Step back in time as the Clarke Historical Museum hosts its annual “Very Victorian Tea Party” Aug. 10 from 2 to 5 p.m.
in the garden of the historic Magdalena Zanone House, 1604 G St., Eureka. (The Zanone House will open at 1 p.
m. for self-guided tours) “The Clarke’s ‘Very Victorian Tea’ fundraiser is a unique opportunity to experience history in a way few other events offer,” said Josh Buck, the museum’s executive director/Main Hall curator. “The museum possesses a variety of textiles and artifacts from the Victorian era (1837-1901) that are regularly on display in the historic Emmerson Room, affectionately known as the Victorian Room,” Buck said.
“What better way to bring history alive for our attendees than to have them join in the fun of dressing up in suits and dresses that reflect the time of a bygone era? It permits those who attend to see a home that reflects the architecture of the time period up close and, for those who arrive early at 1 p.m., a chance to see what is inside.
Most of Humboldt County’s beautiful Victorian era homes are generally off limits to the visiting public and residents, and this event provides a chance to rectify that.” Buck added, “For the second year in a row, Ron Kuhnel has graciously agreed to allow the Clarke to host this fundraiser at his beautifully restored home. The house is unmistakable due to its elegant garden and a massive tower topped with an onion dome.
“According to Kuhnel’s research, the home originally belonged to Magdalena Zanone, widow of Domingo Zanone, an Italian immigrant who, like many, came to California in 1849 in search of gold and fortune,” Buck said. “Domingo moved to Humboldt in 1866, but returned to Italy in 1875 to meet his bride-to-be, and they had seven children. Domingo passed away in 1901, and Magdalena decided to have the house built, which has stood since 1908.
” The afternoon tea — catered by Brett Shuler Fine Catering — will include mimosas, scones with clotted cream and an array of delectable treats. “This event is structured to reflect a traditional Victorian-era tea party called ‘Afternoon Tea’ or ‘Low Tea.’ The menu, presentation and experience aim to recreate how an afternoon tea party would have been hosted during that time,” said Clarke Registrar Alexandra Cox.
Tea, Cox said, was a popular beverage enjoyed by all social classes during the Victorian era. “The Victorians used the tea party as a social event full of ritual and performance, but one that changed across class and county lines,” Cox noted. “There are a couple of different types of tea parties.
The most common type of tea party is the ‘Afternoon Tea.’ Also called ‘Low Tea,’ a formal gathering, afternoon tea was a light meal served between lunch and supper, usually around 4 p.m.
When you hosted an afternoon tea, it would consist of tea, a selection of finger sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres, followed by scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of petite desserts. Then there is ‘High Tea,’ also called ‘Workers Tea.’ High tea parties were popularized in the late 1800s when, after a long day of toiling in mines, working in factories, and learning at school, families would come together to enjoy a meal.
A high tea menu consisted of tea and a hearty meat, bread and vegetables dinner. While high tea is tea served with a meal (typically dinner), low tea is defined as tea served with a snack in between meals.” Clarke Marketing and Events Coordinator Lelehnia DuBois added, “This event, set in the picturesque historic garden of the Magdalena Zanone House, promises a delightful afternoon filled with nostalgia, charm and Victorian elegance.
” The “Very Victorian Tea Party” will also include a live auction with auctioneer Michael Fields featuring custom-made Victorian shadow boxes or a trip to Jamaica, a Victoria era fashion show led by Kate Newby, harp music by Lonni Magellan, a “fanciest hat” contest and more. Tickets for the Clarke fundraiser are $70 general and $60 for museum members. General admission tables for six are $350 and museum member tables of six are $300.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.clarkemuseum.org/a-very-victorian-tea-2024 , and can also be purchased at the Clarke Historical Museum, 240 E St.
, Eureka. “Proceeds from this event will fuel our 2024 initiatives for Nealis Hall, our museum’s Native American wing,” DuBois said. “Your generous contributions will fund projects such as the commissioning of a stunning redwood door by esteemed Karuk/Yurok artist Alme Allen and our efforts to secure ownership of Nealis Hall from the city of Eureka, ensuring the preservation of its Indigenous collections for generations to come.
” To volunteer at the “Very Victorian Tea Party,” email [email protected] or call 707-443-1947. For sponsorship inquiries and auction item donations, email josh@clarkemuseum.
org or call 707-443-1947. The mission of the Clarke Historical Museum is to celebrate the rich and varied history of Northwestern California by preserving, sharing and interpreting that history in ways that increase knowledge, enrich the spirit, engage the mind, and stimulate the imagination. For more information, go to https://www.
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