History of Savannah's Victorian Tea
   by Dian Brownfield

 

Queen Victoria

During the mid to late 1800’s,  formal afternoon teas were often the setting for Victorian social gatherings.  On such occasions, friends would come together to discuss the issues of the day while enjoying classical music, stylish food and good fellowship.  Afternoon tea was perceived as “a relaxing interlude for lively conversation, gracious posture and one’s nicest clothes”.

In 1971, in an effort to recreate history during Georgia Week, the Downtown Garden Club of Savannah sponsored its first annual Victorian Tea.  The public's interest was inspired!   According to Savannah newspaper reports, the club provided a “You Are There” history lesson for area residents when club president, Mrs. Lloyd O’Steen, offered her home at 117 W. Perry Street for the occasion. 

The house was built during the reign of Queen Victoria and provided the perfect setting for the club’s first tea.  Victorian decorations were used throughout the downstairs and all electrical appliances were placed out of sight.  Club members researched the activities and manners of a bygone era and duplicated authentic recipes.  Members said they felt like “trailblazers” because they had done something different.  They had worked hard, had fun, and had offered the public a vivid demonstration of historical customs.  In the process, the club had educated themselves and captured the public's enduring interest. 

Now in its 39th year, Savannah's Victorian Tea is the main fundraising activity of Savannah's Downtown Garden Club.  The club uses funds generated by the Victorian Tea to beautify and improve the environment in Savannah's Historic Landmark  District.  Over the years, these projects have included new benches in LaFayette Square, lighting and plants for the Massie Heritage Center, thousands of dollars for trees for the city, improvement of Laurel Grove Cemetery, a sprinkler system for the downtown site of the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, and many other contributions.

This year the Victorian Tea is being held for the second time in conjunction with the Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association's Holiday Tour of Homes.  Savannah residents and visitors are invited to take a break from visiting the homes on tour to enjoy a genuine Victorian Tea experience with us in one of Savannah's most beautiful and unique historic residences.  The venue for the Victorian Tea is a private residence, generously offered to support our fundraising by the owners, and is not on the Holiday Tour of Homes.