The Roaring ’20s Return

Rogers County Historical Society will host The Great Gatsby Gala on September 29 to benefit the Belvidere Mansion.

The excitement of a bygone era returns as the Roaring Twenties come roaring in again at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum on September 29 at 7 p.m., when the Rogers County Historical Society (RCHS) presents The Great Gatsby Gala. Whether you love to dance, dress in period ­costume, help preserve ­history, or all of the above, you won’t want to miss this event, with proceeds to benefit the Belvidere Mansion in Claremore.

    The event will feature live big band music from Jim Tanners Band and food samples from local ­restaurants. “Dancing is encouraged, as is costume,” says Peggy Feese, event chair. “But neither is required. We just want everyone to come and enjoy this gala event benefiting the Belvidere.” Members of the Rogers County Historical Society feel that the Will Rogers Memorial Museum is the perfect place to celebrate the 1920s, partly because the architecture is reminiscent of that period, and also because the man the ­memorial honors was a Vaudeville and Hollywood star of the ’20s. “We ­couldn’t think of a better man than Will Rogers to represent this era,” Peggy says. “In fact, Will Rogers himself will be present,” she adds with a smile, ­referring to Andy Hogan, who is locally well known for his reenactments of Rogers County’s famous native son.

    The Great Gatsby Gala is one of four yearly events held on behalf of the 9,000-square-foot historical mansion in downtown Claremore, whose renovation and operation is ­completely funded by ­donation, endowments and fundraisers. Tickets for the event are $15 and are ­available at the Belvidere Mansion, located at 121 N. Chickasaw Ave.

For more information, contact

Rogers County ­Historical Society

(918) 342-1127

www.rchs1.org