(above) Guests enjoy the Mountainside Restoration Committee’s Downton Abbey themed Cocktail Party at the Hetfield House. This year, on February 28, the Committee will host a “Downton Abbey…The Titanic Connection” inspired cocktail party at the Hetfield House featuring a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, music and a presentation of “Sinkable…Unthinkable”.
Hetfield House Downton Abbey Style Cocktail Party
Submitted by Carol Goggi
Fans of Downton Abbey will appreciate the show’s connection to the sinking of the Titanic which took the heir to the Crawley fortune with it. This set off the chain of events that led to all the plot twists during 6 seasons of Downton Abbey. Volunteers at Mountainside’s historic Deacon Andrew Hetfield House plan a “Downton Abbey…The Titanic Connection” Cocktail Party. Scheduled for 7:00-9:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020 (snow date 2/29) and held at Mountainside’s historic Deacon Andrew Hetfield House, this enjoyable event is a fund raiser for the Mountainside Restoration Committee with a portion of the proceeds going to the restoration and maintenance of the historic Hetfield and Levi Cory houses.
A highlight of the evening will be a presentation entitled “Sinkable…Unthinkable” by history educator, Meg Wastie. Meg will provide an overview of what happened that fateful night, discuss who was on board and provide a sense of what it was like on the ship. Her power-point presentation will include quotes from survivors to highlight the many interesting, often sadly ironic, facts about the famous ship and its ill-fated passengers. Meg Wastie, a retired teacher, is the Program Consultant for the Westfield Historical Society. She formerly worked with the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts in Madison, and has been actively involved with history groups in the Somerset Hills area.
The event will feature special Downton Abbey inspired hors d’oeuvres and sweets with a signature cocktail, wine & beer. Decorated with spectacular Downton Abbey décor and served by costumed servers, the event will feature trivia games and period appropriate music. Space is limited, so reserve early. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume or dress for cocktails. The cost is $50 per person.
The evening will begin with a reception held in the Hetfield House’s formal parlor where guests will enjoy music, appetizers and signature cocktail. After the reception, guests will proceed to the center rooms and small tables for more hors d’oeuvres and the “Sinkable…Unthinkable” presentation. Afterward, guests will enjoy desserts, coffee/tea and participate in Downton Abbey era party activities. Throughout the evening, costumed servers will assist guests amidst era-appropriate decorations accompanied by Edwardian and 20’s music.
Space for this Downton Abbey Cocktail Party is limited and any interested adults should call for reservations immediately. The cost is $50 per person. Full payments are due within one week of reservation. Reservation forms can be found at the Mountainside Library, Borough Hall, at mountainsidehistory.org or by calling 908-789-9420.
The Deacon Andrew Hetfield House and Levi Cory House are located at Constitution Plaza adjacent to the Mountainside Library. Constitution Plaza is the first right off Birch Hill Road which is off New Providence Road near the Mountainside Volunteer Fire House. The Mountainside Restoration Committee is a committee of volunteers whose purpose is to restore and maintain the Deacon Andrew Hetfield House and the Levi Cory House and collect and save historic information and items from destruction. To make reservations, for information, or to donate funds, please call 908-789-9420; or, go to mountainsidehistory.org.
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