Do you love “Downton Abbey?” delicious full-bodied tea? delectable tea time treats? lively conversation? Don’t miss this delightful fund-raising event on behalf of Morrison Community Hospital Foundation (MCHF.) Proceeds will directly benefit the Hospital, including Emergency Room improvements. Afternoon tea will be served at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, lL. Each table will be designed and decorated by talented local hostesses. If desired, tea goers are encouraged to don their favorite hat or Victorian/Edwardian attire.
“Everything stops for tea.” The MCHF is proud to welcome again the Tea Ladies of Bloomington, IL.
You will enjoy a pleasant afternoon of traditional tea service and a program about our favorite Edwardian family and their servants, as we take you through the day, both “upstairs” and “downstairs.” Follow the Lord and Lady and their beautiful daughters through the social rigors of the rich. Learn how the butler and housekeeper maintain the daily routines and rules of servant life. The Tea Ladies weave this fascinating story with a display of several stunning fashions of the era.
Nancy Perzo and Karen Patton of The Tea Ladies, Inc. have written over 24 historical programs based on the Victorian era, with each program presented in full Victorian costume. Their history programs can take you on HMS Titanic, to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and through many topics of Victorian/Edwardian history. The Tea Ladies travel throughout Illinois presenting these entertaining programs to museums, church groups, and other organizations. They have been featured in publications such as Tea Time magazine.
Attendees of the Foundation’s afternoon tea will savor the flavors of a traditional low tea menu. Tea service will be complimented by scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of savories and sweet bites. Low tea, also known as afternoon tea, was considered by Victorians to be a much more sophisticated and aristocratic event than high tea. Low tea was commonly served late afternoon on low drawing room tables and designed to help stave off hunger until the 8:00 p.m. dinner service. Afternoon tea always included titillating conversation and gossip as well as warm tea and delectable sustenance.
High tea was served on high dining tables in the late afternoon or early evening. The menu would consist of hearty supper-type dishes such as meat pies, ham, salads, cakes, custards, and fresh fruits. Generally only the working class would partake in high tea in place of a later dinner.
Tickets are $30 and are available at the hospital front desk, Fitzgerald Pharmacy 124 E. Main Street, Morrison, Kelly Vegter at 815-772-4907, or Mick Welding at 815-772-5510. There are a limited number of tickets, so secure yours soon! Contact Vegter or Welding with questions.