Victoriana Lady Estelle

A Simple life!

I live a simple life enjoying music, reading, writing in my journal, and scrap booking. My apartment is done modestly but comfortable.

I surround myself with images and things of the pass, from the pictures on the walls, lost of dollies and classical music. I am truly in a time wrap.

This is home

My life long work has been in catering to the public, so when I come home, I step back in time. I love to have tea by lantern light. I will bake myself some warm tea cookies or treats to enjoy with my tea.I do not have a TV in my parlor.That is something I can do without.

An Appreciation Reception at Hearthside House

On Friday, The Hearthside House and the "Friends of Hearthside" hosted an appreciation reception for the sponsor who gave a donation of $50 or more. I was a guest at the reception that night. I wore a lovely Victorian bodice made by a very talented friend and received many compliments on her work.

The House put out a lovely spread and the evening was a memorable one. It was still all dress up in the holiday decoration. What spender!

A Victorian Housekeeper

The senior female servant,
the Housekeeper supervised the
hiring and firing of the woman staff.

Referred to as "Mrs"
whether married or not,
she looked after the household accounts,
purchased supplies, cured, bottled,
and preserved food.

She met daily with the Lady of the house to go over
the books and preside over
the Servant's Tea, using that time
to relay any necessary information

to members of the staff.
She oversaw the storeroom, china closet,
still room, and linen cupboard.
If the laundry was sent out, she carefully recorded
each piece as it went out and came back.

Easy to identify,
the Housekeeper wore a black silk uniform
and large set of keys
safely at her waist.

Keys prevailed in importance, as
many expensive items, tealeaves,
spices, and pickled meat
remained locked up.

Her last duty in the evening would be to
oversee the washing and storing of
the dinner china.

In 1872,she would have earned $300 a year.

A Christmas Victorian Stroll

Each year, a group from the Hearthside House who "love to dress" has participated in a Victorian Stroll in Pascoag as they kick off their Christmas season. I had the pleasure to join them this year. It was on Sat. Nov. 28th starting around 4:00. We just walked around the streets for an hour or so, looking pretty and making their event a success with our presence. There are usually only a handful of others who are dressed.
We take this opportunity to hand out fliers to promote some of our upcoming Christmas events at Hearthside. In the past we have had many visitors at Hearthside from Pascoag and Burrillville because of it.
At this event you meet many talented craft people who display their talents by making wonderful Christmas delights. It was a festive event.

A Truely Victorian Weekend!

I had the great honor to stay at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion, which was a true step back in time.
I was spellbound by it's beauty and grandeur. I felt as if I had entered a world of royalty.

My host, Joseph Matteo was a most charming and delightful Victorian gentlemen. I was floored by his attention for detail and master showmanship. He is a true Victorian!
My sleeping accommodations was enchanting. I was not able to sleep because I did want to wake up and find it was only a dream.