The 25th annual Art Deco Society of California's Gatsby Afternoon was held on Sunday, September 13 at the Dunsmuir Historical Site in the foothills of Oakland near Lake Chabot. The ADSC sponsors this event at a cost of over $6,000 for the rental of the grounds. A must requirement is that every patron who attends this event wear period appropriate attire. There is a booklet that can be purchased from the ADSC which describes "dressing Gatsby". There were innumerable knicker and plus-four outfits with matching sweater and argile stockings on the gentlemen and any number of clotche hats and boa headgear, furs, flapper and beaded dresses for the ladies. Entertainment was provided by the Deco Bells (with one Deco Beau) who put on just a fabulous tap and dance routine as a group and as individuals. The Don Neeely Royal Orchestra Band once again played for the dancing pleasure of the amassed throng. Champagne was freely flowing throughout the gathering.
The NCDBS Group was represented at the Arte Deco Society of California's Gatsbys Afternoon affair by two Commercial Car Screenside trucks. Donn Marinovich with Sherrin Grout (members and volunteers of the ADSC) brought their beautiful 1923 Screenside while Roger and Lynne Gong (with daughter Leah) were in their 1925 Screenside. It was a rather cool day which made the affair quite pleasant. There were 60 cars registered and some did not make it to the affair for unknown reasons. However, there were LaSalle's. Buicks, Cadillacs, Packards, Fords, Chevrolets, Ed Archer in is infamous Dryers Ice Cream Ford truck and many other exotic cars were present. One could see what that the state of the economy did have an effect on the usually outrageous displays this year. As for the awards to cars that were present, the Marinovich/Grout 1923 Screenside won "Best Agricultural Representation" of a vehicle.
Everyone had a great time and the rain that was forecast held off for most of the day. Then as the Don Neely Orchestra played it final number for 2009 a few sprinkles began to fall. Within 20 minutes the heavens opened up and the rain came pelting down in sheets. As soon as the sprinkles began, the crowd began to disperse rapidly and attendees were heading for the exits. People were soaked to the skin as they were walking out with their arms full of picnic paraphenalia.
It was affair that none of the NCDBS Group should have missed - but alas it does seem that a few did for various reasons. Put the second Sunday of September on your schedule. It will be back.

Typical picnic spread of attendees to the Gatsby Afternoon.

Leah, Roger and Lynne Gong at their picnic site.

Leah Gong in costume at the Gatsby Afternoon at the Dunsmuir House.

The Columbia Foot Dragoons mustering the day before the Gatsby Afternoon.