Adventures on the Queen Mary (and thereabouts)

After being asked a while back to the Fedora Lounge's event aboard the Queen Mary by Matt, I set aside a week to take part in a new experience with vintage (Golden era) minded folk, as well as a birthday on the west coast with friends and family. The following will be a recap of the Fedora Lounge event, brought to you by Jinkies (guaranteed to make you regular, day or night)...

Note: I will stick to nicknames from the (Fedora) Lounge, unless someone didn't have one to go by. Also take note that there may be omissions to the recap of this adventure, accidental and on purpose.

Friday, May 14th:
After being dropped off at the Long Beach Queen Mary Hotel at around 10:30am, I made my way up and in to the belly of the beast, looking for the registration area. Waiting for only a minute or two, I spied fellow vintage wearers and introduced myself. James and Lady Powers, along with their two young sons, Daniel and John had been meandering on the ship looking for fellow Loungers. They graciously waited with me while I checked on my room. I had asked for an Art Deco themed room in my reservations, which they could provide but not til later in the day. Quite alright I noted, as I was already dressed for the day and ready to head out with the group.

Where'd he go(?) moment: Prior to heading out to Long Beach, we did run in to Frankie Lamb near the outside elevators. He was dressed to the nines in a suit and hat and was looking for others in the group. I personally saw him one other time, and that was it. Where did the man go? Did he vanish into the bowels of the Queen Mary? *insert Twilight Zone theme here*

Leaving my luggage behind at the ship, the Powers family offered me a ride over to the Long Beach vintage store area where we were to meet up with a few others to peruse the racks. We went through Meow Vintage first, which carried a cacophany of clothes, hats, shoes, purses, patterns and more from the late 1800's to 1980's (I very nearly bought a raspberry beret and a camel colored flatcap). We were heading towards more shops when we spied Lady Day walking up the sidewalk. She greeted us and pulled out her phone, explaining she got a ride from John in Covina and that we were missing Matt Deckard and swinggal (from Perth, Australia).

Note: Lady Day sews the majority of her vintage wear, and everything she wore looked fabulous.

John showed up a minute later and walked with us to another store called La Bomba, which was supposed to be open at noon but wasn't (it was 12:30ish *taps watch*). In front of their store sat several trash cans filled to the brim with clothes in rather ratty condition. Lady Powers and I eyeballed the cans, asking one another if we should have a look but decided not to. Going through to the back of the next store over we looked left and laid our eyes upon where some of the throwaways must've come from. I was told this was "The Pile", and what a pile it was! (Nearly 14 feet tall, and a circumfrance of at least as much.) La Bomba's owners caught us having a peek and explained that they'd let folks check it out on Saturday. Most of the clothing would be priced $1 to $5. (Ah, if I only had a third bag with me.)

At some point during our look-n-see of the stores and a brief respite at a local burger joint we got word back from Matt, our event organizer. He and swinggal had been heading over and had some car trouble. The gathered group decided to part ways and head back to the ship; Lady Day with John in Covina, and myself with the Powers family. James decided we should hit a local grocery store on the way back (grand idea) for snacks and drinks. It was there that he clued me in to a regional soda called Cactus Cooler (he works with Coke, so he knows what many do not). He can't get it up north in San Fran where he lives, so he stocked up on it for the weekend. Got to try a can of the citrus-pineapple soda, and it reminded me of Fresca without the tart aftertaste.

Note: I clued in James to the drinking stations located at Epcot (I remember the name now - Club Cool). Sponsored by Coca Cola, it has around a dozen sodas from around the world people can sample in little Coke labeled dixie cups. Unless you have a strong stomach, I wouldn't recommend the Beverly.

Back at the ship, I tried yet again (and unsuccessfully) to get my room and was told it was in an area to be cleaned. Despite the news, Lady Powers invited me to their Eisenhower Suite and pulled out suitcases and boxes full of vintage knick knacks she'd bought or gotten from relatives. I don't have a keen eye for pinpointing treasures yet, so I just enjoyed rummaging through what she had and looked for things I would simply like. Several bucks later, I had my first vintage hat (to be worked on), along with a plethora of pins, earrings and other jewelry.

Favorite item: Armadillo pin; we have a great many of those hissing critters foraging the grassy areas of Florida. I thought the pin was hilarious, and had to have it. Also in the photo is an embroidered hankerchief. I bought one other one with similar characters rocking it out with guitars (a German cithern probably - goes better with the lederhosen), and gave that to a very happy Lady Day.

I decided at this point to take my spoils over to the Observation Bar at the front of the ship, as we got word Matt and swinggal had made it. Making my way down a corridor and past a set of bathrooms, I spied a man in a dapper suit about to head in to the gentleman's side. He turned around and tipped his hat, smiling handsomely when he recognized me. Matt had made it! We introduced ourselves and chatted a moment, parted ways as he was helping Frankie Lamb with rezzies, and I headed over to the Bar for a drink and a little more chit chat. I met yet another Lounger by the name of Rickardo (forgive me, I forgot his friend's name). I sat with Rickardo and friend, James, John and Lady Day, listening to them discuss this, that and the other while I gulped down an iced tea. At this time, it was nearing 5pm and I still had no room. Check-in had passed me by at 4pm (and our dinner was for 7pm), so it was time to go and put the squeeze on the front desk folks (nicely) to see what could be done. Before heading out, I finally got to introduce myself to swinggal, and got my second glimpse (I think?) of Frankie Lamb.

After a bit more finagling with the front desk folks at registration, I spoke with a guy who I met during round one of my check-in attempts (at 10:30am). He apologized profusely, noting my room STILL wasn't ready but that he'd upgrade me to a better Art Deco suite for my troubles. I headed on down to my room (not far from the Powers Family), which was a lot nicer than I expected. It had a queen size bed, ample space for clothes, two sinks/vanities along with a tub/shower in the bathroom (Huzzah for the tub - I still have nightmares about using a shower on a cruise ship in bad weather). As the room was an oldie but a goodie, I had these semi open tubes stationed around the room near the ceiling that supplied me with (loud) warm or cool air, which I could adjust. That was different than the modern cruise ships I've been on, so I though I'd point that out. After several texts and a brief hello from a fellow Lounger, I changed into a 30's black inspired dress and lace jacket (Nataya) with a string of black pearls. Then it was back to the Observation Bar to hang with the group again before heading to dinner.

Note: My shoes of choice throughout most of the weekend came from the DanceStore online (Aris Allen - 30's black velvet oxfords). I highly recommend them for general vintage wear, as well as dancing. My feet were happy the entire weekend.

Heading over to Sir Winston's for dinner, I had the pleasure of meeting another local Lounger nicknamed Widebrim. I recall he noted he had a lot of family in Argentina, though he is an American by several generations. The group sat down at a long table, flanked by windows with a view of a large geodesic dome at the rear of the boat. Someone commented that the Spruce Goose was in there, but that it may have been on tour at that time (confirmation is here - it's been gone a while I see).

After discussion of many topics such as obscure movies, familial backgrounds and such we dined, and my dinner was rather hit and miss. For anyone that likes a good lobster bisque, Winston's version is not to be missed. It's a thick, creamy, big bowl of happiness. That paired with their baskets of bread was darned near perfect. The sesame crusted (seared) ahi on the other hand was not so good. If you're into sushi or sashimi it may be right up your alley. I've tried both, but was not too keen on it with its super salty soy-ginger sauce. Ah well, I know next time what not to order.

The group retired to the Observation Bar after dinner, and I made my way there after resting a bit (a little green around the gills, I was). Sitting at a table with Lady Day and Idledame and illuminated only by candles and light from the bar, we watched the Fedora Lounge's first invited performer sing to the crowd while some of the gentlemen enjoyed cigars and guy talk outside. Now the patrons were not all vintage minded, as anyone could enter the bar during the evening. Regardless, I think everyone enjoyed the stylings of Eddie Wakes, whose singing reminded me of Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis. Prior to turning in, I paid a few Loungers a good night and slept the twilight hours away.

Saturday, May 15th:
I had gotten word from Lady Day the night before that our morning tour of the ship was not to be (ah well, maybe next year). That afforded an opportunity to sleep in. After getting up and ready (Trashy Diva Ashley dress), I made my way to a lounge area near the front desk, where John in Covina was hosting a presentation (taped by James) on fountain pens. I sat down with the group (Lady Day, Rickardo, Lady Day, James Powers and swinggal), and learned about the variety of fountain pens that were created back in the day. I wasn't sure one could learn that much about pens, but I was proven wrong. Sadly, many designs didn't work well and many a maker ended up replacing pens the public bought that had problems. John showed us several types that were made in the 30's and 40's, and also explained how to care for them should we happen to buy one and restore it to usefulness. At the end of the presentation/taping, John passed out a few newer model fountain pens to those who didn't own one, and those of us matching specific letters (to our first or last name) got letterhead paper, which was very nice.

From the pen presentation, we made our way out in groups to a grassy area at the front of the ship for a picnic. I brought a box of cookies from the Polly Ann Bakery, shivering my way over to John and another Lounger who I hadn't met yet (Hailey greenhat). It was a little cooler than expected (mid 60's) and slightly breezey. As more folks joined us, we made our way over to a sunny spot near a tree to set out the picnic blankets and lunch. We dined on sandwiches, meats, cheeses, fruit, crackers, cookies and a variety of drinks. Lady Day brought a spiked lemonade that was outta sight (we cleared two bottles..heehee).

A little ways in to lunch the Powers family joined in with tea sandwiches, and non-Loungers (but acquaintences of Matt) Sara, Sara's mom and Amy joined us. Sara pulled out her camera, elaborating that she was doing a project for a college class that involved photographing people in their vintage and vintage-repro wear. She took pictures of each of us, shivering under the tree near our (now fairly shaded) picnic spot, and then we (ladies) all took to the sun to warm up.

During the picnic, word of "The Pile" at La Bomba had garnered the interest of all the ladies, so we planned on meeting up at the registration area of the hotel to set out on a buying spree. On my way back to the ship I ran into Matt again (with borrowed car - sadly he missed the picnic), along with another Lounger (egads, I forget who) and ended up missing out on shopping. But I made my way to another presentation (Widebrim and James), who showcased the overwhelming variety of styles that encompassed vintage neckties. After a quick change of clothes, it was off to the Observation Bar (outside) for a primer in cigars. I received a whole booklet of information from James, which was pretty fascinating. It got a little chilly again, and fortune paid me a phone call at that moment from Lady Powers. She gave me a heads up that Lady Day's presentation on vintage sewing and buttons was in full swing. I got there and sat aside a large stash of vintage patterns and old buttons, with Lady Day noting which decades they were from, how names had changed with pattern makers (and how to connect that to a specific decade), and lots of great information one could use to 1) find a pattern for a specific era they want to aim for and 2) find the right buttons for said outfit, if needed. I think after seeing Lady Day's clothing, along with Hailey's I may have to give this vintage sewing a try (I've done the modern kind, but these designs are cooler).

After the ladies presentation I decided to have a nap, only I conked out and my alarm didn't go off as planned. Lady Powers woke me up knocking on my cabin door, frantically noting she dropped something under my bed during her last visit. Thank goodness she came to find what she lost (a favorite shade of lipstick), otherwise I would have snoozed the night away. We ended up at the Promenade Cafe for dinner, me a little groggy but otherwise happy to see everyone. There was a much larger group than expected (at least 25, as opposed to 12.5 the night before), and we hadn't enough room for everyone. Five of us ladies (Idledame, friend Shelly and her mom, myself and Hailey) waited a bit for the waitstaff to add an extra table on the end to fit us in. The food was good, albeit late (not the waiter's fault - he had his hands full with us), and the company was entertaining. One of the Powers boys was plum tuckered out at the table and missed his dinner, eliciting "aww's" from us while his head bobbed back and forth during the meal.

Note: At this point I decided to cave in and have a go for a few of Lady Powers' vintage watches, as all of my timepieces are modern. I ended up trading a 40's sailor-inspired dress for four of them. We'll see which watch I fix first.

Saturday evening's musical performance post-dinner was top notch. The Jonathan Stout Trio performed, and many guys (who all knew Matt, I think) took the opportunity to hit ladies up for dancing during the evening. Some gals (not versed in swing dancing) were invited onto the floor by patient leads, which was very sweet. One gal not in our group was a fantastic dancer and had many requests for the next spin (yes, I claim jealousy). Swinggal also took to the floor several times, wowing onlookers with her dance skills. Matt pulled me out once, and while I wasn't at my best (almost hit his nose in a spin :( ), I was glad to have broken the ice and danced a swing-esque dance in public (I added the -esque because I found Matt likes to ad-lib, which is ok).

As the evening wore on I spoke with the Loungers seated around me - The Professor, Idledame, Hailey greenhat, along with Shelly and her mom. The Professor, Idledame and I ended up staying right til 2am close time (past that too tired, middle of the night hump) and when I turned around I noticed Matt with a guy friend and Jonathan Stout around a table (sans swinggal, who turned in earlier). I bid my table companions goodnight and made my way over to the gents. Jonathan headed out before I could say "hello" (and gush at how great his group was). Matt introduced his non-Lounger friend Nathan, and at that point I realized they were a bit happy from their drinks. I requested that we take a stroll around the Promenade and they agreed to it, Matt giving me the last sip of his drink (a nice little buzz - was it gin?). We meandered for a few hours (my intent to help them clear their heads before travel or bed), and I giggled while they conversed with other ship guests about obtuse topics and pinballed their way around the outside of the Promenade. We ended up in areas not explored by the average guest (didn't break anything though, I promise), and I took a few pictures of the shenanigans. Matt proclaimed rather romantically that he'd climb up and stop a radar for me (it was large and propellar shaped and rather high up), though I think he was more inclined to do it because it was making both of them dizzy just looking at it. Stopping him from his manly deed, I ushered them away from precariousness and eventually back into the boat. What an adventure that was; dangerous, hilarious, romantic. Next year, I say we aim for the supposed ghost ridden areas.

Sunday, May 16th:
On Sunday I did check out of the Queen Mary rather early, opting to hang with my local extended family until time rolled around to go to the Cicada Club. The evening before, I'd gotten Idledame's information in case I wanted a ride from her to and from the venue, and since she was so close to my family in RPV, I took her up on the offer. Heading out with her, she proclaimed her excitement for the following week, noting she would be heading out on Wednesday (the 19th) for a 26 day tour of 10 countries in Europe. I wondered if she had a suitcase that I could fit into. Hope she has a wonderful time. :)

We pulled up to the Club, where the valet whisked Idledame's car away and we sauntered in to have a gander at the club and this evening's patrons. This was my first time there, but after having been to several venues that were reproduced to give a 1930's vibe, I felt right at home. (Keep in mind though, that this is the real deal.) We sat on the second floor, having ample space to take pictures of the band and dance floor and keep an eye out for others in the group. I was introduced to a great many people whose names I do not recall (but will if I see them again), ran into some I'd met on the Queen Mary, and met another Lounger by the name of Tony in Tarzana, who sat alongside me a while and enjoyed the crowd of dancers below.

Note: I noticed the variety of dances folks took on with and without partners on the first/main level dance floor. Caught the Balboa (aka Bal), Charleston and a bit of the Lindy Hop, along with one gal who decided to hula at a corner nearest to the band.

The Club is a dance venue, a bit of a supper club and bar as well. We didn't go there to eat, but did make our way over to the second floor bar for a cocktail. Idledame paid for a round of drinks, and I was introduced to happiness in a glass they call an "Old Fashioned". Twas so good, I went back for seconds. I think having a drink or two put me in the right mood for dancing, and what timing, at that moment Matt decided to escort me down to the first level dance floor for a spin. This time around, I was less nervous and enjoyed it very, very much. I ran into him again at the second level dance floor where he took up a dance with a lady friend, covering nearly every inch of that floor. I swear he must've ad-libbed that dance as he was very wild and inventive - it was a fun sight to see. My camera couldn't keep up though, as he's a mere swirl in the pictures I took.

After Matt and his dance, I made way over to the Loungers for more chit chat. Alas, time was nearly up and the Club nearing its close, so folks had time for just a few more dances. I headed down to the first level with Idledame and took pictures of swinggal and Matt during a few songs. Then I got pulled over for one last dance with Matt, and we were set for the evening. Made a few hopeful promises on the way out for next year (or this), and Idledame and I parted ways with the group.

Extra: I did run into a gal (who I didn't snap a pic of, darnit) in a black Victorian gown on the way out who works for Heritage Square in the Los Angeles area. I told her about Denver's Heritage Square (a bit different), and she filled me in on her venue, and why she ended up here in her frocks from an earlier era. If anyone gets the chance to head to Denver's venue, I recommend a daytime run down their alpine slide, and an early evening dinner and show at their Music Hall (they do a lot of vaudeville and unusual versions of The Classics).

If there are folks interested in attending next year's Fedora Lounge event (or Club Obi-Wan, if Indiana Jones floats your boat), I would highly recommend doing so. The ship/hotel is wonderful, with so many places to explore and venues to hang out at, the destinations for side events are so much fun, and the people you meet in the group are happy to meet you, and are very informative on what they've found out about everything vintage (and other stuff too). I will definitely be back next year, with more dancing under my belt, ideas for other places to visit, and high expectations (which, I have no doubt, will be exceeded).

Pictures: Yes, I have several pages of pictures on Photobucket (some originally from Facebook). Feel free to have a look (they are in order), and if you'd like to use any please be sure to give proper credit. Thanks!

http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h158/trinsghost/Queen%20Mary%20-%20Fedora%20Lounge%20May%202010/?start=0

Info on the Queen Mary Hotel is here.