Oakwood Cemetery Saints and Sinners Tour, Fort Worth, October 30, 2010

The Oakwood Cemetery overlooks downtown Fort Worth and was founded in 1879 when founding father John Peter Smith donated land for a public burial place. This is the final resting place for many of Fort Worth's distinguished settlers, as well as infamous gunslingers and gamblers.

This event raises funds for the cemetery association and also the historical society. Volunteers bring to life some of the historical characters in the cemetery.

In the photo above, she is holding a paper cup on a stick as a target for him to demonstrate his gun power.

The tour started in this chapel, constructed in 1912. A small group of dedicated women raised the money for the construction. It was used for funeral services. We were led into the basement where Phillip Morgett (1856-1913) regaled us with stories. There was a specially constructed elevator in the basement to raise up coffins into the chapel. He told us it never worked properly!

Hat Band members all looked fabulous as we posed in front of the stone tribute to John Peter Smith, dressed appropriately in mourning attire. Standing: Rhonda, Kelley, Maureen, Suzanne, Carly and Joyce. Sitting: Jeanne, Margarita and Benita.

The beautiful old cemetery is blanketed by a canopy of majestic oak trees.

Kelley, Rhonda and Maureen walking down the path.

Rhonda did a great job of turning her basic black hat into a mourning hat.

Loretta brought Ella Halsell Waggoner (1859-1959) back to life for us. Ella was the matriarch of one of Fort Worth's best know cattle and oil rich families.

We posed with Loretta and Deborah Carl, who portrayed Electra Waggoner (1882-1925), the flamboyant daughter of Ella and W. T. Waggoner.

The Texas 15th Calvary marched through the cemetery.

Jefferson Davis McLean (1870-1907) told us of his efforts as county attorney to eliminate gambling, which was largely ignored even though it was illegal. He was gunned down during a raid at the Stag Saloon.

A view of downtown Fort Worth from the cemetery.

William Louis Armstrong (1845-1954) served in the Confederate Army. His daughter, Gussie Armstrong was the eldest child. She took care of the family after her mother died.

She reportedly still haunts her turn of the century home on Fort Worth's north side.

Cafe Pacific, September 4, 2010

The entrance to Cafe Pacific and a view of the dining room.
It was a beautifully gorgeous day and some of us took the opportunity to walk around Highland Park Village and window shop and visit some of the stores and buy a few things. The food at Cafe Pacific is outstanding, as is the service. Several around the table commented that they want to eat here again.

Benita and Margarita, pink and black

Carly and Suzanne; mother and daughter

Jean and her friend Jaci visiting from Chicago. Jaci said she really doesn't like hats, but Jean told her she had to wear one, and she looked lovely.

Joyce and Jeanne. Joyce told us she teaches classes on genealogy at the junior college. She has traced her ancestors back to England in the 11th century. She is also writing a book.

This gentleman at the next table volunteered to take a group picture.

And here we are. This is the picture he took of us all sitting around the table.

Patrizzios, Fort Worth, June 19, 2010

In June we met in Forth Worth in the newly developed area referred to as So 7/ West 7th. Patrizzios is known for its bellinis, and they were indeed delicious.Maureen, Margarita, Kelley, Benita, Jean and Suzanne

Jeanne, Loretta, Rhonda, Oshie and Esther

Loretta, Jean and Maureen

Margarita and Rhonda

Rhonda showing off her entree

Benita and Kelley having fun

Jeanne - love that pink

Of course we had desserts

Swiss Avenue Home Tour on May 8, 2010

For the second year, we had a fabulous time at the tour of the historical homes on Swiss Avenue. Below is the group shot in front of Maureen's home. What a great looking group! Suzanne, Stephanie, Joyce, Nicole, Maureen, Margarita, Jeanie, Cynthia, Benita, Stephanie, Carly, Esther, Oshie and Kelley

This house had a garden tour. Gee, I wish my back yard looked like that. What a great area for entertaining.

Benita and Carly

Cynthia and Benita

Maureen and Benita

Oshie, Carly and Cynthia

Stephanie and Carly

Stephanie and Esther

We had a delicious pot luck buffet at Maureen's house

Waiting to get into one of the old mansions

More garden tour

This home owner used a megaphone to tell us about his house

Savage Park, the vendors set up in this area

Mad Hatters Tea, Dallas Arboretum, April 22, 2010

Although this was not an "official" Hat Band event, I emailed members to determine interest. As it turned out, only Oshie and I attended. It was so fun and so special, we immediately started planning to attend next year. The hats were creative, beautiful, outrageous and fun.

This was the 22nd annual event. It began with a champagne reception, and silent auction followed by a fashion show of fabulous fashion from Carolina Herrera, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren and St. John and the winners of the hat competition were announced. Then we sat down for a lovely luncheon.

This event funds the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. With the funds, the council designed and constructed the Women's Garden, and now maintains it. Here I am with Sharon, the chair of the Madhatter's Tea. I made her hat.

Ladies visiting, looking good and viewing silent auction items.



At the fashion show, Oshie and I are sitting with Veree, looking very chic.

The luncheon

Isn't this a wonderful hat??

The fashion show

At the fashion show

This beautiful dress was made entirely of flowers!!

Notice the bird cage hat to the right. It actually had a live bird in it!

A Dallas Cowboys Stadium hat.

Burlap outfits, going green.

This flat pink hat was one of the winners in the hat competition. The categories were Most Creative, Best Vintage/Elegant, Most Whimsical/Outrageous, Best of Show using event theme of Dahlias and Divas.