The Elkins Purple Majesties had a Red-Rip-Roaring good ole time at their annual Christmas dinner! Once again, the holiday celebration was held at Graceland Inn & Mansion in Elkins. If you weren't there you missed a real treat - and a spectacular show, as evidenced by the photo at left.

Graceland Inn is the picture of turn-of-the-20th-century elegance and the Elkins Purple Majesties couldn't have dreamed of a more festive atmosphere in which to celebrate the holiday season. Poised on the hillside of the campus of Davis & Elkins College, Graceland Inn commands a twenty-mile view of the scenic West Virginia mountains. Built in 1883, this beautifully restored Victorian sandstone mansion served as the summer home to U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential candidate Henry Gassaway Davis. Today the mansion is a premier inn with each room lovingly restored and decorated with antiques or Victorian reproductions. If you want to lap in the luxury from a bygone era, Graceland is the place to visit.

Hatters started their evening off with a scrumptious meal prepared by executive chef Melanie Campbell. Santa kept a watch over the dessert table which was filled with yummy fruit and mouth-watering lemon squares. He wanted to make sure everyone cleaned her plate before letting sugar plums dance in her head, or mouth.

Later, chapter members were treated to the musical talents of Jim Harris and Linda Lee from "Lucky Enough". Everyone joined in singing Christmas carols - and if we didn't always remember the words we just made them up! You know hatters - there are NO RULES! This is the second time Linda has entertained our group and we were very happy that she brought Jim with her. His rendition of "The Farmer's Daughter" was particularly touching. Jim even wore his red hat - having earned it only a few days prior. Both Jim and Linda are more than welcome back anytime. Catch their "Lucky Enough" group Saturday evenings at the lower level of the Elks Club. You're sure to have a good time.

If all this sounds exhilarating then you must know that the REAL SHOWSTOPPERS of the night were Sharon and Gayle, hands down. Dawning the latest in burlesque fashion, they performed as the "Ettes" - backup singers to Jim and Linda Lee. A few other "Ettes" were supposed to perform but Sharon and Gayle were more than the group could handle. I think Jim is ready to take the show on the road ... I think Sharon and Gayle proved this is as good as "Ette" gets!!!

 

 

For More Information
GRACELAND INN
Davis & Elkins College
Elkins WV 26241
1-800-624-3157
http://www.gracelandinn.com/