Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.life From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Restoring the charm of art deco Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 15:13:22 EST Message-ID: \SE E;LIFE;ABOUT TOWN \HD Restoring the charm of art deco \BY Robin Applestein \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES Saturday evening the calendar could have been turned back 60 years or more, when art deco style was as much a way of life as it was an art form. That was certainly the impression 300 elegantly dressed members of the Art Deco Society of Washington were hoping to make at the Omni Shoreham - itself a restored art deco building - where they packed the dance floor to jitterbug, Lindy and tango the night away. "Hi-de-ho, hi-de-ho" chanted inimitable showman Doc Scantlin, whose spats never stopped tapping as he and his Imperial Palms Orchestra blasted out the fabulous era's most famous songs. Costume judge Mayo Carter reported that her job was a difficult one. "They are all unique!" she exclaimed as a parade of contestants in molting minks, monocles, feather boas and flapper headpieces passed in review. Authenticity was clearly a key element. "The winners wore vintage clothing, not today's dresses that mimmick the style of the times," ball chairman Joel Shprentz said. The society recognized two new successful presevation projects with awards: the Hecht Co. warehouse (1937) on New York Avenue NW, and its 1946 CityPlace Shopping Center in Silver Spring. Founded by Richard Striner 10 years ago, the local group has used aggressive legal preservation efforts to save a number of notable art deco landmarks from demolition, including the old Greyhound terminal at 11th Street and New York Avenue NW, the Montgomery Arms Apartments in Silver Spring, the Greenbelt Elementary School and Lee Garden Apartments in Arlington. One of the society's most intensive efforts has been its crusade to save and restore the Silver Theater and adjacent shopping center in Silver Spring. But, after nine years of struggle, its fate remains to be decided, said Mr. Striner, noting, "We still don't have legal protection locked in." The ball ended on a more positive note with what one guest called an "incredible, unforgettable conga line." And as the crowd snaked through the ballroom, one couldn't help feeling that it was an altogether fitting way to preserve the past for the future. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM