It was tea time for Victorians Saturday at the Baker House.
And who better than The Villages Victorian Tea Hats Club to christen the Baker House’s first afternoon tea .
“This is very special for our group,” said Carol Newton, president of the club. “We meet monthly. We dress Victorian and our programs are Victorian. Today, we feel we are in our element and I love the Baker House.”
The Baker House is an historic landmark in Wildwood. It has been faithfully restored by a group of volunteers – many of them Villagers – who continue to come up with programs to attract visitors. The house was built by Sen. David H. Baker around 1886 and donated to Wildwood in 2012.
More than the fragrance of tea was in the air on Saturday.
The combination of scones, Petit Fours, finger sandwiches, and of course, tea, in the Victorian atmosphere of so long ago created a dreamlike setting.
“The women love this place; it’s like a doll house” said Larry Bulger, a Baker House volunteer.
Esther Bulger – his wife – also volunteers and came up with the idea of a “Victorian Tea Party.” Two tea parties were held Saturday and limited to 25 tickets for each. Both sold out quickly and there was a waiting list of about 50 people to get a seat.
“I love teas and the Baker House is a perfect venue for a tea party,” said Esther
Bulger, who among other volunteers acted as a docent for the gathering. In tea lingo, a docent acts as sort of a guide and instructor.
The event began when Beth Crouch-Payne talked about the rooms where the tea party was held – the parlor, the family sitting room and the library. All tables and the rooms were colorfully decorated for the tea party.
The combination of history, community and tea added up to a special afternoon.
“They say you live forever if you are remembered,” Esther Bulger said. “The Baker family had the foresight to preserve the impact they had on this area and their history for future generations.”
What matters most, she said, “are the memories and stories that take root and plant themselves in your life.”
One thing that didn’t change was the heat – the temperature was near 90 degrees for the tea.
“They say Victorian ladies don’t sweat, they glisten,” Tanya Mikeals, a docent, said. “Well, today we are glistening.”
Among the other volunteers at the event: Larry and Laurie Bailey, Patti Komar, Cheryl Trask, Linda Anderson and Deborah Carr Hollingsworth.
Tony Violanti is an award-winning journalist and writes for Villages-News.com.
