FORT HUNTER VICTORIAN TEA

The tea room at Fort Hunter Mansion

Each year at Fort Hunter Mansion, the public is invited to a Victorian tea around Christmas time.  Many times I thought of attending this event because it sounded like such fun.  Today I finally went and I wasn't disappointed.  Fort Hunter is located along the Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg and it offers visitors a glimpse of 19th century Pennsylvania life.  The photo above is the tea room where guests were invited to feast on tea sandwiches and cookies with a warm cup of orange spice tea.  Notice the Victorian style dresses worn by the servers.  Candles added to the table's inviting warmth.  And not a paper plate or cup was in sight.  We ate on the good china and tea was served on a plate of silver, poured from silver teapots. 

After tea, we enjoyed a tour of the mansion then walked down to the Tavern House where a Festival of Trees were on display.  Area garden clubs decorate the trees each year and then they are raffled in a drawing for lucky winners to take home, decorations and lights included.  The tastiest part of the day was the Open Hearth Cooking demonstration (pictured below) where we received a sample of roasted butternut squash with apples and raisins.  It was delicious.

Flour was used sparingly during the civil war.  It sold for $500 a barrel.

          

The Tavern House and the oldest tree on the property.

                                                                        

My second favorite tree.

The Dolls and Teacups tree

This tree, decorated by the Halifax Garden Club was my favorite

Ladies hats, gloves, purses and handmade roses adorned my favorite tree.

Men opening doors for ladies is a rare and wonderful thing.

Inside the Fort Hunter Mansion

 A lady of the house greeted us inside the door.

A cozy corner of the Family Room

The children's bedroom

This baby carriage made many trips through downtown Harrisburg

A second floor window overlooking the Susquehanna River

A closet full of vintage hats, shoes, and accessories

An upstairs bedroom

Musicians filled the mansion with enchanting music

One last look at the mansion before I go.