A Gilded great time: Barb's Tea Service presents a Gilded Age Tea at the Port Huron Museum

Kayla Flanagan, who we met a few year's back at another historic venue, with Barb G. of BTS

Last week, BTS had the great pleasure of serving up a Gilded Age tea time at the Port Huron Museum. Along with tasty treats provided by the Museum, BTS served up hot tea and gilded gift bags to a roomful of delightful guests - many of whom brought their own teacup with special stories to share.

BTS Team:  Rob G., Barb G. and Pam B. at Port Huron Museum

This event was made possible by Kayla Flanagan, Curator of Programs and Education of the Port Huron Museums. We first met Kayla several years ago during her tenure at Meadow Brook Hall, where she coordinated a series of Downton Abbey tea talks featuring BTS.  Thanks to her invitation, we were thrilled to be one of the very first tea programs at the Port Huron Museum.

Serving tea and selecting tea treats before Gilded Age program begins.

While I shared Gilded Age facts and fortunes, BTS team members, Pam B. and Rob G., served attendees, many dressed in afternoon tea/vintage finery. Two best friends, in beautiful retro-fashion dresses and hats, scored gold for the Gilded Age.

Friends who dressed in vintage attire won gold at The Gilded Age tea.

One guest immediately recognized our Biltmore sugar bowls and creamers. (We own two sets—thanks to a few too many enthusiastic visits to the Biltmore gift shop, we lost track of our reproduction china inventory. But in the spirit of the Gilded Age, a little excess feels perfectly appropriate.) She was well-acquainted with the Vanderbilt china pattern, having Biltmore teacups of her own.

Guest with her own Biltmore teacup.

Friends attending Gilded Age tea.

The Port Huron Museum itself is steeped in Gilded Age history. Originally the Port Huron Library, it was built with funds from Gilded Age industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. Today, it houses a rich museum collection, including The Carnegie.

More tea serving!

Sisters who shared their teacup stories. 

Port Huron also shares a connection with Thomas Edison, who moved to the city in 1854 at the age of seven. Though his memories of Port Huron may have been mixed, the city played a formative role in his early life. He benefited from the large library he patronized often and a newly built railroad line, stretching from Detroit to Fort Gratiot, that provided him his first job. 

Rob prepping tea.

Tea and gilded age goodie bags.

 

Edison’s legacy even makes a cameo in HBO/Max’s The Gilded Age (Season 1, Episode 7), in a dramatized yet largely accurate depiction of his illuminating Manhattan in September 1882. (And yes, Port Huron proudly hosts the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.)

BTS was delighted to be part of this wonderful museum event with equally wonderful guests. Gilded Age fortunes - outrageous, Gilded Age tea time in Port Huron - priceless!