Hearthside - The House That Love Built

AN AMERICAN GIRL DOLL™ TEA PARTY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 22ND

A new event is being introduced by the Friends of Hearthside to their 2007 program series. On Sunday, April 22 nd, Hearthside will host an American Girl™ Doll Tea Party, which is in addition to the Annual Traditional Afternoon Tea that is scheduled for Sunday, April 29th. But, the American Girl™ Doll Tea Party is being planned especially for young girls along with their mothers and grandmothers as a special event they can share with their dolls. Wearing their Sunday finery and toting their favorite doll, the party participants will gather in this lovely setting for a very delightful afternoon of tea, lemonade, elegant prepared miniature sandwiches and sweets, as well as a crash course in proper Victorian etiquette.

The event, “Samantha’s Tea Party”, is being held in honor of Samantha

Parkington, one of the more popular historical era American Girl™ dolls. The story of Samantha, a nine-year old orphan raised by her wealthy and very proper grandmother in 1904, captures the essence of what it was like growing up in Victorian America and touches on the authenticity of the Victorian era. The American Girl Doll™ Collection includes eight dolls, with each doll representing a fictional character from a specific time period, social background, and segment of U.S. history. The doll is dressed in period clothing and come with books about the period in which they lived their fictional lives.

At Samantha’s Tea Party, history will come to life as guests experience first-hand how Samantha lived a life of luxury during the first years of the 20 th century, all in the elegant setting of an actual historic mansion. Most girls who own American Girl™ dolls have read the books and have a keen interest in their doll’s background and history. “Samantha’s Tea Party will be a wonderful opportunity for all to experience the nostalgia and traditions of this period in history,” notes Kathy Hartley, President of Friends of Hearthside. “This multi-generational program gives families time together to share memories and enjoy a gracious afternoon tea in the manner that Samantha’s grandmother would have served the ladies at that time.”

Every Victorian girl would have been taught the proper etiquette so that they would be prepared to participate in such elegant affairs. Lessons such as the expected way to dress with gloves and hats for a tea, using a fan to express oneself without words, having proper manners at the table and how to sip tea graciously and are just some of the basics a young girl would have to know during that time in history. Samantha’s Tea Party participants will get their own lesson in manners before tea is served. While lovely hats and white gloves are encouraged, they are optional.

In addition to the dainty treats being served and etiquette lessons, the event will also feature raffle prizes, tours of the historic home, and shopping in the Hearthside Gift Shop.

Space is limited for the Tea Party which will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tickets, at $16.00 each, must be purchased in advance by calling Hearthside at 726-0597 before April 16 th.

All dolls are welcome and can come to the tea party for free. Tickets are non-refundable, and proceeds from the event benefit the restoration of the historic home.

Return to top