Despite this season pretty much turning into a virtual fundraising experience, there are exceptions. But they are being held under the strict enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines. One of them is benefiting the stately Alexander Mansion on Ross Avenue. Just a few blocks away from the towering, glass super-scrapers of downtown Dallas, the three-story Mansion with its imported four marble columns is a standout and a reminder of days gone by.
The building was put up in 1904 by businessman and a bit of a scoundrel C.H. Alexander for $125,000 (that is estimated to be a whopping $10M today). In 1930 the Dallas Woman’s Forum snapped it up for $65,000, thanks to some help from George Bannerman Dealey, and it underwent a major restoration in 1967, earning Texas Historical Landmark status in 1968.
But like any aging beauty, upkeep is necessary as the years pass by. To help fund its continued restoration, the Dallas Woman’s Forum is reaching back to the Mansion’s past days of glory, hosting “Queen of Hearts Valentine’s Celebration Vintage Fashion Show and Afternoon Tea” on Saturday, February 13.
Event Chair Aileen Brady has arranged for fashions ranging from the 1900s to 1980s with Antiques Roadshow’s Steven Porterfield as special guest presenter.
The afternoon will start at noon with tea featuring white chocolate cranberry scones, tea sandwiches, petite quiche, chicken salad tartlet, ham and Gruyere puff pastry, assorted fruit and an assortment of sweet pastries. Each course will be paired with “selected loose leaf tea including The Dallas Woman’s Forums’ signature tea, Caramel Almond Bliss” thanks to Chocolate Angel.
Following the tea the fashion show will get underway at 1:30.
Since only 70 guests will be able to attend, all “tables will be for minimum of four, five and six people.”
If you’ve driven by the Alexander in the past and wondered what lay within, you should make a reservation pronto.
* Graphic/photo courtesy of Dallas Woman's Forum