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. |
3 comments:
such a pretty site!
I love the tree's!! And I hope my future husband open's doors for me :)
BEAUTIFUL BLOG SIS! You Captured it so well. It was so much fun and a nice beginning to the Christmas season.
Your pictures are beautifull. Had a great time. Thanks for sharing. Mom
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