Victoriana Lady Estelle: 2015

Beautiful letter From Craig Bara, historian and archivist

This is a heartfelt letter, on November 22, 2015, from a kindred spirit to me......
I am enchanted.

Dear Miss Barada,

I live in Ohio but have had the pleasure of hearing so many wonderful things about you.

My friend Jo-Ellen Tramontana has been to "Hearthside" and told me about you and gave me a snapshot of you that I keep in my photo album. She said that if and when I make it back to RI, she will take me there and hope I will be able to meet you.

Lady Estelle, I wanted to know if I could acquire your autograph on a Hearthside brochure or whatever is the most convenient for you?

I had hoped to visit Jo-Ellen and Chuck this year but I had a brain tumor removed in April and it has taken much longer to recuperate.
But I know God is there so I have faith that I will be well again.

Please let me know how I should proceed?

I will gladly pay you or make a donation to Hearthside.

I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you.

With Sincere Gratitude,
Craig

Surrounding Myself with Romantic Notions of the Victorian Era.

Few styles bring romance to home decor like that of the Victorian Style.

The opulence of the ladies in the nineteenth century during Queen Victoria's reign, known as the Victorian Era, created a very distinct look.

A profusion of floral and botanical used in art, fabrics, wallpapers, and of course filled vases, were a nod to the feminine influence.

The romantic feeling was also displayed through lace and crochet bed linens and tablecloths. Lace doilies were a favorite of the ladies and adorned almost every table surface.

Heavily carved furniture in dark finishes were a sharp contrast to the delicateness of the doilies, but married the feminine and masculine quite well.

Window treatments echoed this same balance. Elaborate styling of velvet, damask and wool drapes in multiple layers, with an eyelet or lace sheer were always accompanied by an upholstered cornice board, valance or swag.

Drapery treatments often adorned master beds as well, and some beds even flaunted full canopies. Ribbons, bows or tassels accented almost every fabric treatment.

Accessories are essential to the Victorian style. They were ornate and excessive, and what enabled the accumulation of an abundance of collectibles was wealth.

Travel and education were the privilege of the wealthy, and these too were represented in the decor.
Books were plentiful and travel brought eclecticism to the Victorian home.

Creating the Victorian style is no quick decorating job, but I enjoy surrounding myself with romantic notions of the Victorian Era,

I hope I have inspired you!
Much love, Lady Estelle

My adventures at the historic Hearthside House Museum

We had a wonderful season at Hearthside House this year. Thanks to my beautiful Hearthside family for the adventure.

The lovely Kathy Hartley is the president and founder of the Friends of Hearthside.
It is her mission and passion to preserve this beautiful 200 year old house for years to come.

I enjoy when the young ones come to visit me in the kitchen at Hearthside. I always have cookies and lemonade for them. They love to hear my stories and ask me lots of questions about children in the olden days. It is such a reward to see there amazement.

It is very rewarding to see the young docents at the Hearthside House getting active in teaching the young visitors what it was like living and playing in the days that pasted. These two young ladies are my granddaughters following in their grandmother's footsteps. They have a real passion for history.

We at Heathside would love to show you the house and tell you the lovely story of the families that lived here.

Hearthsidehouse,org.

End of the summer picnic

I just love an old fashion style picnic, so I invited my friend to my favorite park to have one.

Everyone who joined the picnic kindly brought their blankets and baskets fulled with food, (non alcoholic drinks, plates, tea cups and spoons,

The dress code for the picnic was
Victorian, Edwardian, Steampunk, Elegant Lolita, Romantic Gothic and of cause 21st century.

We played games.

We were also entertained by music playing on the phonograph. How delightful and unique.

The weather was perfect and I could not have asked for anything better.

A Great transformation.

I enjoy my role as the great Victorian lady and teaching etiquette to young ladies at the historic Hearthside House Museum

This month, we at Hearthside transform our museum and grounds into the 1904 Worlds Fair.
It was a lot of work for months. We wanted to show what took place at this historic event.
We, the docents and staff took on amazing transformations to take you back in time.

I was asked to take on a challenge and portray a great African American man in history. He was Doc. William Key.

Preparing for my interpretation of Dr William Key

It was the first time in my reenactment days, have I ever portrayed a gentleman. It was quite a challenge and interesting.
It was not easy. The mustache kept getting in my mouth when I talked. I kept wanting to pose like, Lady Estelle when folks wanted to take my photo. I did not know what to do with my hands. But all in all, it was a lots of fun.

A self-trained veterinarian, “Dr.” William Key was born a slave in 1833. Even as a child Bill was recognized for having extraordinary horse whispering and animal healing skills – using only kindness and no force.
Read more about the Doc and his amazing horse, Beautifull JIM.
http://www.beautifuljimkey.com/history.htm