Sources indicate that tea drinking in China may have started as early as the 10th century BC. A credible record indicates that by 220 AD, tea was used in China as a medicinal drink. By the 16th century, Chinese merchants and Portuguese priests traveling from the East to the West had introduced tea to the western civilization. It was not until the 17th century that tea because a popular drink in Britain. IT has now become the second most consumed beverage in the world behind water.
Afternoon tea as a social event was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in the year 1840. Anticipating a late dinner after 8 pm each day, the Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. As this became a habit, she began inviting friends to join her.
Well-to-do society women of the 1800s had wardrobes especially for afternoon tea, including long gowns, gloves, and hats. Service was highly stylized, with very specific rituals for serving the tea, usually in the drawing room between four and five o’clock. The occasion called for pleasant conversation among the prettiest of table settings, providing the hostess an opportunity to show off her best China and linens and to serve her most delicate cookies and cakes.
On Sunday, March 15th at 4:00 pm, Plains District Museum will host the annual Spring Tea. The afternoon will include assorted teas, scones finger sandwiches desserts, and entertainment with a surprise guest.
Seating is limited and by reservation only. For more information, contact Wilda Wine at wildawine@aol.com or Peggy Grandle at cgrand66@comcast.net.
Plains District Memorial Museum 2026 Spring Calendar
All programs are in the Museum’s Community Meeting Room
March 15, 4-6 pm –Spring Tea (reservations required)
April 12 (tentative) 2 pm – Bluegrass Afternoon
May TBA – Talk on Native Americans Exhibit (speaker to be announced)
June 7 2:00 pm – Arlene Reed on summer gardening
