Dolly Dingle’s
Each year the Historical Society hosts Dolly Dingle’s Tea Party at the historic Burges House. Since 2003, guests have joined us for an afternoon tea and enjoyed entertainment, educational presentations, and much, much more. The tea is traditionally held the Sunday after Mother’s Day, complete with a lovely spring garden party. Guests stroll through the backyard garden, arguably one of the best in the Sunset Heights Historic District.
Entertainment in the garden is provided, along with raffles, an old-fashioned photo shoot, and cool drinks while guests wait until tea-time. Guests are seated inside the home at 2:00 p.m. at tables set with linen, lace, silverware and china. The tea includes savories and sweets served by Harvey Girl re-enactors. Miss Manners strolls through the various rooms discussing Victorian tea etiquette, ensuring that ladies know how to act like ladies and gentlemen know how to act like gentlemen. Whether it is how to dress, how to speak the “language of the fan,” or how a proper lady should be courted, the Shady Ladies aren’t shy about dishing all of the secrets of the Victorian era.
You may be asking, “Who is Dolly Dingle and why is this her tea?” Dolly Dingle is a paper doll created in 1913 by Grace Drayton, creator of Campbell’s Soup Kids. Over 200 paper dolls were created in the Dolly Dingle series over the next twenty years. One of the most enchanting aspects of these paper dolls were the fun and widely varied costumes, toys, and accessories provided for them. Children and adults alike learned about the wooden shoes of Holland, the silk of China, and the furs of Canada without ever leaving their hometown. Paper dolls were especially popular among young girls during the Great Depression due to their affordability. Dolly Dingle was an ambassador of her time, bringing culture and excitement to girls that otherwise may not have learned about dirndls and clogs. With some paper and a little imagination, girls were able to learn and play, all thanks to Dolly.
And so, we invite you to participate in Dolly Dingle’s Tea Party every May. Come learn about Victorian life without needing a time machine. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 915-533-3603.
Here are some pics from this year's Dolly Dingle Tea Party...
Here are some pics from this year's Dolly Dingle Tea Party...
