Edwards Place held its first Victorian Tea on Saturday, October 2, and by all accounts a delightful time was had by all!
Twenty-nine guests joined us in the sitting and dining rooms for tea and treats - the same room where Helen Edwards entertained prominent Springfield citizens such as Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, Stephen Logan, and John T. Stuart more than a century and a half ago!
P.G. Tips tea (a favorite in England) was served in china teapots and teacups. The menu included curried chicken salad sandwiches on croissants; cream cheese, cucumber, and mint sandwiches on white bread; apple butter and cheddar sandwiches on wheat; and cream cheese sandwiches on zucchini bread, along with a tasty selection of fruit and desserts.
The Tea Ladies of Bloomington were on hand in their Victorian finery to present an interactive program on outrageous etiquette of the 19th century. Guests learned arcane but amusing tidbits such as why it was improper to chew on the end of one's umbrella and why one should secure one's baby in the carriage rather than bring it in when making a social call.
If you missed the fun on October 2, there is good news - Edwards Place is hosting a Christmas Tea on December 11 at 2 p.m. and there is still plenty of time to sign up! This tea will focus on the splendor of Victorian Christmas traditions, and the Tea Ladies will be back share details of holiday preparations in the 19th century, right down to the tradition of eating chocolate cockroaches! Afterwards, guests will have an opportunity to shop at the Art Association's annual Holiday Hall event, where local artists and artisans will sell their one-of-a-kind wares.
Tickets are $25 per person. Call 217-523-2631 or email collections@springfieldart.org to reserve your spot before November 29.
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