Approximately 75 people attended the “Ghosts of Gatsby” special evening last Friday in the Crystal Room of Kentwood Hall. When the Kentwood Arms opened in 1926, it was the most elegant hotel in Springfield, and glimmers of that former glamour were evident last Friday. 

This “Speakeasy Soiree” was organized and produced by Ann Marie Daehn and Jim Baumlin, two MSU faculty members, with support from the MSU Libraries, particularly Craig Amason.

The evening included a performance of the operetta “Ghosts of Gatsby” by the MSU Opera, a sumptuous meal, various songs and skits, a silent auction, and the awarding of the best-dressed female and male in period costumes from the Roaring Twenties. Jessica Bennett, Associate Professor of Library Science, in the red dress in the photo above, won as the best-dressed female. Congratulations, Jessica!