A Victorian Tea at Maple Grove with the Richmond Hill Historical Society

Sunday, June 12, 2011 2:00 PM–4:00 PM

The Victorian Tea was held by the Richmond Hill Historical Society and sponsored by the Friends of Maple Grove. The Celebration Hall was filled and the event was a sheer delight. Guests were seated at eight tables. Each table was dedicated to a Great Victorian Lady of Maple Grove. Among them Kate Claghorn, Madame Rosina Lhevinne, Elisabeth Riis, Frances Crosby, Maria Armbruster, Rosa Weiden, Mabel Davis, and Edith Ware. Each table had a beautiful ceramic tile displaying a photo of each of the great ladies along with a full page biography. All the food was home made by the members of the Richmond Hill Historical Society and the china services came from various collections including that of the 20th Century Club of Richmond Hill founded in 1897. The Friends of Maple Grove donated prizes of over-sized playing cards from the BBC production of Alice in Wonderland and reminded everyone of Lewis Carroll's tea party. Prizes were also given to those with the prettiest hats. Linda Russell, musical historian, came and entertained the gathering with wonderful songs of the past and dedicated many to the great ladies of Maple Grove. It was indeed a glorious event and was so well planned out for all to enjoy!

Photo above: Helen Day, vice president and Ivan Mrakovcic, president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society welcoming guests to the Victorian Tea; Photo below: Musical Historian Linda Russell performs during the Victorian Tea