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The Downtown Dames was formed in 2004 in an effort to enhance the Quapaw Quarter and Historic Districts of Little Rock in the revitalization, renewal and promotion of 19th century events. History reveals that by the 1880’s that Little Rock had become an entertainment destination for travelers. Traveling by train, steamboat, stagecoach and buggy visitors were enthralled with all that Little Rock offered. The Opera House hosted theatrical events. Local clubs such as the gentlemen’s Athletic Club, the eastside ladies AEsthetic Club and Woman’s City Club hosted lavish formal events and the city’s most exquisite homes of the era hosted dances, balls, weddings and parties. Commerce was changing hands and businesses grew. Cotton no longer grew where the town would expand and antebellum buildings were torn down to make room for larger buildings to be erected to meet the needs of the growing city.

Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian homes lined the streets, children played in yards and on the sidewalks and neighbors greeted friends and welcomed them into their homes or front porches. Streetlights of gas and then electric lined her streets and carriages moved gracefully down her streets of brick.

Today everything has come full circle. Little Rock’s historic homes and neighborhoods are being restored. They are once again a place to visit neighbors and where home host a wide array of events from cookouts, parties, teas, garden clubs, weddings and tours.

It seems only a natural progression to revitalize Little Rock’s grand events as well. The Downtown Dames started with a Victorian Fashion Tea in September 2004 hosted by the Empress of Little Rock, a local bed and breakfast restored in 1994 by Mr. Bob Blair and Sharon Welch-Blair. The grand Gothic Queen Anne Victorian home was finally completed in 1888 after 6 years of construction and features all Arkansas native building materials. Built by James H. Hornibrook, a very successful saloonkeeper in Little Rock, Mr. Hornibrook waited until his rival saloonkeeper, Angelo Marre’ finished his 2nd Empire Italianate home at 15th and Scott Streets before building his new home at 22nd and Louisiana Streets. (Visitors to Little Rock immediately identify the Villa Marre as the Julia Sugarbaker home on “Designing Women”.) The Tea featured not only exquisite fashions from circa 1850 to 1890, but also focused on period jewelry and hair styles. Guests were served sumptuous tea treats in the grand dining room.

The first New Year’s Eve Victorian Ball was hosted in 2004 at the restored ballroom of the Woman’s City Club at 4th and Scott Streets in downtown Little Rock. Live greens and palms decorated the ballroom amidst antique oil lamps. The buffet table was set with garlands of green and red velvet bows. The orchestra conducted by Professor David Peterson, instructed guests in the dance styles of the Victorian era. Historically, Victorian Balls had a professional orchestra and dancing organized by a dancing master - there was very little “freestyle” dancing. Throughout the fall season, eager dancers would have attended classes in dancing style and etiquette. Dance cards assured dancers the opportunity of dancing their favorite dances with qualified partners. About two-thirds of the dances were square dances (quadrilles and cotillions) and set dance waltzes, with a mixture of reels, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, and ethnic dances. As though silently stilled in time, ladies in period ball gowns were swayed across the dance floor by dashing gentlemen in tuxedos. The highlight of the evening was the Grande Marche led by celebrity guests, Arkansas Congressman, the Honorable Vic Snyder and his lovely wife, the Reverend Betsy Singleton. A promenade of gentlemen with their ladies led to the crowning of the king and queen of the ball who were adorned with the most authentic period dress of the evening. The bewitching hour was welcomed as guests joined hands to sing Auld Lang Syne and sip champagne from commemorative etched flutes.

With the success of 2 events under their belt, the Dames embarked upon their second year of events with the second Victorian Tea in September 2005. The event was held at the home of Dr. John Skowronski and Mrs. Jennifer Skowronski, the majestic Hotze Mansion. The mansion at 1619 So. Louisiana Street was built in 1900-1905 by Peter Hotze, a cotton baron and Confederate veteran originally from Little Rock who moved to New York to make his fortune. Hotze returned to Little Rock to build his retirement home in 1900 and commissioned Lewis Comfort Tiffany to decorate his fine new home. The fashion show was directed by Mrs. Grace Steuri who narrated the show while 8 models, including a precious young lady, were featured in authentic Victorian attire that Mrs. Steuri has collected over 20 years. Sissy Brown of Sissy’s Log Cabin in Pine Bluff showcased their Victorian jewelry that was available for purchase and Alda Ellis of Alda’s Forever showcased a portion of her Victorian silver collection and books. The tea was served in the grand dining hall of the mansion with tea service also available in the Library and Moorish rooms of the home. The home has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur by the Skowronski’s and features a collection of furniture by some of the world’s most notable furniture makers to include Prudent Mallard, C. Lee and John Henry Belter. Mrs. Skowronski, a member of The Downtown Dames graciously greeted guests in true Victorian style dressed in an 1890 walking suit of silver silk.

Once again the Woman’s City Ballroom was the backdrop for the 2005 New Year’s Eve Victorian Ball. A notable addition to the event was Little Rock Horse and Carriage Company providing services to the guests in the form of carriage rides. The grand ballroom decorated with period oil lamps, live greens and palms set the tone for a memorable evening. The reigning King and Queen arrived to the ball via carriage as well as some of the evening’s guests. Photographs were available in a vintage Victorian sleigh complete with a wintry backdrop by Gary Hawkins Photography. Floral Express prepared the massive floral arrangement for the buffet table. The sumptuous buffet featured a special collection of authentic Victorian Hor D’Oeuvres. The reigning King and Queen led the first Grande Marche of the evening and crowned the new King and Queen of the ball, which were decided by popular vote by guests attending the ball. Roy Dudley Antiques donated a Victorian Wine Cooler that was presented as a silent auction. The Arkansas Country Dance Band conducted by Professor David Peterson provided period Victorian music and instructed guests in the art of Victorian dancing. The midnight hour featured the band and guests holding hands singing Auld Lang Syne and toasting with commemorative champagne flutes.

The Downtown Dames are an energetic and progressive group of ladies that entertain the idea that to truly preserve our Historic District that we must also preserve the legacy and histories of the families that made this city great. Watch for our events and become a part of preserving Little Rock’s Victorian customs and history.

For more information please e-mail The Downtown Dames at Tat1000@cs.com.