A Modern Day Victorian Lady

Another Great Artist of Providence, Rhode Island.

2012-02-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Antique tinted photo by David Davidson This beautiful hand tinted photo it measures 18 by 14 and the photo itself measures 8 by 10 the picture is in perfect condition there are water spots around the edges that does not touch the picture itself, for the age the wooden frame is in good overall conditon, wonderful collectors item David Davidson was the founder of the Davidson Photographic Studios in Providence RI. Davidson went on to become one of the national leaders in hand-colored photography and, his business ranked #2 in total overall sales of hand-colored photographs, with only Wallace Nutting selling more pictures than him. Working most of his career in Providence RI, most Davidson pictures were taken in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New England.
http://www.blueswansattic.com/David-Davidson-Hand-Tinted-Photo-Girl-By-The-Cheval-Mirror-33568.htm?categoryId=-1

Calling on Mr and Mrs. Edward Mitchell Bannister.

2012-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

I have decided to visit the home of Mr. Edward M Bannister and Christiana Carteaux Bannister.
After the war Civil War, the Bannisters moved to Providence where both their careers flourished here at 93 Benevolent Street.

Their home sits on a beautiful quiet street in the College Hill section of town. I have always admire the historic homes in the surrounding era. Because of the Bannister's life here in this house is my obsession for this visit.

This is where Mr. Bannister become a leader in the American art world..With my passion for history and the arts, I needed to feel the presence of this great man and his life.

Being here today assures me that this home is a valuable icon for African American history.

Well, I could see no one was home, so I left my calling card which reads...
                              To The Mr. and Mrs. of the House,

                      Sorry to have missed you today,
                            February 5th, 1886.
                             I will call on you again, Lady Estelle T. Tucker

This home is listed on the Providence Preservation Society and "This House Matters"

Edward Bannister was a prominent black painter who lived at 93 Benevolent St. from 1884 to 1899 with his wife, Christiana, though neither ever owned the property.

http://www.browndailyherald.com/city-state/breaking-into-the-vault-93-benevolent-st-1.1671852#.TzCeVZD5LJJ

My Adventure to the Providence Art Club

2012-02-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

This evening I attend an awards reception at the Providence Arts club. The Providence Art Club was founded in 1880. Mr Edward Mitchell Bannister was one of the founding members.

I was very much looking forward to this adventure.
As, I entered the club, I felt as I had step back in time. I had seen this old photo of some of the members back in the 1800's, enjoy breakfast in one of the sitting rooms.

Well, tonight

I got to see that same room. It was one of my favorite rooms of the club. It was enchanting.
As I roamed around like a little girl discovering new places, I came across a very small cozy sitting area with a warm fire going. I could sit there and get lost in the moment.

But, then my friends found me and it was time to return back into the 21st century. I have decided that I will have a return visit in the future.It was a glorious night

My Very First Civil War Attire

2012-01-29T17:10:00.000-08:00

This is one of my first outfits I purchased from Littlehuggs Costumes. I made the waist coat shorter, added under selves and a Civil war bonnet to complete the look,

Littlehuggs Reenactment Costumes make Lady's and Girl's Civil War and Victorian costumes and clothing.

* This includes Victorian and Civil War reenactment costumes like Civil War nurse and mourning dress, pioneer / prairie, maid, and other Victorian costumes and underclothing for theater and reenactments. Littlehuggs Reenactment Costumes also makes other custom historic costumes like pilgrim and buck skinning "living history" costumes.
http://www.reenactmentcostumes.com/index.htm

Titanic Anniversary, the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic Sinking

2012-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

Titanic Anniversary, the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic Sinking

This Old Home

2012-01-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is the house that I had mention in my previous post. The home of Edward Mitchell Bannister. Today I went to take a closer look at this amazing house.

It is so sad to see a historic home just sit with on life, abounded, lost memories and forgotten. It is my duty as a living history re-enactor to bring life back to this house and preserve the memory of times gone by.

As I did a little research, I found that the house belongs to Brown University. I was shocked that they have let it go by the way side.

I have an interest to see this home restored for the preservation of my African American heritage. We must keep history alive for our youth. They need to know of this great man and how people lived in the 1800's in New England. Seeing the house like this tells the story of Rhode Island. Let's make it a positive one. I want to show them how Edward Mitchell Bannister achieved his dream even back in the 1800's.

I must bring this home back to life.

'The Vault' on Benevolent St. remains closed, for now - The Brown Daily Herald - Serving the community daily since 1891

2012-01-18T15:13:00.000-08:00

'The Vault' on Benevolent St. remains closed, for now - The Brown Daily Herald - Serving the community daily since 1891

African American Victorian of Providence College Hill.

2012-01-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

After taking a tour of historic College Hill given by Mr Ray Rickman, I know I had to do my own research on these historic place and people. This area has always been an interest of mine. As I would stroll though the street looking and admiring these beautiful Victorian and Colonial homes, I would wonder who use to live there and what they were like.

As an African American, I wanted to know did they ever live in this erea. Well come to find out that there were quite a few. I wanted to know who they were.

One that has interest me first was, Mr Edward Mitchell Bannister.
He was born in Canada in 1828. His farther was black and his mother was white. He had a happy childhood until the death of his parents. Trying to make his own way he ended up in Boston in 1850,

He became a self taught artist at an early age. He lived in Boston, Mass. for some years and became apart of the Middle class community there. He was doing well in selling his art and married a fine business women named Christiana Carteaux. They married on June 10, 1857

This is a portrait done of her by her husband

Now, Christiana was born 1820 in Rhode Island. She was African American and Narragansett Indian.
This may have been why the couple moved to Providence, Rhode Island in 1870.

This lovely little home at 93 Benevolent was there home. Sad to say, today it is all boarded up sitting with no future. The couple never owned it right out and they had no children to inherit it.

One of this paintings, "Cows in Meadow"

Here in Providence, he was one of the founders of the Providence Art Club. In this photo you can see a silhouette of Mr Bannister on the wall.

Edward M Bannister (1828-1901)

After his death in 1901, the Providence Art Club created an exhibition of 101 of his paintings. Today, much of his work can be seen at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. and in Rhode Island at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. In Providence, Rhode Island College's Art Gallery is named in his honor.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

All is peaceful. I just watched the sun come up here in New England. It is cold outside, but it is as it should be for this time of the year. While I am having my first cup of Earl Gray for the day, I feel it is the perfect time to sit and send my Victorian friends good wishes. I wish you and your family peace and harmony for the day and the up and coming year.
With much admiration, Lady Estelle

Two African American girls

2011-12-19T16:58:00.001-08:00

Two African American girls, originally uploaded by Black History Album.

This photo is amazing. The young girl standing looks like me at the age of 8 and the girl sitting looks like my sister Wilhelmina at the age of 9. Wow,

african american woman, circa1910

2011-12-19T16:17:00.001-08:00

african american woman, circa1910, originally uploaded by sweetpea11215.

I absolutely love the flowers on her waist band.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

December is here already. Soon we will be saying "Happy New Years!"
But before that happens, let me wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season.
From my family to yours.
Lady Estelle

A Step Back Into A Dickens Christmas

2011-11-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

I know it is to soon to think about Christmas, but it is my favorite time of the year. I go back in time and imagine a true Victorian Christmas. Victorians loved this time to decorate their homes, entertain the family, go for a ride in the buggy to visit the neighbors. Best of all was the carolers at the door.

This Saturday on November 26th, I went to the small town of Pascoeg, Rhode Island, where they brought those moment of Christmas past back to life. It felt like a place right out of a Charles Dickens story.
My friends and I dressed the part and went for a Victorian stroll though the streets.

The shops where all decorated and ready for the visitors to stop by and do their Christmas shopping..

There was even a puppet show going on in the street for the children to see.

My favoirte was the merry Dickens carolers. This really put me in the Christmas spirit.

*Wishing all a happy and health holiday*

History of cooking by African Americans

2011-11-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

I attended a wonderful historic exhibit at the Culinary Arts Museum in Providence.

The exhibition tells the story of African American cookery in my state of Rhode Island from the 1700s to the present day. I was so impressed.

There were many artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and testimonials that gave life to how African Americans cooked and served food as slaves,.as newly freed men and women and who became successful entrepreneurs in the culinary trades

John B. Goins, “The American Colored Waiter.” (Chicago: The Hotel Monthly, 1902.)

Arriving in the ports of Newport and Providence, slaves learned to cook with the leftovers or scraps of their owners’ kitchens. By the 1850s, when slavery was abolished in Rhode Island, they used their skills as cooks and servants to earn a livelihood.

These are the stories that are not told in the history books. I was like a child trying to adsorb all this knowledge in one scoop. I was not able to fully read all the information that this exhibit had to ofter. I will need a return visit.

I meet an inspiring woman by the name of Sylvia Ann Soares, that thought by the way I was dressed that I was part of the exhibit. I assured her I was not. I informed her that I was a living history reenactor, but tonight I was just a student of history. She was very helpful in how I could get more information by getting involved with the Rhode Island Historical Society and The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.
We talk for quite some time and I am sure she will be instrumental to my historic growth.

A Mock Funeral at Hearthside

2011-10-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 29th, the mock funeral of Simon E. Thornton will take place at the historic Hearthside.
The mock funeral will be conducted by a preacher giving an authentic 19th century service. Among those in attendance will be mourners dressed in period mourning attire.

The coffin will be carried out by pallbearers to the awaiting antique hearse, followed by a grave site service in the yard. Tours of the house and exhibit will continue until closing at 5:00 p.m.

Reservations for the funeral are suggested. Admission is $10/person; children under 12 free. Call 726-0597 to reserve a spot for this unique event!

See gravestone carving this weekend at Hearthside | The Valley Breeze

2011-10-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

See gravestone carving this weekend at Hearthside | The Valley Breeze

gravestone carving this weekend at Hearthside

LINCOLN - Master stone-carver Adam Paul Heller will demonstrate his craft of decorative 19th-century gravestone carving at Lincoln's historic Hearthside House, 677 Great Road, on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. The demonstration is part of the "Gone But Not Forgotten: Victorian Funeral and Mourning Customs" exhibit taking place throughout October at Hearthside.
Hearthside is in mourning with black draping on the front porch, mirrors are covered in black, clocks stopped at the time of death, a wicker coffin and flowers set up in the front room, and exhibits of post-mortem photography, mourning attire and jewelry, antique embalming table and equipment, and funeral decor.
Visitors are given a "favor" of a funeral cookie, wrapped in white paper and sealed with black wax. Docents dressed for mourning will provide guided tours. Admission is $10.
For more information, call 401-726-0597 or visit www.hearthsidehouse.org

A Historic Walk through Providence

2011-09-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

I do enjoy taking a morning or afternoon walk through the most historic part of my town. My favorite part is College Hill.

At the bottom of the hill sits this beautiful Church. .

The First Baptist Church in America has been on College Hill in downtown Providence since 1638,

This memorial is to recognize the Black Africans that attend and worshiped in the church in the founding days.

As you go to the top of the hill you can look down a see the center of the city which is Providence. This church and area was founded by Rodger Williams in the 1600's.

Roger Williams purchased this land from two Narragansett Chiefs, and named his settlement Providence in thanks to God.

This park is located at the top of college hill. Roger Williams Park. What a spectacular view!

I spend many quite days taking historic tours in this area.

One of my favorite new found home was the Steven Hopkins's place. It sits right on the side of the hill.

This quaint little colonial house have a well kept garden that is great for peaceful outdoor reading.

It is charming and enchanting.

Take a walk though my town.

My Favorite Time of the Year,

2011-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

I find that I love the fall with all it's color and grandeur. "It's time for change!" say's Mother Nature.
The trees get all dressed up and show off it's colors. Then cover the ground to soften your path.It time to really enjoy a cool walk in the park. You can truly dress for the occasion and not be too hot.

I can say that this is my favorite time of the year.
I have many plans for Fall decoration of the tea salon. I have placed at the top of the stair landing this lovely antique baby carriage to welcome my guest.

It has started to cool down here quite a bit there in New England. I have spent many days and evenings sitting out on my front porch reading or just day dreaming as the cool air comforts me to a quick nap.

Such a peaceful season! I wish all my kindred spirited friend a time of good harvest and tranquility.
Lady Estelle

ReOpening the Tea Salon

2011-09-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

With the settling in of my new job and deciding not to move, it is time to get back to the redesigning and reopening my Victorian tea Salon. I have more time to spend on it now.

Everything is falling into place. I have changed my parlor into more sitting room for tea. I have removed some furniture and added two small tables for four. I will be looking around yard sales and flea markets for older style wooden chairs. I do not want them to match. I will decorate each one differently. I think that will be fun.

I needed a buffet table for food and tea service, so I used the old antique office deck. It was to large and heavy to remove. It works quite well as a buffet.

I will be able to entertain up to eight for a lovely afternoon of tea.

I planned to reopen the Salon on Saturday afternoon. I have invited some of my friends over for tea to sit and enjoy the beginning process with me. I hope everyone will be as pleased with it as I am.

The work to the Salon is by far, not done.
I have great plans for the coming Fall.

19th-century American Women: Women and Labor Day

2011-09-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

19th-century American Women: Women and Labor Day: . Norman Rockwell, Rosie the Riviter 1943 The United States Department of Labor tell us that Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is...

1873 FUNERAL TO BE RECREATED AT HEARTHSIDE

2011-08-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today, the ritual of mourning may be considered ghoulish and morbid, but in Victorian America, death was discussed open and honestly. After all, it was ever present, with high infant mortality and risk in childbirth, disease and warfare. Queen Victoria's influence on weddings and funerals had a major impact on the world. While her white wedding dress tradition carries on today, many of the mourning customs slowly died out when she passed away in 1901 so that by the 1920s, most of these rituals had vanished.

"Gone But Not Forgotten" to help promote a better understanding of how our ancestors handled death and mourning. People were born at home and died at home and were buried most times in a family plot on the property.
But after the Civil War, funeral practices really got started and with it came a whole set of customs. It is quite a fascinating history and that is why Hearthside will devote the month of October to a special exhibit,

The popular Victorian epitaph, Gone But Not Forgotten, captures the theme well...while many of today's funeral practices came from the Victorian era, many don't know that or are aware of some of the other practices that are no longer done.

Black draping will adorn both the outside and inside of Hearthside, covering windows, mirrors and pictures, giving all who pass by the message that this is a house in mourning.

The occasion will be the funeral of former Hearthside owner, Simon E. Thornton, who died on May 2, 1873. His body was prepared at the house by the undertaker, who came with his equipment and a portable embalming table.

The coffin was displayed in the Drawing Room where visitors would come and pay their respects. Following the ceremony(which in this case will be throughout the month), the coffin would be carried out of the house and into a waiting hearse to bring it to the grave site for burial.

Partner in this event will be Bellows-Falso Funeral Home of Lincoln. As the oldest operating funeral home in New England, there was a good chance that they had handled Mr. Thornton's service, and sure enough, a review of their records from 1873 shows they did!

Hearthside's event will include a realistic depiction of Simon Thornton's funeral, with a complete set up of coffin, funeral lamps, and embalming table.

The docents will be dressed in mourning attire and all guests will receive the traditional funeral biscuit wrapped in white paper and sealed with black wax as a favor. Exhibits will include hair and mourning jewelry, post-mortem photography, mourning art, mourning clothing and the stages of mourning, memoriam cards and poetry.

This will make for a very interesting and educational month.
This is the schedule of events.

New Look and plans for my tea salon!

2011-08-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

Every year, after my birthday in June, I make many new changes in my life. Around early July, I had plan to close up my tea salon and down size , to save much need funds. I began a long agonizing plan to dismantle my place and start getting rid of a lot of my precious things.
After two months, I became very depressed and overwhelm. I was not able to move a thing. I love the salon so much that I became ill just the thought of breaking it down and packing my life in boxes.
After long sleepless nights, I have decided not to make that move.
I will be remodeling and redesigning the Tea Salon. So stay in tune for the new look of "Lady Estelle's Tea Salon."

Teaching History to our youth!

2011-07-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

Being a living history reenactor with a passion for history is not enough. We must teach our little children and the youth to enjoy it now, to appreciate where they are going. You start them at a very early age. Now that we are in a high technology world, we need to show them the past. It will make them well rounded and ready for the future.

I am very fortunate that my young granddaughter has a passion for what I do!
She asked me to tell her what little girls did in the olden days. So I dressed her and took her back in time with me.

Well. let me tell you.. She is a natural reenactor. I taught her old family values and what was proper for the era. She became a true young Victorian.

She is now, the youngest docent and volunteer to the Hearthside House and requested to walk with us in the 4th of July parade.

I was a little worried at first because of the heat and the length. But her passion for what she had learned, she walked one hour an forty five minutes, in the heat and pulling an old fashion wagon fulled with dolls and a Hearthside sign.

She helped us come in second place in the walking division of the parade. What zeal, what passion and dedication. This is what we need from our youth.

Needless to say, how proud of her I am. Here name is Jayniece Jemineze and she is seven years old.

AN OLD-FASHIONED SUMMER PASTIME AT THE CIVIL WAR PICNIC

2011-06-23T16:03:00.001-07:00

ON JUNE 18,visitor came to Hearthside to see what an old-fashioned picnic would have been like during the 19th century. The Friends of Hearthside welcomed civilian and military Civil War reenactors to its grounds on Saturday.
As historical interpreters, the reenactors welcomed interaction from spectators as they spend a summer afternoon enjoying the simple pleasures of an old fashioned picnic, with good friends, good food, and lawn games, all in late 1800s style. You may catch them at a game of croquet, or see children playing hoops in the yard, while the ladies sit in a sewing circle and the gents discuss the issues of the day under the shade of a tree. The reenactors are part of a group that will be participating in the full-scale battle reenactment and living history weekend taking place at Chase Farm Park and Hearthside on September 17-18th.

The event ran from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with guided tours of the house taking place on the hour starting at 11:00 a.m. Docents in period costume gave tours to guests through the 10-room house, while telling of its storied past along one of the country's oldest roadways. The Hearthside Gift Shop was open for the afternoon.

Visitors had the choose to merely be spectators at the picnic or were welcome to enjoy their own picnic by bringing along a packed lunch. Cold drinks were available.
The weather, the food, the friends and good conversation made for a splendid day.

Civil War Picnic at Hearthside

2011-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Everyone brought period foods to share with each others. From pickles beets, to meat pies, pickled beans , all types of cheeses and fresh fruit , even home made cheesecake.

More photos to come of this glorious event

History In The Makings!

2011-06-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

June 5th, 2011, on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

.
Dressed in 1800's -early 1900's period attire, the doscent of this historic mansion, held two Victorian tea parties for 110 young girls, ages 4 to 10, their mothers, fathers, grandparents or aunts, and their American Girl dolls.

Over 200 years it has stood on Great Road, the stone-walled Hearthside has been a farm, a businessman's mansion and home to twelve families.This Sunday it was a dollhouse

The girls came dressed in cute little Summer dresses and some even wore hats. The Royal family would have been so proud to see such a showing.

The tables were set with fine china, three tiered trays holding sweets and fresh fruit. What a delight!

They enjoyed their tea and treats while Lady Estelle, with her American Girl Doll, Addie gave a presentation on tea etiquette and manners.

It was history in the makings!

Hearthside in Memorial Day Parade

2011-05-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, May 30th, I marched in the Memorial Day Parade with the Friends of Hearthside.

It was 88 degrees, which was a little high for this time of the year.
We decided to keep with the theme of the "150th Commemoration of the Civil War."

We decorated our float with a miniature version of the Hearthside House, field tents, a riffle range.

We also had our soldiers from the Civil War Reneactor group march along side the float.

As my good friend James Dodge said "Happy Memorial Day to everyone! Please enjoy yourselves, but lets not forget why we do this- Honor the memory of those who have fallen and gone before in the service of their beloved Country. Off to honor the Civil War Soldiers in Blue - two parades today Lincoln & North Providence."

Historic sites along the Route

2011-05-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a great adventure.I participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I spent it walking 26 miles throughout some of Massachusetts historic cities and landmarks.
It is my 8th year and every time I see something new. They change the route to make it interesting for those of us who are return Walkers.
My favorite part of the walk was down Commonwealth Avenue, at mile 8.2.in the city of Boston. Nestled in the Back Bay area is built on a land fill that covers the area where the Atlantic tides once met the Charles River. The Mall is punctuated with statuary and memorials.
What caught my eye was the Boston Women's Memorial, with statues of Abigail Adams,
Lucy Stone, and Phillis Wheatley, sculpted by Meredith Bergmann. 2003.

Derby Day Afternoon Tea at Hearthside

2011-05-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Presented by the 'Friends of Hearthside"
Saturday, May 7th, 2011
Because the event falls on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, it offers the perfect opportunity to look at the fashion statments made by the ladies who attend the Durby, in particular the hats.
The first Kentucky Durby was held in 1875 at Churchill Drowns in Louisville , Ky., and is the country's oldest consecutively held thoroughbred race and the most prestigious horse race in the world.
The fashions have created nearly as much interest as the racing event itself.
So, my featured presentation on "Hat Through the Ages" was quit timely. I shared my knowledge on how woman's hat have changed drastically throughout history along with an exhibit of some of my private collection of hats spanning from early 19th century up to the 1950's.

The gust were invited to wear their favorite hat and prizes was given for the "Most Historic Looking,' "Most Likely To Be Seen at the Derby" and "Most Unusual" hats.

It was a delightful afternoon. I can say I enjoyed it as much as my guests.
I hope all my dear lady friends had a "Gracious Mother's Day."

Get your tickets for the Afternoon Tea and Toppers at the Hearthside | The Valley Breeze

2011-04-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Get your tickets for the Afternoon Tea and Toppers at the Hearthside | The Valley Breeze

A Spring Tea

2011-04-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here and it is a good time for a Spring Tea. I got so excited and planned a gathering of my friend to come and relax in the Tea Salon with me.
I set up a buffet of tea sweets and treats with my fine silver and china.

I sent out an invitation to all my reenactor friends to dress and come to tea.
It was an interesting afternoon.
My friend Steve, the sutler of Civil War Wears and Supplies came with his lady friends

What an intellectual gentlemen. He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of history. I enjoy sitting and having long talks with him.

He also wore his favorite Spring hat.

Than the Ladies came to show off their Spring Tea Hats.

We relaxed and celerated the coming of Spring with tea and good company. What a delight!

"Kentucky Derby" Tea!

2011-03-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

For our traditional Annual Mother's Day Tea, Hearthside is "Going to the Races"!

Lincoln ---- The historic Hearthside mansion offers the perfect setting for the elegance and tradition of a Victorian Tea Party, and so once again this year, Friends of Hearthside are sponsoring their Traditional Mother's Day Tea on Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Tea provides an experience of grandeur of the late 19 century, when elaborate teas were fashionable social events.

Ladies and gentlemen would often meet in the afternoon to enjoy tea and conversation among elegant settings of lace and dainty china tea cups, with wonderful creations of miniature tea sandwiches, scones, and scrumptious sweets. As with so many Victorian traditions, elaborate dress, as well as proper etiquette, was followed for the ritual of Afternoon Tea. Women would gather with big feathered hats, long full dresses and gloved slim hands.

The volunteers from Friends of Hearthside, who will be dressed in their Victorian finery, cordially invite their guests to experience a memorable day by joining in the tradition of Afternoon Tea.

While Victorian dress is optional, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite hats.

The theme for this year’s Tea will be “Going to the Races.” and will feature our very own Victorian lady, Lady Estelle T. Barada, who will discuss the history of the "Kentucky Derby" and the tradition of "Wearing of the Hats".

Her presentation will start by showing you what the young lady of Stephen Hopkins Smith's fancy, would have worn on that afternoon buggy ride though Great Road, in 1810.

Then she will time travel to the mid 1800's and what the ladies worn to a Victorian Tea and to the Royal Ascot. Also, the type of hat and bonnets worn during the Civil War era of the mid 1860's.

Then you will travel to the 1900's and see what Mrs Talbot of Hearthside might have worn as she went visiting, a day at Churchill Downs, riding in the motor car or a voyage on the Titanic.
The Edwardian Hats were the most largest and over the top in any era.
Then traveling into the vintage hats era of the 1930's - 1950's.

She will also exhibit some of her favorite hats from her private collection.

This will be a most exciting adventure into the History of Hat's and a Day at the Races!

Prizes will be given for the “most beautiful” and “most unusual” hats.

In the midst of our busy and hectic schedules, the Afternoon Tea is an opportunity to experience and relish in the luxury of slowing down and visiting with friends.“It’s a true step back in time”, says Lady Estelle.

In addition to enjoying the rituals of Tea and the hat presentation, there will also be tours of the 10-room house given , following the tea.

Special gifts for mother will also be available at the Hearthside Gift Shop.

This popular event, now in its tenth year, is expected to draw 60 guests. Space is limited.

The tea starts at 2pm and the tickets are $20.00 .Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Pat Campellone at 401-722-2925 or Lady Estelle 401-935-5759, before April 21.2011.

All proceeds from the event benefit the restoration of the historic homestead.

Often times referred to as “the house that love built”, Hearthside was built with lottery winnings in 1810 by Stephen Hopkins Smith with the hope of winning the heart of his lady love.

Hearthside, a landmark in Lincoln, is considered to be one of the finest examples of a Federal style home in Rhode Island, with its ogee curved roofline and two-story pillared porch.

Friends of Hearthside is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the historic town-owned mansion.

Hearthside is located on Rt. 123 at the intersection of Breakneck Hill Road and Great Road in Lincoln.

For more information, visit www.hearthsidehouse.org.

The 32nd Grand Review Civil War Ball

2011-03-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Held on Saturday, March 26, 2011
at the Doubletree Hotel in Milford. Mass
We enjoyed a Reception, starting at 6:00 pm-

Everyone was stunningly dressed. The women were so elegant and the men were so stately.

We had the pleasure of the Company of General and Mrs. Grant. I found them to be both great living history reenactors.

It also was sure a pleasure to meet some of the members of the 54th Infantry. I have heard so much about them. "I felt honored"!

Members of the 54th Mass. Bol. Inf. Co "A" and the women of the "Colored Ladies Christian Relief Society".

Now, the dancing begins.

It ended at 11:00 pm. What a glorious event!

Preparing for the Civil War Ball

2011-03-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

32nd Grand Review dinner & ball

Music by The Camp Lincoln String Band

Doubletree Hotel Milford, MA

I can't wait to show off my new ball gown. The color is perfect for the bringing in of Spring.

I have decorated the bodice just a little by adding tiny flowers across the chest plate. I did not want to take from the softness of the design.

I just wanted to add a little bit of me to this lovely gown.

I will add these tiny flowers to my hair and gloves. I will hopefully get a chance to take pictures, if I am not having too much fun.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Today is the "Wearing of the Green", but I just keep thinking Pink for my Breast Cancer Crusade.So I will be "Wearing of The Pink".

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY EVERYONE!

Victorian Lady On A Crusade!

2011-03-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I have a passion for the days gone by, especially the 19th century. Some say I spend to much of my time living in the passed. I can say some of that is true, but I am also a Crusader in the 21st century against a modern day disease called Breast Cancer. I have been in this war for eight year as a walker in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston, Mass. I take on the tact of walking for 2 days and raising $1800.00 to help with research to end the disease, hopefully in my life time. This money also goes to women and men who have this disease and are not able to afford the medical burden. I feel I can make a difference now in the 21st century.

About the Avon Walk Boston

Boston has been called the biggest small town in America. The Avon Walk Boston will encompass many of this city’s most historical and famous sites May 14-15, 2011.

In a town made for walking, it’s a perfect way to experience the historic town’s winding and narrow streets, the shores of its famous harbor, and the vibrant New England neighborhoods that make Boston so unique.

IN IT for a purpose

We’ll walk up to 26.2 miles on Saturday, and 13.1 miles on Sunday—all so that women and men can get the medical care they need regardless of their ability to pay, and leading research teams can receive vital support in their ongoing search for a cure.
Please come and help me in my crusade by donating to the cause. Visit my Avon Walk Website to see how you can help or donate today and help me reach my goal. Click here:

I usually do not use my blog page to ask my readers and followers for anything but to enjoy, but my heart compels me to reach out to you.

God Bless us all!

Tea And Fashions At Hearthside

2011-03-01T06:21:00.000-08:00

Tea and Fashions with Lady Estelle!

Lady Estelle, as she prefers to be called, is a living history re-enactor whose goal is to "help keep life in the times gone by." She particularly loves the Victorian era, fashions and homes. "With today's stress and fast pace, I relax by stepping back in time. I always had a passion for the Victorian era with it's elaborate fashions and it's high society life. I enter my day as I would have in the late 1800's, " states Lady Estelle, fondly known as "The Modern Day Victorian Lady."

Immediately after contacting The Hearthside House, she marched with the Hearthside float in the Memorial Day parade. After learning the history of Hearthside, one room at a time, she became a interpreter and is now serving as a docent for all of the tours.

She is a perfect fit for Hearthside, and it hasn't taken her long to fall in love with the house. Lady Estelle has charmed her guests with her infectious enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of historical times, fashions and etiquette. She has been involved with every event and every tour day since she joined two year ago in May.

In fact, she is now leading a new program unveiled by Hearthside House... Etiquette Lessons for Young Ladies---being given to Girl Scout troops. They are invites to Hearthside for tea and treats. While enjoying her lessons, the ladies are quit impressed with Lady Estelle's style of dress.

At the Annual Meeting of the Friends of Hearthside on March 20th, 2010, Lady Estelle was voted as a member of the Board of Directors. She brings to the board her skill of reenactment, passion for research, education in the arts, fashion and theatre. And she pledges to be a key contributor in all our efforts to raise funds for the preservation of Hearthside, which no doubt she will!

Lady Estelle lives in Providence and even has a Victorian tea Salon in her home, where she relax and enjoys entertaining her friends and family. She is also open to small groups that are interested in having tea with her. You may contact her at tea_ladyestel@yahoo.com. Enter " Tea With Lady Estelle" in the subjuct box for a private tea party.
Lady Estelle has worked at the Providence Marriott for over 20 years, where she is presently the Banquet Supervisor. She integrates her Victorian fashions into her everday wardrobe, including hats! Estelle created and owns the Victorian Tea Society of Providence. Her love of "all things Victorian" extends to her active involvement in numerous social networking sites related to teas and the Victorian era, and proudly promotes Hearthside and the events within them.
Lady Estelle was recently featured in CNN iReports for being among a unique group throughout the world "Living in a Time Warp." We're so glad that Lady Estelle has chosen Hearthside to share her talents, and to devote her passion and energies to!
Written By

Kathy Hartley, President

Friends of Hearthside, Inc.

www.hearthsidehouse.org

401-726-0597

The Last Day of February!

2011-02-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of February and we have only twenty days until Spring!
Ha ray!!!!

Hopefully we will see no more snow and this will be just a remembrance.

My wish for all my blog visitors and followers is, to "have a glorious last day of February"!

Make sure that some time today that you sit and enjoy a pot of your favorite tea and think the cool weather away.
Much admiration, Lady Estelle

Hearthside News

2011-02-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

HEARTHSIDE HISTORY: Did You Know?

This is the 12th in a series of history articles being featured throughout our Bicentennial Year.

This month our feature is on Frederick C. Sayles, owner of Hearthside from 1901-1903.

Frederick Clark Sayles was a native of Pawtucket, born in 1835. His father was Clark Sayles and his mother Mary (Olney) Sayles. He had a brother named William F. Sayles.
W.F. and F.C. Sayles Company Complex
Frederick and his brother ran the W.F. and F. C. Sayles Company (Moshassuck Bleachery), bleaching and finishing cotton shirtings and sheetings. Their bleachery was the largest and best equipped establishment of its kind in the world. Glimpses of the mill complex may still be seen today in Saylesville, where Chapel Street, Walker Avenue andSmithfield Avenue meet.

Frederick Clark Sayles obtained Hearthside in 1901 for ten dollars. Prior to that in 1889, the Sayles family had purchased the 99 acres of land around the house, so Frederick's acquisition recombined the land and house.

Frederick C. Sayles

In addition to managing these bleacheries, Frederick also supervised the Glenlyon Dye Works and Lorraine Worsted Mills, which had the reputation of producing the finest ladies' dress goods that have ever been manufactured in America, challenging comparison with the best French makers of that time. Frederick also organized the Baltic Mills Company in Baltic, Connecticut, where he built a mill admired by many as the most handsome mill in New England. He was the president of the Baltic Mills Company until his death.
After the death of William Sayles, his son Frank Arthur Sayles bought out the business. William Clark Sayles, Frank Sayles' older brother, probably would have succeeded his father, but he had died of tuberculosis in 1876 during his sophomore year at Brown University. His parents gave Sayles Hall at Brown in his memory.
Frederick married Deborah Cook Wilcox in 1861. They built a home in 1868 which overlooked the city of Pawtucket near the Providence line and was known as Bryn Mawr. Together they had 5 children.
It was due to Frederick and his brother that Saylesville prospered as a village of Lincoln, and in 1880, the Sayles Memorial Chapel of the Congregational Church was organized.
In 1885, Frederick Sayles was chosen as the best representative of the people and elected as the first mayor of the city of Pawtucket. He served two terms during which time the city rapidly increased in population. Mr. Sayles was always interested in charitable causes and gave generously to the community, including a public library building to Pawtucket as a memorial to his wife.

Mariposa Farm horses shown at Hearthside
Because of his love for horses, Frederick went into the stock raising business about 20 years before his death purchased a farm about three miles from Pawtucket composed of several hundred acres on both sides of Great Road, that included the Butterfly Factory. The finely-appointed Mariposa (Spanish for "butterfly") Farm included a large number of trotting mares and dams of trotters of speed. His first purchase was the famous Palo Alto stallion, "Campbell's Electioneer" and later he bought the son of Campbell's Electioneer, "Symboleer," whose record of 2:11 as a 2-year old was the best in its time. Among other noted horses owned by him were "Sable Wilkes," "Consuelo S.," "Wiseburn," "Handspring" and "Alix", queen of the turf. He probably had the finest collection of great brood mares ever under one owner in his time. The stock from the farm gained many prizes. Some of these famous horses are buried on the farm.

Auction booklet for horses from the Mariposa Farm

In 1901 he took ownership of Hearthside that bordered the farm. When Frederick died in 1903, the house was sold to the Oak Hill Land Company, a holding company consisting of Sayles' heirs and descendants. Frank Sayles, son of William and nephew of Frederick, purchased the Mariposa Farm from the Sayles estate and continued to operate the farm, making many improvements to the land.

Frank Sayles

The former Butterfly Factory across the street was purchased by Frank Sayles and turned into a riding academy during the 1920s and 30s.

In 1926, following a fire which devastated the Chase dairy farm next door to the Mariposa Farm, Benjamin Chase purchased Frank Sayles' farm (Sayles retained the Butterfly Factory), and it became known as Chase & Butterfly Farm, with over 100 Holsteins in the herd, an onsite dairy and bottling operation, and milk delivery throughout the Lincoln, Cumberland and Pawtucket areas until 1965.

(note: Benjamin Chase' granddaughter is Kathy Chase Hartley, currently working to preserve Hearthside and Great Road's history as president of Friends of Hearthside).

Become a Fan of HEARTHSIDE!

Our Mission: The Friends of Hearthside is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and stewardship of Lincoln's historic Hearthside homestead, as well as the other adjoining Town-owned historic sites along the Great Road.

Remember: There's always something happening at Hearthside

New Ball Gown!

2011-02-25T18:23:00.000-08:00

I just received a new Ball Gown in the mail today!

Click here to see more.....

http://stores.ebay.com/Victorian-Attire

This 2 piece gown is made of a heavyweight taffeta with a satin backing.
It is a beautiful soft yellow. It is trimmed with wide white lace.
The bodice has a lovely off the shoulder fit. The wide puffed sleeves are gathered onto a sleeve band. It has a deep V-shaped hemline in front and a shallower v in the back. it closes in the back with a hidden hook and eye closure. It has been hand hemmed. The bodice is fully lined.

Up-Coming Events for March. 2011

2011-02-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

I am very busy preparing for my March reenacting events. The first one is on March 12,2011. The Hearthside House will be opening it doors to the public, for the first tour of the year.
Come take a sneak preview of this lovely home. I will be your hostess and tour guide for this event.
All are welcome.

Find more photos like this on A True Victorian/Edwardian Tea Lover's Corner

My Vintage stereo 3D photo viewer and cards.

2011-02-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

It is so much fun to invite friends over on a Sunday evening and enjoy the Vintage stereo 3D photo viewer with a glass of good Cherry. It better than the TV, which I do not have one in my Parlor.

I remember back in April 2009, I asked the question "Are you a ephemera?"
Well I am! I love to collect old post card, photograph, paper dolls and stereo views.

If you have a antique Viewer and want to collect more stereo views, this is an excellent website to go to:
http://www.stereoviews.com/

I have just a small collection right now, but it seem to becoming a popular event at my house. I will be ordering more to keep the interest up.

This one is my favorit card. It's called The Dance.

It has a number 1173.
Copyrighted, 1898, by T. W. Ingersoll. It has a lovely explanation of the dance ethics in the 1800's.

I find this collecting of old viewer card very educational and relaxing.

Peaceful Sunday

2011-02-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

I am home today just sitting here enjoying the sun shinning through the window. I am at peace with today and myself. All is well. As I sit and read all my blogger friend's posts, I see they are well also. I want to take this time to thank you all for stopping by for a visit to the "Modern day Victorian Lady". You are all my inspiration.

Much Love to:

Passions For The Past

http://passionforthepast.blogspot.com/

Eastlake Victorian 

http://eastlakevictorian.blogspot.com/

My Old Historic House

http://myoldhistorichouse.blogspot.com/

A Beautiful Life

http://emsbingy.blogspot.com/

Aspiring Homemaker 

http://aspiring-homemaker.blogspot.com/

My Lord, The Lady, Her Cherubs, And Tea 
http://mylordandlady.blogspot.com/ 

The Rustic Victorian

http://the-rustic-victorian.blogspot.com/

The House of Poleigh Nasise 

http://houseofpoleighnaise.blogspot.com/

The Victorian Parlor 2

http://thevictorianparlor2.blogspot.com/

 Iglass Slipper

http://1glasslipper-carie.blogspot.com/

 Robin's Egg Bleu

http://robinseggbleu1.blogspot.com/

Mary;s Heart 

http://theheartofmary.blogspot.com/

Denise's Delights In Her Coffeeberry 
Cottage
http://knuckled54yahoocom.blogspot.com/

I will be adding more friends and followers throughout the day, as I read more. 

Much Valentin's Day love to you all!

Lady Estelle

The Ball Giclee Print by Victor Gabriel Gilbert at Art.com

2011-02-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

The Ball Giclee Print by Victor Gabriel Gilbert at Art.com

I absolutely love this painting. I must have it to hang on my wall.

Lincoln's Birthday

2011-02-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

It is observed on the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln 's birth on February 12, 1809.
Born near Hodgenville, Kentucky, U.S.—died April 15, 1865, Washington, D.C.) 16th president of the United States (1861–65), who preserved the Union during the American Civil War and brought about the emancipation of the slaves. Read more .....
http://www.biography.com/articles/Abraham-Lincoln-9382540

Sign of Cabin Fever!

2011-02-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

I feel that it is useless to complain and whine, but I am getting enough of the cold and ice. I truly love the comfort of my apartment, but it is time to get out and spread my wing.
I am in need of company, badly.

I am getting excited because I have so many events plan for March, 2011.
It's just a matter of waiting the last of the winter out. This is the hard part.
The Hearthside House has been closed for the last to months. All the snow kept us away from the Mansion. There is so much to do there to get it cleaned and ready for the first Open House of the year.

I also have a Civil War Ball planned in March.
I have been frantically looking for a new Ball Gown. I do not want to make one even though I have all the time. It's not about the time when it comes to a gown, it the skill. My sewing skill are not ready for that (yet).

HERE IS MY WISH LIST FROM RECOLLECTION:
http://www.recollections.biz/

Please come and tell me which one you think would be the bast. I love them all. I love every piece of clothing that is made by Recollections.

Robert Burns Dinner!

2011-02-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight my good friends are attending a Robert Burns Dinner. I am not able to attend tonight, but remember it from last year. For those who have not had the pleasure of attending one, it is most enjoyable and a historic event.


	The Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard. And when Burns immortalized haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day.

http://www.rabbie-burns.com/the_supper/index.cfm.html

"In order to enjoy this video, turn of my music at the end of the page".

Who was Robert Burns?

Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 to William Burness, a poor tenant farmer, and Agnes Broun, Robert Burns was the eldest of seven. He spent his youth working his father's farm, but in spite of his poverty he was extremely well read - at the insistence of his father, who employed a tutor for Robert and younger brother Gilbert. At 15 Robert was the principal worker on the farm and this prompted him to start writing in an attempt to find "some kind of counterpoise for his circumstances." It was at this tender age that Burns penned his first verse, "My Handsome Nell", which was an ode to the other subjects that dominated his life, namely scotch and women.

http://www.rabbie-burns.com/the_man/index.cfm.html

"In order to enjoy this video, turn of my music at the end of the page".

A Vintage Hat with a Pink Rose!

2011-02-02T15:52:00.001-08:00

Vintage hat with Pink Rose, originally uploaded by victorianlady1800.

This is one of my favorite Vintage hat. I got it 2 years ago in a little shop in Providence. Unfortunately, that little shop is not there any more. Not many Vintage places around Providence. You have to travel to Boston just to get a cute little hat like this.
I had to display this because in am anticipating "Spring". According to the the groundhog today, "it will come early this year".
Oh please. I am dressed and waiting!

National Freedom Day

2011-02-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

National Freedom Day

Always February 1st

National Freedom Day celebrates freedom from slavery, and recognizes that America is a symbol of freedom.

National Freedom Day was established in 1948 to remind us that America stands for, and is a symbol of freedom for all people. The roots of this special day come directly from the end of slavery and the signing of the 13th amendment outlawing slavery.

Celebrate this day by reflecting upon your own freedoms that you enjoy by being fortunate enough to be in America. Millions of people in the world are not free.

Origin of National Freedom Day:

Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, created National Freedom Day. He believed that there should be a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865. So, February 1st was chosen to celebrate National Freedom Day.

On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed a the bill proclaiming February 1st as National Freedom Day.

Guang Dong - Pas de deux - LE PLUS GRAND CABARET DU MONDE

2011-01-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

Ballet is my background and passion. Extraordinary performance.

In order to enjoy this properly, please turn off the music at the bottom of my page.

Victorian Picnic at Hearthside

2011-01-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

This was a lovely summer afternoon on the lawn of the Hearthside House in Lincoln, which I am a volunteer and member. It was my first time in reenactment. I met a heart warming group of Civil War Re-enactors with many years of experience. They made me feel right at home... I wanted to learn as mush as I could, so I asked lots of questions about reenactment of the Civil War. They were so helpful. We spent much time learning, socializing and enjoying a true step back in time.

Find more photos like this on A True Victorian/Edwardian Tea Lover's Corner

Let the sun Come In.

2011-01-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

When we rearrange our homes for that long buckling down for the winter,we have a tendency to cover up the window and doors. It is a positive way to keep out the drafts and keep in the heat. But when we do that we also keep out the sun.

All of this is placed in front of my three parlor windows. As you can see, the plants are loving it. They grow well all winter long.The apartment was warm and toasty.

But time has come to let in the sun, uncover those windows and prepare for the Spring air.

I move everything away from the window and to the other side of the room. The sun light comes in early morning and brighten up this cozy parlor.

I am ready for Spring! I will keep up my "Tea Tree" all year round. You are welcome for tea anytime.

Lady Estelle
TAKE THE TOUR!

The Tea Salon in 2011

Anticipation Of Spring!

2011-01-07T13:16:00.001-08:00

I went to bed, it was cold. I got up this morning and it was still cold.

At this point, I am anticipating Spring! I can't wait to hear the birds singing out side my window.

You know you have cabin fever when you leave the Christmas Bird Ornaments out in the bird cage, so you can talk to them. The only thing is that they do not sing nor make a sound. Oh well!

I will hang some Easter Bunnies on the wall and think Spring thoughts with a nice cup of hot tea. I will sit here and wait for Spring, for it is cold outside!

The New Year Kiss!

2011-01-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Why do we all kiss each other at the stroke of 12? Where did that come from?
Well after some research, here is what I found!
In some cultures, there is a tradition of kissing someone at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. When the clock strikes twelve couples embrace for a kiss to celebrate the upcoming year. Some hold the superstition that failing to kiss someone when the ball drops ensures a year of loneliness. Whether this is true or not, most people kiss their significant other in joyous celebration of the beginning of a new year.
When celebrating at a Scottish Hogmanay party, it is custom to try and give a kiss to everyone in the room after the stroke of midnight "the bells".

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

I never make a New Year Resolution, but I am going to make one this year. It will be to take more time for myself. I am not saying that I am going to be selfish, but to not put myself on the back burner, like I have been doing. I really enjoy caring for me family, giving my all to my job, volunteering all my spare time to Hearthside and time at daily monitoring my websites and blogs. Somewhere in all of this, I have not spent any time to self improvement. My spiritual health is in need of repair. My physical health need a lot of attention.
After saying all that!
Happy New Year to all my readers and friends and keep healthy in 2011!

Little Christmas!

2010-12-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me this and I felt, as a good Victorian, I must share it with you. I am a Christian and I did not know of this.

Dec. 28, is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. It's in honor of the children killed by King Herod during the search for the Messiah. The Victorians called it "Little Christmas" and it was the day when the children had their parties.

It's the perfect time for the children in the household to get in the Victorian holiday spirit by inviting friends for such old fashioned fun as hot chocolate, games of charades, card games, "dress up", hide and seek, board games, etc.

The Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas!

2010-12-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

It is one of my favorite Christmas songs and I never knew what it meant. But after doing some rescearch, I found this:

While there is some dispute over this translation of the song, tradition has it that in England, between 1558 and 1829, Catholics were prohibited by law to practice their faith in public or in private. Until Parliament emancipated Catholics in England in 1829, it was illegal to be Catholic.
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was a coded message written in England as a memory aid to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. Since the song sounded like rhyming nonsense, authorities would not know that is was a religious song and young Catholics could sing it without fear of imprisonment. The song is, in a sense, an allegory with each of the gifts in the song representing something significant to the Bible.
The song begins, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." The "true love" repeated in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, but to God himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to the believing Christian.
The "partridge in a pear tree" is Jesus Christ upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy s predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them. The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the cross.

The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love -- the three gifts of the Spirit that abide, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13.
The "four calling birds" refer to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation.
The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The "eight maids a-milking" reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.
The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments.
The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostle's Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

Welcome to my Home!

2010-12-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

            Welcome to my Victorian Home.
I surround myself with the inviting things of the past.
When you enter my home, it is truly a step back in times.
From the pictures on the walls to the doilies and lace curtains,
you get the feel of Victorian hospitality.




more... http://victorianlady1800.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html#1953799270159964319

Let it Snow!

2010-12-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

Let's sit by the fire place and warm ourselves with a hot cup of coco or tea. It's snowing outside in New England and it better to stay at home. All is well. Let it snow!

Twelfth Day of Christmas!

2010-12-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

All done. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...twelve drummers drumming.

I am very impressed....eleven piper piping.
Very gracefully done. ..ten lords a leaping.
OMG, .....nine ladies dancing.
My, oh my...eight maids a milking.
I knew it was coming...Seven Swans a swimming
I am overwhelmed by the ...six geese a laying.
Now, I have ...Five Golden Rings,

I got a bird cage for the ...fore Colly birds,
I built a Hen House for the ...three French Hens.
I just adore the ...two Turtle Doves,
Do not know what to think about ...a Partridge
In the Pear Tree.

You might also like:

Eleveth Day of Christmas

2010-12-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

Now I an impressed, on the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....eleven piper piping.

Very gracefully done. ..ten lords a leaping.

OMG, .....nine ladies dancing.

My, oh my...eight maids a milking.

I knew it was coming...Seven Swans a swimming

I am overwhelmed by the ...six geese a laying.

Now, I have ...Five Golden Rings,

I got a bird cage for the ...fore Colly birds,

I built a Hen House for the ...three French Hens.

I just adore the ...two Turtle Doves,

Do not know what to think about ...a Partridge

In the Pear Tree.

Decorating for Christmas!

2010-12-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

Victorians had a passion for decorating for Christmas.

I am enjoying the snow out side and the smell of my spice rum tea brewing in the tea pot.

It is only two days before Christ here in the United States. I wonder what day it will fall on in other countries and how they will celibate it.

I wish everyone from all over the world a merry and peaceful Holiday!
From Lady Estelle and Family!

The Tenth Day of Christmas!

2010-12-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

Very gracefully done. On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me..ten lords a leaping.

OMG, .....nine ladies dancing.

My, oh my...eight maids a milking.

I knew it was coming...Seven Swans a swimming

I am overwhelmed by the ...six geese a laying.

Now, I have ...Five Golden Rings,

I got a bird cage for the ...fore Colly birds,

I built a Hen House for the ...three French Hens.

I just adore the ...two Turtle Doves,

Do not know what to think about ...a Partridge

In the Pear Tree.

The Ninth Day of Christmas

2010-12-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

OMG, on the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me.....nine ladies dancing.

My, oh my...eight maids a milking.

I knew it was coming...Seven Swans a swimming

I am overwhelmed by the ...six geese a laying.

Now, I have ...Five Golden Rings,

I got a bird cage for the ...fore Colly birds,

I built a Hen House for the ...three French Hens.

I just adore the ...two Turtle Doves,

Do not know what to think about ...a Partridge

In the Pear Tree.

The Eighth Day of Christmas

2010-12-20T07:48:00.000-08:00

My, oh my, on the eighth day of Christmas my true love give to me....eight maids a milking.

I knew it was coming...Seven Swans a swimming

I am overwhelmed by the ...six geese a laying.

Now, I have ...Five Golden Rings,

I got a bird cage for the ...fore Colly birds,

I built a Hen House for the ...three French Hens.

I just adore the ...two Turtle Doves,

Do not know what to think about ...a Partridge

In the Pear Tree.

Seventh Day of Christmas!

2010-12-19T05:55:00.000-08:00

I knew it was coming, so on the seventh day of Christmas me true love gave to me..
Seven Swans a swimming

I am overwhelmed by the six geese a laying.

Now, I have Five Golden Rings,

I got a bird cage for the fore Colly birds,

I built a Hen House for the three French Hens.

I just adore the two Turtle Doves,

Do not know what to think about the Partridge

In the Pear Tree.

2010-12-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 11th, several Civil War re-enactors set up an encampment on the grounds of Hearthside.

In general, winter time was a time of military inaction during the Civil War, as the armies of both sides would hunker down in the camp to wait out the winter.

Santa Claus was there, wearing a blue suit with stars and stripes on it.

Santa Claus, as depicted by Thomas Nast in Harper's Weekly 1863, was quite patriotic, wearing a blue suit with stars and stripes on it. The Harper's Weekly cover with the illustration of Santa Claus visiting the soldiers in a Union camp was designed with the hope that it might raise Union morale and had been ordered by President Lincoln.

Nast went on to draw many more Santa Claus illustrations, which became the image of Santa we enjoy today.

Sixth Day of Christmas!

2010-12-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am very overwhelmed now. On the six day of Christmas my true love gave to me....six geese a laying.

Now, I have Five Golden Rings,

I got a bird cage for the fore Colly birds,

I built a Hen House for the three French Hens.

I just adore the two Turtle Doves,

Do not know what to think about the Partridge

In the Pear Tree.

The Fifth Day of Christmas!

2010-12-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

Now, this is what I have been waiting for.
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... five golden rings.

I got a bird cage for the fore Colly birds,

I built a Hen House for the three French Hens.

I just adore the two Turtle Doves,

Do not know what to think about the Partridge

In the Pear Tree.

The Forth Day of Christmas!

2010-12-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Oh no, on the forth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, fore Colly Birds.
Not to be mixed up with Calling Birds. I do not know what a Calling Bird is.

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

And don't forget the Partridge

In a Pear Tree.

I am going to need a bird cage , if this keeps up.

The Third Day of Christmas!

2010-12-15T04:05:00.000-08:00

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...Tree French Hens,

More birds, two Turtle Doves

And don't forget a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Second day of Christmas!

2010-12-14T04:02:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, two turtle Dove.

Don't forget the Partrige in a pair tree.

On the 1st Day of Christmas!

2010-12-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Today is the 1st day of Christmas and my true love gave to me

A Partridge in a Pear Tree....

"What a lucky girl I am."

Our Dressmakers!

2010-12-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

"The Hearthside House is our home away from home. This lovely house is kept preserved by us, the "friends of Hearthside". As Docents to this Victorian mansion, we have relied on Recollection to keep us dressed in our period clothing, as we welcome our visitors here. No matter what the occasion, dressed in our Recollection fashion, we have dazzled our guest and friends. Thanks to you for making our experience at Hearthside a true step back in time. "

Lady Estelle T. B. and Kathy H.

http://www.recollections.biz/Estelle.htm

Pascoag Holiday Victorian Stroll-2010

2010-11-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

On Saturday-November 27th, 2010,

We, docents from Hearthside joined with Burrillville Historical Preservation Society and Pascoag Fire District Hose No.1 to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas holidays.
Santa drove into the center of the town of Parcoag sitting up high on a beautiful decorated fire engine. You knew he was coming as you could here the fire sirens for miles. What a spectacular entrance for the kids to see and here.

There was house-drawn hayrides, crafts and food vendors. We even got time to get in some Christmas shopping for some unique gifts. It was fun to see lots for people out with their families enjoying Christmas in their historic town.

We always go visiting our Pascoag neighbors that reside in the local nursing home and participate in their gingerbread house contest. We never get to meet the contestants for they are all in bed by the time we get there. Here are some of my favorites.

A Gingerbread House for a Cure of Breast Cancer.

Second choice.

Gingerbread House to Support our Troops!

There was so much more to see. I wish I had taken more pictures, but it is very difficult to use the camera when you step back in time.

Hearthside Featured in "Christmas at Historic Houses" book!

2010-11-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

I have an advance copy of the book and it's gorgeous! I thought you'd like to get a sneak peak so attached is a copy of the Hearthside chapter. There are other photos though spread throughout the book in addition to this so we really have a large presence in it, along with the White House, Monticello, Mt. Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, and Blithewold. There are lots of great decorating ideas in it! We feel very proud of Hearthside's inclusion in it, but especially for the volunteers, the friends of Hearthside, the decorators, who have make it happen!

OUR PAGES:

Lincoln, Rhode Island
Christmas By The Hearth
W here could one sit beside a cozy fire on Christmas Day and be warmed by flames and flute-like music, both
emanating from the fireplace? Perhaps only one place in the world—Hearthside Homestead in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“The draft of the fire causes the wind-driven Pandean Pipes,an extraordinary musical instrument built into the fireplace chimney, to produce clear musical notes,” says Kathy Hartley,founder and president of Friends of Hearthside. “Such instruments have been found in castle ruins in Europe, but it would be rare, perhaps impossible, to find them installed in a house anywhere other than at Hearthside Homestead.”
Why were the Pandean Pipes installed in the Hearthside parlor chimney? “Installing this unique musical instrument may have been just one more attempt by Stephen Smith, who built this house for his lady love, to give her the most wonderful house in the nation. To woo her with music, and live happily ever after with her at Hearthside,” she says. Alas, happily ever after was not to be. Kathy tells the story:
In 1810, Stephen Hopkins Smith of Smithfield, Rhode Island (which became Lincoln in 1871) set his heart on
marrying the daughter of a prominent Providence family.
She told him she had her heart set on ‘marrying well’ and ‘expected to live in the grandest house around.’
When Smith (affluent but not wealthy) won $40,000 in a lottery, he kept his windfall a secret and prompted by love, began building a grand house. As the story goes, one Sunday afternoon Smith took his buggy to Providence and invited the young woman to take a drive with him. They set out at a leisurely pace, eventually turning onto Great Road. As the crossed the bridge over the Moshassuck River, Hearthside came into view. ‘Oh what a beautiful house!’ she exclaimed. Smith’s hopes soared. Then she added, ’But, I could never live so far out in the wilderness!’ Smith turned the buggy around, returned to Providence, and never courted her again. He settled in a house down the street, and built a business (the Butterfly Mill, now the Butterfly House) across from Hearthside.
This sad story of love and rejection was cited in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, which referred to Hearthside as
The Heartbreak House.

Since it's completion in 1814, twelve families have lived in Hearthside. Most recently it had been the home of
Andrew and Penelope Mowbray and their three children, young Andrew (Drew), Sherry and Stuart. Theirs is a much happier version of Smith’s story. One day, Andrew drove Penelope past Hearthside. ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘What a beautiful house! And look it’s even for sale!’ Hearthside was home to the Mowbrays for 40 years.
The senior Andrew died in 1996, and Mrs. Mowbray sold the property to the Town of Lincoln. Now, under the stewardship of Friends of Hearthside, Hearthside is truly The House That Love Built.
The Mowbray’s love for the Christmas season continues at Hearthside today in special holiday events, beginning with the early December Candlelight Christmas Tour. Candles in the window guide guests to a hospitable house beautifully decorated by volunteers to evoke memories of Christmases past. “In keeping
with the candle-in-the-window to welcome travelers tradition,” says Kathy, “there is no admission fee. Instead, guests donate non-perishable food to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.” Guides dressed in Victorian finery greet guests who stroll through elegant rooms, while a harpist plays seasonal music.

Drew Mowbray, eldest of the three Mowbray children and now residing in Germany, recalls to Kathy fond Christmas memories of his childhood years (1950s-1970s) at Hearthside.
The tree used to be put up in the parlor (the room with the Pipes of Pan).

One year, the Christmas tree was to the right of the fireplace, but most often it was placed in the corner next to the door going out to the front hall. We children were shoohed upstairs on Christmas Eve, but if someone forgot to close the door to the parlor below, and we lay down on the floor and peered through the banister we could sort of see a bit of the tree.We put out cookies and milk in the front hall or the kitchen for Santa. For a number of years, my father took the time and made his own Christmas cards, painted on canvas, and then printed up the cards at his business,Mowbray Printing Company. One of my favorites was
the one with Santa flying over the houses on Great Road.and Hearthside was shown in a “cut-away” view so you could see all the family inside—adults trimming the tree
and we kids sleeping upstairs.
My father fed an interest in collecting by giving me so many neat buttons or buckles from the Civil War that he had found during the year. I looked forward to these antiques and still have all of them. One year, I received a young boy’s Civil War uniform jacket, which I also still have.
Friends’ Christmas cards were hung on a cord across the fireplace mantle, and there were always electric candles put in the windows to make the house look so nice. It seemed that the snow was always very deep. We could slide from the little hill in the field behind the house all the way to the back steps.
In the 1960s, all our friends would turn up at the house, so it was full of long-haired teens. Good memories to say the least. We always had turkey. And eggnog—with something forbidden in it. The house was alive.
Sherry Mowbray remembers her father painting the scenes for the Christmas cards when she was a young girl in the early 1960s,” says Kathy. “She also fondly recalls how lovely the white candle-style lights in each window looked from the outside especially when there was snow on the ground; how it helped set the mood inside. Sherry liked to go around to each room and turn the candle bulbs on.
“Sherry told me, ’Our tradition was to cut our own Christmas tree—always getting one just a bit too big, even though the ceilings at Hearthside were quite high.’ Her favorite part of Christmas dinner was her mother’s apple pie,” says Kathy.

Dinner Menu for

Large Turkey with Homemade Stuffing
Gravy
Creamed Potatoes-and-Onions
Yellow Squash
White Turnips
Tiny Peas
Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles
Large Pitted Black Olives
Small Green Olives
Cranberry Sauce

Candlight, lace, and a wreath dress up a Dining Room window with its handsome wooden shutters folded into the deep reveal of the 14-inch thick exterior cut-stone wall.
Wainscoting and the mantel in the Dining Room are made from old window shutters that were installed during the 1920s. The metallic gold of chargers and the russet colored cloth at table, and topiaries on the sideboard add holiday glamour.
Mowbray Every-Christmas

Apple Cider
Eggnog
Tea in the Pot
Homemade Pumpkin Pie
Homemade Apple Pie &; Extra Sharp Cheese

The House
Hearthside—built of fieldstone and trimmed with granite quarried from a ledge across the street from the house—is considered one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in Rhode Island. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A replica of Hearthside was displayed in the Rhode Island Pavilion at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
In 1905, the Talbot family named the house Hearthside because of its ten fireplaces. They named their handweaving business conducted there “Hearthside Looms,” and Hearthside became known throughout the country for the quality of the goods woven there. Hearthside has captured the hearts of those who maintain it as an important historic house museum and a vital link to Lincoln’s past, present and future. It welcomes all—especially at Christmastime.
The Gazebo, an anniversary gift from Andrew Mowbray to his wife, Penelope,

becomes winter garden sculpture when silhouetted against new-fallen snow.
cards are hung as ornaments on Christmas
trees in the Master Bedroom.

Kathy Chase Hartley, neighbor and childhood friend of the Mowbray children, recalls receiving original Mowbray Christmas cards.
Now these charming cards are reproduced for sale in the Hearthside Homestead Gift Shop.
I can still remember the excitement and anticipation I had as a little girl in the 1960s experiencing all the traditions of the Christmas season in my own home. To me, what was almost as exciting as counting down the days until Christmas by opening the little door on the Advent Calendar each day, was the trip down our long driveway to the mailbox with my mother. We would return home, sit down and open each envelope and look
at the holiday cards...pictures of Christmas trees, wreaths, Santa Claus, and latest photos of families and relatives…pretty typical holiday cards. But it was the Christmas card from the Mowbray
family that I would most eagerly await each year.
The Mowbray family card was so special. It was as though the card was made just for us! After all, it was a card with scenes from my own street, Great Road! Each year, the card was so different, receiving it was just like the surprise of opening a present. While all the other cards were set aside in a neat pile, the Mowbray card was given a special spot for display in our house, becoming part of the decorations of the season. Some
50 years later, we still have the cards!
The cards were the creation of Andrew Mowbray, who designed and painted each one as an oil painting on canvas and then had prints of them made into cards. He kept his paintings a secret.
Not even his family knew what the subject of the painting would be each year until it was completed and
he unveiled it to them.
My all time favorite card was the View of Hearthside. The cutaway view was like peering into a dollhouse—except this one was a real house, just around the corner from my house! And there was Santa Claus flying right overhead, probably right before he would visit me. I could see my friends in the card, Drew and Sherry
Mowbray tucked away in their beds upstairs. Their father was downstairs decorating the Christmas tree in the parlor, and their mother in the kitchen taking something out of the oven... maybe it was apple pie! There was even a cat in the house. I studied that card for hours it seemed. Hearthside always held a special mystique for me. This card was mesmerizing with this cozy scene. You could get lost in it, imagining yourself being
a part of that wonderful home on Christmas Eve. I remember the Skaters on Butterfly Pond, the pond across the street from my house! There were men, women and children dressed in old-fashioned clothes skating on the pond and looking so very elegant. I skated on that pond too, but their clothes were far different from my corduroy pants and ski parka. The women wore long skirts, hooded capes and fur muffs, and the men wore
fancy jackets and top hats. Even the kids looked dressed up in their Sunday best to skate in! Looking closely at the card, it was no wonder…the date is 1814. It is probably the way Christmas might have looked when the first family lived at Hearthside. I also liked the Great Road Christmas 1812 card, because it also had so many other houses and buildings along Great Road besides Hearthside. It was fun to look at it and guess whose house was where on the road, and whose house had not yet been built. It was yet another card to let your imagination take you along the journey up Great Road during the olden days, and bring you to stop at Hearthside to get warm by the fires inside. I never noticed until now that there was a mistake on the card. It
was in the Great Road sign where the “r” was mistakenly left out of “Christmas.” The discovery of it was
devastating to Andrew. From that point on, he quit the family tradition of having custom painted Christmas
cards, so the Great Road Christmas card was the end of an era. For me, waiting for Christmas to come never seemed quite the same again.
Hearthside’s Mowbray Christmas Cards Reproductions of these original Christmas cards by Andrew Mowbray are now available in the Hearthside Manor Gift Shop.

The Beautiful Chase Farm Park!

2010-11-23T23:27:00.000-08:00

The 1890 Chase Farm House sits at the entrance of the town-owned Chase Farm Park. The site of Lincoln’s last operating dairy farm, Chase & Butterfly Farm, the park contains 80-acres of picturesque hills and meadows depicting the rural character of the Great Road Historic District. Its idyllic setting is enjoyed by the public for walking, kite flying, fishing and sledding.
It also hosts special events such as concerts,

PowWows,

and Civil War Reenactments are held there as well.

Thomas Arnold originally purchased the Chase Farm land in 1661. In 1867, Benjamin Chase purchased it from Arnold to start a dairy farm. He constructed a large complex of barns to house the cows, but a lightning fire destroyed the barns in 1925 and resulted in the purchase of the neighboring Butterfly Farm. The Chase Farm; Butterfly Farms, with a herd of well over 100 cows, provided door-to-door milk delivery to area residents until 1965. Points of interest in the park are the Victorian farmhouse, the stone garage which was the original milking parlor, the community Butterfly Garden overlooking the original farm,and the hilltop reservoir.

The historic farm house is central to the other historic properties along Great Road. The Friends of Hearthside at the beautiful Hearthside mansion is leading an effort to reuse the farm house as a museum that would capture the story of dairy farming in northern R.I.

Deck the Halls of Hearthside.

2010-11-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

DECK THE HALLS AND BRING ON THE HOLIDAYS!
Four Holiday Events Scheduled at Hearthside

As the holiday season moves into full swing, Hearthside is getting all decked out for our celebration of the history and traditions of Christmas.

This season, Hearthside will help spread holiday cheer with four public events, each with a different focus, giving visitors lots of opportunities to join us:

A Classic Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 5th;

Step through the door and back to Christmas times of long ago. On Sunday, December 5th,

our guides in period attire welcome you to tour the house at your leisure and enjoy beautifully appointed Christmas trees with delicate ornaments, gaily decorated mantels, a dining room elegantly appointed with gilded décor, garlands adorning staircases and doorways, and brightly colored poinsettia plants throughout.

Festive holiday music will be provided by Liz Ammerman, our house harpist, and our pianist, Natalya Gonchavora.

Be sure to bring the kids to see Santa, who will be visiting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and bring your camera! He's the real Santa (just check his driver's license and credit cards...it says Santa Claus)!

The traditions of Christmas as we know today, and even Santa Claus, originated during the 1860s. Yet, during that time we were in the midst of one of the most turbulent and significant periods of our nation's history, the Civil War. With the commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War beginning in 2011, Hearthside is kicking off this special year with A Civil War Christmas in the Camp, a look at how the holiday was celebrated by the soldiers in the camp.

On Saturday, December 11th, several Civil War re-enactors will set up an encampment on the grounds of Hearthside. In general, winter time was a time of military inaction during the Civil War, as the armies of both sides would hunker down in the camp to wait out the winter. Santa Claus, as depicted by Thomas Nast in Harper's Weekly 1863, was quite patriotic, wearing a blue suit with stars and stripes on it. The Harper's Weekly cover with the illustration of Santa Claus visiting the soldiers in a Union camp was designed with the hope that it might raise Union morale and had been ordered by President Lincoln. Nast went on to draw many more Santa Claus illustrations, which became the image of Santa we enjoy today.

The most treasured present a soldier could get was a new pair of socks, quite understandable since socks wore out and were always wet with the miles of walking through rain and mud. At the Hearthside encampment, there will be a Christmas tree and woolen socks hung on pine roping. And a Civil War Santa Claus, just like the one that Thomas Nast illustrated for Harper's Weekly, will be in the camp.

Visitors are invited to talk with the soldiers in the camp and learn how Americans celebrated Christmas during the Civil War. Smell the chestnuts roasting over the open fire. Then all are welcome into the house to warm up and appreciate how Christmas on the home front might have been celebrated.

Self-guided tours through Hearthside's gaily decorated rooms are offered while enjoying music played on the antique dulcimer.

Hours are from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. No reservations required. $5/adult; no charge for 16 and under.

The Hearthside Gift Shop will also be open during the event.

Bring your child to Hearthside on Sunday, December 12th and make special holiday memories with traditional stories that will keep the magic in Christmas for both of you. Gather around in the lavishly decorated Drawing Room for a reading of The Story of Santa Claus, a magnificently illustrated fable that explains how Nicholas Claus became transformed into Saint Nicholas, how he journeyed to the North Pole to set up a toy workshop, his relationship with the elves and reindeer, and how he came to embody the Christmas spirit. And to complete the reading will be one of the oldest and well-known Christmas poems, The Night Before Christmas. The jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, will join in and visit with the children.

Festivities include the reading, a sing-along of Christmas songs played on our antique piano, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa Claus and a small favor for each child. Of course, a trip through the house to see all the decorations is also part of the event along with shopping in the Hearthside Gift Shop for a special gift! Our special guest reader is Lincoln's most eloquent Charles Cox. Seating is limited. Two seatings offered: 12:45 - 2:30 or 3:00-4:45 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Wondering what to do once those Christmas festivities are over, or you have a house full of guests from out of town and are looking for a special night out? Why not consider an AFTER Christmas visit to Hearthside to view the decorations before the season is over. On Tuesday evening, December 28^th, Hearthside will open its doors between 6 and 9 p.m.

Visitors will be greeted by costumed interpreters

as well as beautiful holiday melodies played by the Christ Church Bell Choir.

Guided tours through the house will be given, so you'll get a chance to learn about the legendary tales of Hearthside, all done by the soft glow of candlelight.

Here's a great chance to stop by if you missed the earlier opening in December, Reservations are required for tours starting at 6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 p.m. Limited capacity. Admission is $5/adult; 16 and under free. Call 726-0597 to reserve your spot.

I hope to see you on these joyfullest occasions. Happy Holidays!

Providence Most Beautiful Victorian Homes and Mansions

2010-11-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

I enjoy getting dress in my Victorian attire and strolling down some of Providence's historic neighborhoods. Just walking by and admiring these spectacular home is a true step back in time.

Governor Henry Lippitt Mansion

199 Hope Street Providence

Edward Carrington House. 1810-12

Providence, Rhode Island.

This building currently serves as the home of Brown University's Alumni Affairs.

This is the Aldrich House.1700's.

Currently Museum of the Rhode Island Historical Society.

110 Benevolent Street, Providence, Rhode Island.

Chancellor William Goddard House. 1822-1881.

Brown Street (corner of George Street), Providence, Rhode Island.

This building currently serves as the home of Brown University's Alumni Affairs.

Applied Mathematics Building

George Street

Providence, Rhode Island

Ebenezer Knight Dexter House. 1800.

Angell Street, Providence, Rhode Island.

Cooke and Angell Streets.

Providence, RI

Residence.

Brown and Power Streets,

Providence, Rhode Island.

The Historic Town of Providence

2010-11-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Today is Veterans Day!
A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
With my passion for history comes my interest in the Civil War and the brave veterans of that era.
Having knowledge of this I wanted to introduce my readers to our town.

Providence is my town. After dwelling here for over 20 years, I have studied the historic value of this town and it part in the War. I feel I've enjoyed it's value more than the average person who was born here.

                                  The Rhode Island State House is at 82 Smith St, Providence
                                                                   401-222-3983

    Two famous Civil War cannon, both served by Rhode Island crews, are on exhibit in the lobby to the north entrance of the State House. “The Gettysburg Gun” is an exceptional artifact with a great story.
It was there at Pickett’s Charge July 3, 1863. A Confederate shell hit the muzzle, bending it and killing two officers. Despite the damage, the Rhode Island men tried to load the gun, but the ball stuck in the muzzle and was welded there by the heat. That damaged cannon is on exhibit with the ball still in place and with 33 bullet marks.

Another Rhode Island gun used at First Manassas (Bull Run) also is displayed in the hall with regimental flags.

I have been to see this amazing exhibit several times and still feel the power and living history in our Historic Town.
Self-guided tours are on Mondays–Fridays from 9 am–3 pm.
Guided tours are offered Mondays–Fridays at 9, 10 and 11 am, noon and 1 pm.
You will enjoy the tour and the beauty of this building.

It's Tea Time. Come join me for Tea!

2010-11-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

I would like you to join me for tea.
I have created a network for tea lovers to socialize while enjoying their favorite tea.
You may join us and create your page any way you like, add picture of past event, post up- coming events or just say hi.
If you need help getting around the site, like starting discussions, forming your own groups, adding profile pictures or any tech assistant, I can be of help.
So, come join, enjoy and get creative!
http://tealoverscorner.ning.com/

Victorian Tea Society of Providence
http://www.orgsites.com/ri/teatime/

Tea with Lady Estelle at Hearthside House

http://hearthsidehouse.org/photoalbum/thumbnails.php?album=3

http://hearthsidehouse.org

In Side The Moffett Mill

2010-11-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

In my last post of the Moffett Mill, a reader aked to see photos of the inside. Well, after much research and help from a dear friend, I have got some. I have never been inside, but after seeing these photos, I want to more than ever.
Enjoy a step back 200 years.

The water raceway in the basement. Very exciting!

The Underfaker's Ball

2010-11-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

I had a mystical and adventurous Halloween. I was invited to the Undertaker's Ball in Newport, Rhode Island.

I dressed as The Bride of Transylvania. In order to dress for the part, I had to do a little research of the Count of Transylvania. This is what I found out.
http://dracula-transylvania.blogspot.com/The Count of Transylvania, Dracula as some know him, is a fictional character of Bram Stoker's 1897 horror novel "Dracula the Vampire". Some aspects of his character may have been inspired by the 15th century Romanian general and Wallachian Prince Vlad III the Impaler. Watch this youtube and feel the chilling thrill.

A good Halloween thrill would not be without a portal of the Count. Well I meet the Count at the Ball.

I was taken in by his eye. I longed for him to bite my neck,so to be the true Bride of Count Dracula.

I hope your Halloween was as thrilling and romantic as mine!

Hearthside in the Fall

2010-10-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Victorian fashions are most comfortable to wear in the fall. With all the layered garments it is easy to stay warm from the Autumn wind.

Even David was feeling comfortable in his 1880's Frock Goat and Top Hat.
This is the season I enjoy the most.

David and I invite you to visit us at Hearthside. You will enjoy the experience.
http://hearthsidehouse.org

A Spookie E-Card!

2010-10-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Send this to all your friends.Happy Halloween!

The Hunted House. Enter if you dare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/bws8Shell.swf?ihost=http://ak.imgag.com/imgag&brandldrPath=/product/full/el/&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3125133/graphic1

The Old Moffett Mill

2010-10-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

I just love this old Mill. It's called the Moffett Mill.

Built by George Olney along Great Road in 1812, the Moffett Mill is a unique survivor from the early 19th century. Resting along the Moshassuck River next to Chase Farm Park, this small mill is believed to be the first machine shop constructed in Rhode Island and is a rare example of a wooden mill built during the first wave of industrialization in the Blackstone Valley. Wagons, wheels, and shoelaces are just some of the products that were produced here.
Arnold Moffett purchased the mill in 1850 and built the stone dam that still stands. The mill has been abandoned since the early part of the 1900s and was donated to the Town of Lincoln in the 1980s. It has recently been renovated and its original tools still in tact.

This old mill now serves as a tourist attraction.Not many go to see it, but I love to see it every time I am on my way to the Hearthside House.

How do you celebrate Halloween?

2010-10-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

I have always love to dress up as a child, but I never wanted to dress in scary costumes. I always wanted to be someone beautiful, like a Queen or Princess. My friend would tease me, and say that was not what Halloween was all about. I never understood what they meant. So here is a little history I found about this day. Very interesting!

Columbus Day?

2010-10-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS discovered America in 1492. At least that is what all elementary school children were always taught: "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." Of course, Columbus never did "discover" North America, and the places he did explore already had people living there. He only discovered them from the viewpoint of the Europeans. Yet his first voyage did prove one thing for sure, that the earth was not only round, but that it was bigger than he had thought.

As I look at the face of this man, I see strength and determination, a God fearing man with the passion for adventure. His face moves me. They say you can learn a lot about a person by seeing his home.

House of Christopher Columbus

Or what is left of it.
Says the sign.
But it is not.
It is the remains of a house from that period.
No reason at all to believe Christopher Columbus lived here. He may have, of course.
It's very close to the Palazzo Ducale and on the edge of the old quarter, so no harm to spare it a glance.

All is unclear, but it is very interesting finds for historian, like myself.

Well, I wish all a "Happy Columbus Day Weekend!"

I love a October Rain

2010-10-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a perfect rainy day to read a book or watch a movie. So on my way to the library, I stop to watch the water flow down this little brook off Academy Ave in Providence, Rhode Island. It was so peaceful. I love the rain as it hit the top of my umbrella.
I found this little area along the Blackstone Canal that runs though the heart of the city. It's quit lovely with it's Weeping Willow trees that line the street.
It make for a scene straight out of Virginia.

As I entered my apartment, I have receive a long awaited book from a dear friend, Nancy B.Brewer. She is a great Lady, Author and Historian. She send me a signed book of Carolina Rain.

I was so thrilled. As I began to read the book, I noticed that the main character was born on this date back in 1842. What a coincidence. I began to connect with her right from the start. The book is fiction based on history. It take place during the American Civil War. The main character is a young girl, in her teens in 1860's.
I will go no farther in telling you the story. You must get Carolina Rain!

Historic Hearthside House Hostess Gown!

2010-10-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

Honorable Mention:

USA Entry 29.) Dress: Historic Hearthside House Hostess Gown

Comment by JUDGE Lisa Schnapp: 8/15/2010

"Lovely, glowing creation blended of soft, feminine hues. A stunning gown that embodies Victorian style femininity..."

http://www.bustledress.com/cgi-bin/z.pl/reset/article.contest.20100815-01.html