Mission and Goals and all the ways you can support, please click the image below.