The Westerly Library Black & White Ball
A Novel Celebration
The community of Westerly Rhode Island came together for the Black & White Ball. Moreover, the annual fundraising event supports a community icon. The Westerly Library and Wilcox Park were the recipients this year. Sponsored in part by the Ocean House. A Novel Celebration was in store for all who attended. 1
The grand library exists in part from the generous land donation by Stephen Wilcox. Additionally, his $25,000 pledge was to be matched by the community. Subsequently, the doors opened to the public in 1894. In turn, his wife donated land in 1898 in his memory. Therefore, the Victorian strolling park was designed in the spirit of Harriet Wilcox.
This is the best kind of “social” when it can do social “good” in the process. Moreover, all proceeds benefited Westerly Library and Wilcox Park. Additionally, their work continues to bring books, knowledge and natural beauty to people of all ages!
Adventures in Wonderland
Hosting this lavish affair was the Ocean House in Watch Hill Rhode Island. In addition, they went all in for this festive evening. of magic, fun and fine dining. This included a cornucopia of magical characters, a whimsical menu and casino games. All senses were alive with the wonders of the evening. Even Alice, the Hatter, the Red Queen and the White Witch joined in.
Eat Me, Drink Me
The food stations drew inspiration from the theme of the evening “A Novel Celebration.” This included The Devil in the White City that offered a four part tasting menu of caviar, lamb lollipop, filet mignon and cast iron baked brie. If you were a lobster lover, a treat awaited in Alice in Wonderland. This included a fête of baked seafood stuffed lobster tail and lobster Deviled eggs. The Duck a l’Orange and the fig tart topped the list. Lucky for all, there was no peppery soup!
The Grazing Table was fit for The Runaway Bunny. And there was no “hide and seek” from the “mother” lode that included charcuterie, cheeses, pickled vegetables and dried fruits. Local seafood including oysters and shrimp rounded out this delectable tale. Likewise, The Night Circus magically appeared in the Drawing Room for one night only, with sliders and finger food perfect for wandering guests.
Strolling cocktails suited The Beautiful and Damned as guests partied all night, drank and danced to their heart’s content. Free money rained down at the Seaside Ballroom, as guests participated in “high stakes” games at the Casino Royale. The adventure continued with a trip to Narnia behind the doors in the Club Room, where The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe came alive as the White Witch offered Turkish Delights to transported guests.
Service this evening was impeccable, as staff and volunteers alike ensured that the guest experience was top-shelf.
Inside the Wardrobe
The ladies, especially, wore sumptuous floor length gowns and dresses. Tulle, lace, silk, sequin, beaded, feathers and taffeta all swirled together. In addition, others brought the bling with their shiny sparkly ensemble. Many of the men wore either a black dinner suit or evening jacket. Moreover, they looked quite debonair and fit to dance the night away.
Black & White Ball: My Fair Lady, 1964
The genesis of the Black and White Ball started among Hollywood types. The most famous being Truman Capote who threw his own version in 1966 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Life imitates art in this instance. Capote copied the Ascot scene in My Fair Lady. Ladies and gentlemen in their black and white evening wear at the Plaza was what Capote envisioned.
In modern versions of the Black and White Ball, ladies may wear either black or white. Although gentlemen traditionally follow the black tie dress code. The black dinner jacket can be traded in for the ivory or chalk cocktail jacket, during the warmer climates. perfect for the long summer evenings.
- This story was updated to include relevant information and formatting. ↩︎