Perhaps never before in its storied history has the Johnston Historical Society had such an innovative and interesting event as it hosted last Saturday afternoon.
After all, it’s rare when Sir Winston Churchill, the Queen of England, and the likes of Fred Astaire and Tony Curtis – just to name a few celebrities – visit the society’s Museum Barn at 101 Putnam Pike in Johnston.
However, those iconic figures were all there – as were other people who came dressed in 1930s garb – before heading aboard a re-creation of the legendary Queen Mary ocean liner for a “bon voyage” dinner.
“Bel [McGowan] should win an award for this unique production,” Anthony Ursillo – who was wearing a black tuxedo and portrayed the dancing dynamo Astaire – said of the society member who came up with the concept for the gathering. “This was a fabulous event.”
The society turned the front lawn at its Museum Barn into the dock, where special servers served up appetizers like jumbo shrimp cocktail, stuffed celery sticks, and a variety of cheeses and dips with crackers.
“Bel even arranged for a special photographer before we boarded the ship, and she even lined up a violinist to play during dinner,” Ursillo said. “This was a great success, a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon with delicious food and wonderful music.”
During the dinner society president Louis McGowan provided remarks describing how he and his sister came over from England on the Queen Mary back in 1946.
“Lou also took a few minutes during dinner to give everyone a bit of history about the Queen Mary and its use as premier cruise liner for many rich and famous people,” Ursillo said.
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