V2 N16

Page 42 Exit Zero
August 27, 2004 August 27, 2004 Exit Zero
Page 43
WALKING AROUND
BY JOHNNY WAWA
Step Inside...
Madame’s Port
Cape May’s
Caroler
Available exclusively at
Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe,
518 Washington Street Mall
The most unique Christmas Shoppe
in Cape May ~ Check Us Out!
DURING the days of Queen Victoria, when outhouses were
used and no one complained, Americans had a sense of
fun. In most cases, “fun” was best expressed by throwing
a party. Even though by today’s standards these gatherings would
be considered lame, at best, Victorians sure could party hardy.
Everyone would dress in their fanciest attire, and a feast would
always be provided with whatever food that was in season at
the time. Some of the invited guest would bring a dessert to add
another course to the meal. The host or hostess would handle all
preparations of the food themselves, or they would have servants
and family members handle the kitchen while they would see to
the entertainment. Live music was performed so people could sing
along or just listen to new pieces that were composed just a few
days prior. The latest literary works were read, sometimes by the
author themselves, famous or anonymous, if that author were in
the area at the time. Drinks would be served and merriment was
had by all.
On some occasions, these parties were loud, and energy would
dance in the air. Other times, they would be somewhat subdued,
filled with intellectual or conversational pursuits. And if children
were there, they had their own room where they could eat and
play till their heart’s content. But sometimes you would see some
of the older children peeking into the room where the adults were
playing and wishing for the day when they would be old enough to
sit with the adults and join in their fun.
Sadly, those days are done. Modern conveniences have
practically eliminated the concept of community gatherings.
Why converse with people, face to face, when you can e-mail or
text message? You can download music or movies. You can even
jump in a chat room and talk to people who like what you like
and you can like what they like, and everyone can just like each
other. As a friend of mine once said, “Who needs to go out? With a
joystick, mouse and computer, you can stay at home and entertain
yourself.” I chuckled at the phrase “entertain yourself”. I couldn’t
help but wonder that if he had used that phrase 25 years ago would
someone have warned him against going blind?
There are some attempts that are still made, to be sure –
parties where pretty much an entire block is closed down, for
example. But these events seem to slide toward the competitive.
One group who has rented a booth to sell their homemade, oneof-a-kind
trinkets will start complaining that another group, three
booths down, are selling their homemade, one-of-a-kind trinkets
Continued on Page 44 Ê
furniture
unique gifts
home decor
From Mexico, Thailand,
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311 Washington St. Mall, Cape May (609) 884-5858
Or shop online at: www.madames-port.com
[PS: If you’re a local, mention it at the register...]