Colusa County book-in-common readers partied on Saturday, like in the roaring 1920s for the 2022 Virginia Yerxa Community Read.
Multiple events surrounded F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” a novel set around a mysterious millionaire during a decedent period in American history.
“It’s been 100 years since the novel was written, and if you can think about why the novel speaks to us today – or not – is that some of the things now seem to be an erratically different world than in 1925 – or not,” said UC Davis English professor, Matthew Stratton, who filled in for Fitzgerald-expert Peter Hays, who passed away unexpectedly in April.
Hays’ widow, Mryna, attended the lecture and some of the Gatsby events on Saturday.
Library events, a Pierce High School Jazz performance, group discussion, documentary showing, stage performance, historic walking tour of early 20th century structures, flower arranging, quilt contest, and a house party drew dozens of people to enjoy a day dedicated to bringing the community together around one common theme.
Some attended a few events, while others attended all or most.
“I didn’t see the documentary; I was practicing for the play,” said Megan Farrell, who played Jordan Baker, a wealthy young socialite, in The Stagehands’ single-scene performance from “The Great Gatsby,” at the Community Theater at the old Colusa Union High School, where Saturday’s events got underway.
Those who attended the Gatsby events said the five-character parlor scene was the most entertaining of all. In addition to Farrell, the cast included her husband, Brendan, as Nick Carraway the “narrator” of Fitzgerald’s novel; Winston Welch, who stole the show; Loni Gross; and Mitchell Yerxa, as Jay Gatsby.
Book Club With A Twist, held at Rocco’s Bar and Grill on Friday night, was also well received.
The examination of the novel was staged as “speed dating” groups of four people that rotated around tables – over alcoholic beverages – which is common throughout the book, despite prohibition.
“No one sat with who they came with, and every 10 to 15 minutes or so, we would ask them to switch tables so they could have different conversations,” said Stacey Costello, one of the organizers. “I’m biased but I think it was really fun. The reason we chose the Gin Rickey is that it was featured in the book and it is rumored to have been Fitzgerald’s very favorite drink.”
Costello said the attendance at this year’s event was well beyond what the group expected. The 2020 event was canceled during the pandemic, and the 2021 event was scaled down.
The Colusa Heritage Preservation Commission sponsored the walking tour, which included a Gatsby-style house party at the historic home on 9th Street, known as the John L. Langdon House, which was designed in 1917 by highly acclaimed Berkeley California architect Walter Ratcliff (1881-1978).
The house party, which included 1920s music and bocce ball, was hosted by Daniel Saint James and Mark Tomey, who have lived in the “Disney” house for one year.
The day’s event concluded deco floral arranging at the Friendship Hall.
Flower Show judge Susi Gillum taught a few dozen people to make Gatsby-worthy floral arrangements.
The County Garden Club sponsored the event and provided all the flowers.
All Virgina Read events were free and open to the public. ■