By NewsLine Staff
mail@floridanewsline.com
The 100th anniversary celebration for the Mandarin Community Club was not only a fun event, but a total throwback to the 1920s. It was 1923 again in 2023!
As guests arrived, they were greeted by the sight of four vintage vehicles on the front lawn of the club to admire and use as photo backdrops. A hostess station outside welcomed guests with chilled watermelon wine and sparkling cider to break the July heat. Inside the clubhouse, the “Ice Cream Parlor” (aka Speakeasy) was open to serve orange blossom cocktails in brown bagged mason jars while the DJ turned 1920s tunes. Many guests joined in the spirit of the ‘20s and sported Gatsby style apparel. Their outfits and their friendships were memorialized in a free photo booth.
A typical 1923 Mandarin supper buffet fed guests and was followed by a Gatsby-era demonstration by the dance pros from All About Ballroom. Some guests even joined in and tried out their moves on the dance floor. After dancing, guests settled in for a short “Thank you for the 100 years of support and memories” speech by President Susie Scott that was interrupted by an other-worldly visit from club founder Walter Jones — who dropped in from “The Grove” to share the story of his life and the founding of the Mandarin Community Club in 1923.
That original and marvelously entertaining skit was the brainchild of Emily Lisska, past president, who wrote and directed the performance given by board member Brett Nolan with the help of club member Ginny Barker, who served up some divine guidance to Walter Jones including directing him back to “The Grove” after his visit to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mandarin Community Club.
The Mandarin Community Club is forming a steering committee to help with ideas and direction for the next 100 years — and members and the public alike are encouraged to join to help ensure the viability of the community club in that future. Email mandarincommunityclub@gmail.com or call the club if you are interested in serving.
Mandarin Community Club is deeply appreciative to Councilman Michael Boylan for the honor he bestowed at the June 27 Jacksonville City Council meeting with a resolution honoring the club’s 100 years of commitment, achievement and community engagement. As his final proclamation, Mayor Lenny Curry issued a proclamation recognizing and congratulating the Mandarin Community Club.
“The club would also like to thank the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society and the Mandarin Garden Club, both of which were born from the Mandarin Community Club, for their letters of congratulations along with letters from Senator Marco Rubio and Representative John Rutherford,” said Susie Scott, club president.
“It’s been a proud year for the Mandarin Community Club since the 100th Anniversary countdown began with a party in July 2022,” Scott said. “The club looks forward to the future with great enthusiasm.”
Photo courtesy Susie Scott
Susie Scott and Emily Lisska pose in period attire with antique cars.
