Photography Jason Dailey
Victorian-era afternoon tea times set in charming locations throughout Kansas
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site in Olathe will hold intimate, 1860s-style afternoon teas in May and October of this year. Afternoon tea began as an English tradition of savoring tea and finger food among good company. Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford, is credited for creating this treasured social occasion in the 1800s. It is said that she invited friends to join her for afternoon tea and light snacks because she disliked the hunger pains she experienced between lunch and dinner. Soon, afternoon tea became a midday ritual in the drawing rooms and parlors of English families.
The ritual quickly found its way to America. Guests of the historic Mahaffie site will be served tea and homemade goodies, much like how Lucinda Mahaffie might have welcomed guests with afternoon tea in her parlor during the 1860s.
“The Mahaffie farm is a living history museum, so we do everything like it’s 1865. We dress that way, we farm that way, we cook that way, and we actually offer rides on a stagecoach from 1865,” says Kari Coates, an historic site guide at Mahaffie. “For tea, we really focus on the Victorian time period, and we dress in 1860s clothing.”
Guests of the farm’s afternoon teas may dress in Victorian clothing, Coates says, but it is not required. Each tea begins with a brief history, followed by an explanation of the differences between American and English tea.
“Where there were a lot of sweets for English teas, American teas tended to be more savory with meats, cheeses, breads and a few cookies. It would be a heartier meal,” Coates says. “We don’t do a traditional cream tea, which includes scones, jams, clotted cream and tea. We do an American version of it.”
Guests enter the sitting room of the Mahaffie home to fill their 1860s-reproduction china plates, then step outdoors to find a seat at one of the gingham-covered tables located underneath a canopy of trees on the front lawn.
“We serve bread and butter, which we make here and press with an 1860s butter press. It has a really pretty rose design on the top of it,” Coates says. Also served is a farmer’s cheese, which is firmer than cottage cheese but not as crumbly as goat cheese, as well as cheddar cheese, strawberries when in season, and meats such as ham, roast beef or pâté.
“We also have gingersnap cookies that are made in our 1860s fire-fueled stove and oven on the property, and I tend to do a shortbread because that would be a sweet they would have made in 1865,” Coates says.
Because tea bags were not invented until the early 1900s, two loose-leaf teas are served—an Earl Grey black tea and, for those looking for a decaffeinated option, chamomile or mint.
During the tea, guests will learn more about Victorian tea etiquette and the language of the Victorian fan and will even enjoy some poetry readings. If this event sounds like your “cup of tea,” purchase tickets as soon as possible. It often sells out early.
Would you like more tea?
Fulton Valley Farms
Towanda
Spend teatime in the country with family and friends at the Tea Party in the Country on May 3 at Fulton Valley Farms. Wander through the picturesque property, dotted with colorful signs of spring, and visit the Fulton reindeer before gathering inside the barn, decorated to resemble a charming summer garden. Enjoy sandwiches, tarts and tea served on shabby chic tea sets. Attendees, guided by an instructor, also get to paint their very own dainty teacup. Wear your favorite Victorian hat or borrow one for a memorable group photo. Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased before the event, which offers two sessions: one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Three Sisters Victorian
Canton
Schedule a private tea party, Tuesday through Saturday, at Three Sisters Victorian Tea and Treasures in Canton, or attend one of their monthly teas or special events held in the quaint late-19th-century building. At their upcoming Victorian Spring Fling, June 14, guests can enjoy high tea followed by a narrated fashion show of spring and summer Victorian attire. The second Saturday of each month brings a themed tea party celebrating the holiday or occasion of the month. Guests choose from 20 flavors of tea and enjoy treats served on three-tiered tea stands: scones and fresh fruit or salad on the top tier, assorted sandwiches on the middle tier, and assorted desserts on the bottom tier. Tea is served in one of the two large dining rooms decorated with vintage and Victorian displays. Reservations must be made by phone.
