Who doesn’t love “The Great Gatsby,” if not the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, then perhaps one of the multiple movies based on the book, including the 1975 film starring Robert Redford or Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2013 version.
Indeed, this classic novel about America’s Jazz Age is so beloved that the Aurora Historical Society is celebrating it with a 1920s-theme fundraiser Sept. 6 at the Aurora Country Club.
Which is perfect timing as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the release of the novel.
Great timing also because the Aurora Historical Society truly needs this financial shot in the arm, as do so many nonprofits that relied on pandemic relief funds to keep doors open and now find themselves stretched thin as the cost of pretty much everything has gone up while revenue, in terms of federal and state grants and giving in general, has gone down.
“We would like to make it through the year because next year is our 120th,” insists Aurora Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros, noting that Aurora’s historical society is one of the oldest in the Midwest.
The gala will offer plenty of the usuals that make up a fun party: great ambiance, fun decor, plenty of music and delicious food, says Aurora Historical Society Board President John Medernach who, along with wife Faith Etheredge, are huge fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald and came up with the idea for this Roaring Twenties bash.
In addition, the fundraiser will feature performer and storyteller Lynn Rymarz, who takes on the persona of Fitzgerald’s wife Zelda and will provide a compelling history lesson on the couple’s rocky marriage, lavish parties and their high-society life that inspired the famous novel.
Adding to the “character” of this gala will be a Jordan Baker actor, who will take on the role of the glamorous and scandalous professional golfer in the iconic story, and might even offer guests a shot at a putting contest with her, says Etheredge.
Aurora Historical Society organizers are also hoping to turn guests into flappers with Charleston dance lessons. In addition, there will be a restored Model A Ford outside the country club that will give attendees a great photo op. And the use of this restored classic for a couple hours – along with its chauffeur – will be among the unique raffle items, as will use of the Tanner House for an event and a week in the north woods of Wisconsin, which will include dinner at the Little Bohemia Restaurant in Manitowish Waters, where John Dillinger had his famous shootout with the FBI.
On display at the fundraiser will be some of the beautiful dresses from the 1920s that the Aurora Historical Society has in its impressive collection. Although not mandatory, guests, too, are encouraged to get into the spirit of the evening by wearing fashions from that era.
“We are trying to find ways to be entertaining, and give people a way to support us so we remain a relevant part of the community,” said Medernach, “and not just be a place that holds old things.”
More Top Picks Battery Charger
There is, in fact, the perception among some people that museums do little else, admitted Jaros, who knows more than anyone how much effort goes into making the Aurora Historical Society far more interactive with people in the Aurora area.
And the only way to change that image, he insisted, is to “present things to the community they can participate in, have fun and learn a little bit” about our history.
Tickets are now on sale for the fundraising gala and are $100 each through Aug. 30 ($120 after that date), with sponsorships available at several levels starting at $250.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://buytickets.at/aurorahistoricalsociety/1787916, or at the Aurora Historical Society museum shop at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, during its normal hours of noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
No tickets will be sold over the phone but additional information is available by calling the museum office at 630-906-0650.
Jaros realizes that “with the economy the way it is,” the price “is a heavy lift” for many people. And he’s grateful for wonderful sponsorships, including Old Second Bank, which celebrated the 100-year anniversary of its beautiful old building in downtown Aurora on July 30.
But he also knows that, with costs the way they are, guests are sure to get their money’s worth while also supporting a local historical society that has been around far longer than Old Second and “The Great Gatsby.”
And “it’s just going to be fun,” says Etheredge, who plans on wearing a black- and gold-sequined fringed dress.
After all, she asks, “how often do you have the opportunity to dress up” like a flapper?