A traditional English Tea, in a Monee rose garden, generated funding for two popular civic organizations and offered a glimpse of elegance from days gone by.
The tea, held at the historic landmarked home of Janet Blue, was a benefit for the Monee Historical Society and the Monee Women’s Club.
One hundred forty guests attended, an increase of 71 percent over last year’s event, according to William Morgan, president of the MHS.
“Everyone had a lovely time – except for the breaker box at Janet’s house,” MHS President Emeritus Christi Holston laughed. “We managed to blow a fuse!”
Something that made the event even more special, she added, was that “This was an especially good year for hats.
“Most of the ladies and gentlemen went all out with hats and gloves, floral tea-dresses, and dapper summer attire!”
Holston also noted the event was “a traditional English tea, modeled after Mrs. Furst’s Charity Tea held in the same home nearly a century ago. The homeowner, Janet Blue, takes great care to ensure the experience is as authentic as possible, and she relishes the opportunity to share the customs of her original homeland with the Monee community.”
The event was entirely volunteer-run, Morgan noted.
“We had outstanding support from student servers in the JROTC and National Junior Honor Society at Crete-Monee High School, as well as from local churches,” he added.
“Members of the Monee Historical Society and Monee Women’s Club prepared scones, shortbread, fairy cakes, clotted cream, and more – all homemade.
“Unlike last year’s more centralized approach, this year we invited broader input from MHS and MWC members, which brought new ideas and gave participants a deeper sense of connection to the event’s success.
“We were delighted to welcome Heavenly Harps back again this year. Heavenly Harps was our entertainment back at the first tea in 2019 and joined us again this year. They are not the same artists we had last year. We were thrilled to have them again!”
It wouldn’t be a traditional tea without some delicious treats, and there were plenty of those.
“All the food was again home-made by our resident bakers,” Morgan said. “Scottish Shortbread from MHS Executive Director Barb Sim’s family recipe. Mary Berry’s world-famous scones, as well as traditional Scottish scones, both served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. English Fairy Cakes and our signature Bakewell Tarts. Also, a selection of finger sandwiches included the favorite, cucumber with dill.”
For Morgan, the highlight of the event was “the warm, unmistakable glow on everyone’s faces – it’s the look of a joyful, successful gathering.”
The tea helps fund scholarships for young women from Monee and for the historical society, it helps expand their public programming, collections, and community outreach.
“Our museum is open weekly, hosts civic groups free of charge, and has hosted Heritage Days, our effort to have interesting programming on a regular basis with live presenters. Events like this allow us to continue growing as both an historical and community resource,” Holston said.
“A heartfelt thanks to Janet Blue for, once again, opening her home to such a bustling affair, and to Barb Sim, our executive director, who served as our maître d and kept everything running like clockwork.
“All of the hundreds of hours put in by dozens of volunteers resulted in a wonderful event. We were blessed with glorious weather and hope Mrs. Furst had as much fun and spread as much joy at her event back in 1928!”