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On June 14, Toronto stepped back into the elegance and energy of the Jazz Age as Spadina Museum hosted its annual garden party at the historic Spadina House. Despite the rainy weather, nearly 400 guests attended the celebration, many dressed in 1920s-inspired outfits.
Spadina Museum has been hosting its annual summer party since the early 2000s. The event is inspired by a 1928 gathering hosted by Mary Austin, a well-known Toronto socialite and arts patron who supported the city’s cultural life. Austin was also vice-president of the Women’s Art Association of Canada.
This year’s celebration featured live jazz performances by Ben Harvey and His Ornamentals and Shraddha Pai & the Hot Cakes. Guests also enjoyed swing dance lessons provided by Swing Toronto, creating a lively atmosphere that brought the spirit of the 1920s back to life.
The program included a display of drag queen jewels and an oral history project organized by The Imperial Court of Toronto. The Women’s Art Association of Canada also provided art demonstrations and crafting activities, connecting the event to Mary Austin’s legacy and her involvement in Toronto’s art community.
Alexandra Kim, administrator of Spadina Museum, said the weather did not affect the spirit of the celebration.
“Despite the rainy weather, the spirit of the 1920s was very much alive at Spadina Museum, and moving the celebration indoors did not dampen the enthusiasm of those in attendance. Guests donned 1920s dress while enjoying live jazz music, swing dance lessons and art demonstrations. It’s always wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate Toronto’s history with such energy and creativity.”
The Spadina Museum Garden Party once again showed how Toronto’s history can be celebrated through music, fashion, dance, and community.
Photo credit: Nick Wons, courtesy of Toronto History Museums, City of Toronto.
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