Re-post....Press Release for the Tea at Hearthside House 2011

Friends of Hearthside, Inc.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:                                Contact:  Kathy Hartley 401-334-2209     

April 3, 2011                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                         

Afternoon Tea and Toppers on Derby Day at Historic Hearthside

Saturday, May 7th

Lincoln ---To kick off its 10^th Anniversary celebration, the Friends of Hearthside is sponsoring “An Afternoon Tea and Toppers” at Great Road’s historic Hearthside House on Saturday, May 7^th, from 2:00-4:00, the same day as the world-famous Kentucky Derby.

While the history of tea goes back hundreds of years, the Afternoon Tea is best known as a fashionable social event that was popular during the late 19^th century when upper-class and society women would change into elaborate outfits of long gowns, spectacular hats and gloved hands for their afternoon pause of tea and conversation.  The elegance carried through to the settings of fine china tea cups, artful creations of miniature tea sandwiches, scones, and delightful desserts.  Hearthside offers an elegant and historic setting, creating a leisurely and nostalgic afternoon to enjoy Afternoon Tea with close friends or family. And it’s educational as well.
"Because our Tea falls on Derby Day,” states Kathy Hartley, President of the Friends of Hearthside,” it offers us the perfect opportunity to look at the fashion statements made by the ladies who attended the Derby, in particular the hats.”  The first Kentucky Derby was held in 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and is the country’s oldest consecutively held Thoroughbred race and the most prestigious horse race in the world.   However, the fashions have created nearly as much interest as the racing event itself.  Hats have played an important role in the history of horse racing for centuries.  Honoring a tradition that dates back centuries to the world-famous English horse race, the Royal Ascot, women who attend the races take the opportunity to show off stylish and extravagant hats as a statement of grace and wealth.  For a well-to-do late 19^th and early 20^th century woman, a day at Churchill Downs, especially on Derby Day, was an opportunity to be seen in the latest of fashions.  Today, patrons of the Kentucky Derby, which takes place on the first Saturday of May each year, put their fanciest hats on parade as the world watches. The Derby offers women a place to continue the old traditions, as evidenced by the trend of bigger, more spectacular hats that has continued to develop over the years, during a time when society has loosened up on formalities of dress code.

The featured presentation at the Hearthside Tea will be “Hats Through the Ages” being given by Hearthside volunteer Estelle T. Barada, also known as Lady Estelle, The Victorian Lady. 
Lady Estelle will discuss how women’s hats have changed drastically throughout history.  She will exhibit some of her private collection of hats spanning fashions from early 19^th century up to the 1950’s.  “Hats were worn for style and elegance, warmth, and modesty,” notes Lady Estelle.
“We invite our guests to be inspired by Derby Day and use this opportunity to wear their favorite hats and have fun with it, although wearing headgear is not mandatory to attend the Tea.”

Prizes will be given for the “Most Historic Looking,” “Most Likely to be Seen at the Derby” and “Most Unusual” hats. 

Guests will feel like they have stepped back in time as they enter through the doors of this 200-year old mansion to be greeted by the butler and escorted to their tables by the volunteers dressed in their Victorian finery.   In addition to enjoying the rituals of a traditional Tea, guests will be treated to a variety of gourmet tea sandwiches, scones, chocolate dipped fruits, and sumptuous sweets, the hat presentation, as well as a tour of this unique historic house.  Festivities also include raffle baskets, a door prize and a keepsake gift.   And to conclude the day, shopping will be available at the ">Hearthside Gift Shop, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The Tea is an ideal event to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with mom or grandma, or to get together and enjoy a relaxing, memorable afternoon with friends.  Seating is limited so early reservations are recommended.  No tickets will be sold at the door.

Often times referred to as “the house that love built”, this Lincoln landmark was built with lottery winnings in 1810 by Stephen Hopkins Smith with the hope of winning the heart of his lady love.   Many, however, may not know that at the turn of the century Hearthside was also home to the first mayor of Pawtucket, Frederick C. Sayles. 

On the farm adjacent to Hearthside, he raised race horses, including several prize winners.  His horses broke speed records and were considered to be among the finest collection of great brood mares ever under one owner in his time.  Gathering at Hearthside for Derby Day is a testament to the Sayles’ history at the house and to his great love of horses.





The Hearthside Afternoon Tea was the first event held to welcome the public into Hearthside in 2001 when the volunteer organization Friends of Hearthside was founded. The Friends is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and interpret the historic Town-owned mansion, and all proceeds from the event benefit the continued restoration of this 200-year old house.  Tickets, which are $20 per person, must be purchased in advance by calling 726-0597.

Hearthside is located at 677 Great Road on Rt. 123 at the intersection of Breakneck Hill Road and Great Road in Lincoln.  For more information, visit www.hearthsidehouse.org or call 726-0597.