Go back in time at League City's Victorian Weekend

LEAGUE CITY — Board the Titanic, solve a murder, wear a big hat and cut the rug 1800s style at the Texas Victorian Weekend in League City next week.

“Come and step back in time and enjoy a little history,” said J’Nean Henderson, who plays the role of Molly Brown in the Titanic Mystery Dinner Theatre on Feb. 3. Henderson and her Victorian Lady shop are part of the League City Historic Shoppes Merchant Association sponsoring the weekend.

Annette Conwell, owner of Annette’s Emporium, won’t be acting a major role on the Titanic, but looks forward to the mysterious voyage. “Last year, everyone there had a ball,” she said. “It really was very enjoyable.”

The mystery dinner performance was added to last year’s Victorian Weekend, with diners attending in Victorian costume and working to solve the case. This year, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the mystery theater returns to that setting, with a new script and new dastardly deeds.

“Anyone who loves history should come,” said Henderson, who is reprising her role as the American philanthropist known as “the unsinkable Molly Brown” for her efforts helping in the evacuation of the Titanic in 1912.

All three events of the League City weekend harken back to the 1800s and early 1900s Victorian era, that period of time when Queen Victoria reigned and fashions were flamboyant. Corsets, layers of flounced petticoats, long gowns, gloves and low necklines were in vogue for women during that period, along with wide-brimmed hats bedecked with silk flowers, ribbons and exotic plumes.

Such fashions will be in the spotlight Feb. 4 at the Victorian Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show at the Butler Longhorn Museum. Proceeds will benefit the museum.

Henderson, known for her educational presentations on the Victorian era, will present fashions from 1854 to 1912. Modern day fashions will be presented by the Clothes Horse of League City.

The Texas Victorian Sweetheart’s Ball will conclude the weekend. Young lady debutantes will be featured in Victorian ball gowns, along with traditional dances. Henderson will call out the steps for the dances.

“We just love to see the people come in costume and step back in time,” she said. “They love the dancing and all look absolutely beautiful.”

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At A Glance

WHAT: Texas Victorian Weekend, presented by the League City Historic Shoppes Merchant Association

WHEN: Feb. 3-4

Details
• Titanic Mystery Dinner Theatre, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 3 at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center’s Harbour Club, 2500 South Shore Blvd., in League City. Prominent members of the community will be featured. Wes Adair of Murder by Chocolate Mystery Dinner Theatre in Kemah will direct. Couples $90, singles $45, with proceeds helping cover printing costs for the Guide to Shopping and Restaurants in Historic League City. Victorian or formal attire requested.

• Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Butler Longhorn Museum, 1220 Coryell, in League City. The show will feature J’Nean Henderson of The Victorian Lady presenting fashions from 1854-1912, while the Clothes Horse of League City will present fashions from 2012. Afternoon tea will be served. Tickets are $25 each, with proceeds benefiting the Butler Longhorn Museum.

• Texas Victorian Sweetheart’s Ball, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Tad Akers Event Facility, 1218 Clear Creek Ave., in League City. Dance Mistress J’Nean Henderson of The Victorian Lady will call steps of dances. The event will also feature a Southern Belle Debutante presentation for young ladies. Couples $85/singles $45. Victorian or formal attire requested. Proceeds will benefit The Victorian Lady’s costume and educational presentations.