The 1930s offered the best of times and the worst of times - and The Journey Museum will offer a way to revisit that era at its sixth annual Journey Soiree on April 13.

With its theme of "The 1930s: The Golden Age of Entertainment," guests are invited to don vintage clothing and celebrate the decade. The focus of the gala event will be on the opulent movies, romantic music and exciting radio shows that provided Americans with a much-needed escape from the everyday world of the Great Depression.

The soiree's opening act begins with a 2 p.m. matinee of the classic Dashiell Hammett film "The Thin Man" in the museum's Wells Fargo Theatre. A social hour will follow at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. in the Sioux Gallery.

The first course of the gala dinner is a spectacular soup called Curried Sweet Potato Soup by Wallie Matush and her daughter, Moni. Although probably never served in any soup kitchen during the Depression, it is a classic comfort food, made with two different kinds of potatoes and an interesting blend of curry and nutmeg to create an exotic taste.

"I like to use curry and nutmeg. It brings out the taste of the potatoes, but it's not overpowering," Wallie Matush said.

The soup has been served at Moni Matush's restaurant, the Alpine Inn in Hill City. The elder Matush is an instinctive cook, adding a little of this and a little of that to her stews and soups to create just the right flavor.

"I'm going to have to make my soup so I can write down the recipe," she promised early last week.

Both sides of Matush's grandparents ran restaurants during the 1930s in her native home of Stuttgart, Germany. Although she doesn't recall the eateries (she was barely age 2 at the time), it may have influenced her when she decided to open her own shop in Hill City.

"I think it must run in the blood," she said.

Although that kitchen craft spirit did skip two of her three children, Moni Matush has demonstrated her mother's instinctive skills in the kitchen and the business when she took over the restaurant several years ago.

Soiree organizer Joan Hunter said that 19 tables of eight are available and guests are asked to make reservations for the fundraiser as early as possible. While the Journey has more than 40 silent auction items, it also has a popular bake sale that began three years ago.

"At some silent auctions, people aren't always able to afford to bid. At least here, they'll buy a pie. It's been such a hit, we've continued it," Hunter said.

Last year, nearly 200 people wearing zoot suits, flapper skirts and an "anything goes" spirit of the jazz era made the fundraiser a memorable evening. This year, organizers want guests to get out their faux furs, gowns and fun tuxes for an evening that begins like most Hollywood premieres - with a movie.

"Every year, we try to do something a little different. This year we're having a matinee," Hunter said.

Food committee members Helen Magnussen, Catherine Dimock and Mary Snortland sat down with area chefs and planned a taste-tempting dinner. Other items on the menu include beef Wellington with bernaise sauce and asparagus garnish, new parsley potatoes, twisted herb bread sticks, spring salad with edible blossoms, lemon curd tassy and wine and coffee. Each table will feature heavy table linens and creative centerpieces.

"We wanted something elegant," Snortland said. "It all reflects Hollywood and the glamour of the era."

"The whole concept of eating in the museum is just so cool," Dimock added.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.

If you go

* What: "The 1930s: The Golden Age of Entertainment" sixth annual Journey Soiree

* When: 2 p.m. matinee, 4 p.m. social hour and 5 p.m. dinner on Sunday, April 13

* Where: The Journey Museum, 222 New York St.

* Tickets: $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight; call 394-6923

Attendees are encouraged to wear period clothing, but it is not required. Proceeds will benefit The Journey Museum's endowment fund.