What do I love about Victorian? . . . Everything! The tasty
foods, the beauty of gardens carefully manicured by the gardener in a lovely Victorian mansion. I love dressing up and putting together an outfit for the teas. Choosing my
parasol to match the gloves and hat.
I feel like Queen Victoria must have felt. The ladies are so
pleasant and helpful, not to mention their sense of humor!
The Tea Society has brought another dimension to my life,
and I love it.
Lucille W. Broadview Heighs, OH
Queen Victoria once said; "Somehow I just can't believe I
am who I am. It all seems like a dream".
Well . . . Neither can I. When I put on my Victorian attire I
become a part of the Royal Court ready to meet the other
Victorian Ladies for tea and some ladylike gossip.
Gertie K. Broadview Heights, OH
I love the dressing up and the formality of having tea. It is
so nice that we take the time to really enjoy each others
company in these modern times when people tend to rush.
I also love learning about the Victorian Era which is so
fascinating. There is so much more to it than most people
could imagine and I have a lot more to discover. I just love
it!
Ann F. Broadview Heights, OH
The reasons I love the Victorian style and era is that
Women dressed so feminine, I have always loved the that
era, That period had some of the most beautiful as far as I
am concerned. The Tea luncheons, dressing up and
enjoying similar ladies and their interests and friendship is
wonderful. Personally I am tired of the way a large portion
of the population dresses in this era so it gives me an
opportunity to dress like a lady and have delicate foods,
tea of course and the interesting fact of seeing the talents
of the ladies in how they present themselves. It seems to
raise our level of poise.
That is just some of why I enjoy the clothing, hats, being
ladies and sharing a peaceful period of time with ladies of
equal interest. Have a good day and thanks for asking.
Carol R. Tallmadge, OH
I was a fan of Victoriana before I even had a true
understanding what the word meant. In the 1970’s, I went
crazy over Gunne Sax designs by Jessica McClintock lovely
Victorian and prairie-inspired creations with high collars,
small floral prints, ruffled skirts, ribbon trim, and lots of
lace. Then Victoria magazine came out, and I had a word to
apply to the sort of things I’d always been drawn to.
In the late 1990’s I formed a tea society in northeast Ohio
called the Victorian Ladies Tea Society . . . not because I
really understood that much about Victoriana (that
knowledge came later), but because I liked how the words
sounded when linked together. (smiling) Through the
members of the tea society I came to have a true love for
Victoriana, as well as for tea (the wonderful beverage), for
the gentle and beautiful ladies who enjoyed taking tea with
me, for planning and attending tea parties and learning
about the history of tea time, and for participating in
Victorian and Edwardian-era re-enactment events (like
playing croquet on the square in Chardon in Victorian dress
– everyone looked so lovely!).
Caren P White Nashville, TNTruthfully, I didn't know what to expect from a Victorian
Tea Society. I attended my first Victorian Tea and found it
to be very lovely. Dressing up is my favorite part and I love
the clothes and accessories and the feeling of being a
beautiful lady. It takes me away from reality for a brief
time and it is so refreshing to live in another era. What a
wonderful way to experience some of America's marvelous
history and enjoy being a part of the Victorian times.
Thank you for giving me the chance to experience a little
of the Victorian elegance.
Karen W. Brooklyn OH
The Victorian Era brings....
The ambiance of remembering the aristocratic niceties
that help make this time of hectic living more palatable. It
is a way of allowing ourselves to be a lady.
The romantic notion of this era becomes a part of our life
during the events we attend.
A wonderful way to meet and greet ladies you may never
have met.
Karen L. Richmond Heights, OH
"I like being with ladies of like interests, making new
friends and being graciously served in the elegant ambiance
of tea rooms."
Nicolet M. Akron, OH
"It's very enjoyable to take time out from my daily routine,
dress in vintage-style clothing and step back into a more
genteel era."
Cheryl B. Mogadore, OH
“I believe I have always been Victorian in my heart. I have
always loved Victorian style, a time when ladies got all
dressed up and wore beautiful hats, wore gloves and
carried fans and parasols”. I believe it would be fun to get
dressed up like that, and be a Victorian Lady for a while. I
was a Ballroom Dancer for 20 + years and loved dressing up
in ball gowns and dancing the Foxtrot, the ‘Silver’ Waltz
and Viennese Waltz.’ I have always loved all things vintage
from furniture styles and accessories to clothing and high
button shoes. I love reading about the Victorian age and
about the way things were in that time and how differently
people lived, and I think simple things were enjoyed more
then, such as dressing up for a tea social was a special
event. To be able to escape reality in the 21st Century for
a while and enjoy some of the beauty of the Victorian Age
with ladies who have the same interest as I do will be a fun
experience.” I love going to Tea Rooms such as Miss Molly’s
to just enjoy the beauty of the tea room with its lace and
flowers. It makes me feel peaceful and content.”
Beverly B. Mentor, OH
Life without Victoriana would be so dull! Tea,fellowship with kindred spirits,dressing beautifully for a outing, sharing ideas, laughing, all these fill my life with joy and purpose.
Dolly W. Akron, OH
I love the Victorian period because it was an age of
elegance and refinement. Ladies and gentlemen were
sophisticated and gracious. Their clothing reflected
this also, from the mens' top hats to the ladies flowing dresses and magnificent hats. There was a gentleness that was evident in their daily interactions with one another. Unfortunately, this is a bygone era.
But we can return to that golden age everytime we dress in our Victorian clothing, and share tea and conversation with each other. It helps us forget the harshness of today's society, at least for a short while. We look to the past and relive all the beauty of yesteryear.
Audra M. Mentor, OH
I love the elegant beauty of the clothing worn that makes a woman feel special. It lifts the spirit to bygone days when a lady was delightful to look upon instilling chivalrous intentions of their male suitors. It was a time of tea parties, warm companionship, and gaety. It was a time of honor, courtesy and generosity, especially to women.
Audrey T. Cleveland, OHSome women treasure finding the perfect pair of shoes,
Others the perfect purse - for me, I treasure finding the
perfect teapot, teacup, and tea party.
For it is when my friends and I gather around the table
that we share the warmth of our friendship, have
thoughtful conversations, and at times, comfort our hearts.
Teatime gently slows me down, reminding me to relax and enjoy the moment. I love the pleasures of teatime which includes culinary delights, quaint silver tea service, enchanting embellishments, glamorous accessories, thoughtful details, and the elegant Victorian clothing of long dresses with grand hats and gloves.
It is this ambiance that I love!
According to Emily Barnes, author of If Teacups could
Talk, “It’s not the tea that makes teatime special,
it’s the spirit of the tea party.”
Cindy M. Brunswick, OHAs the Innkeeper of the Emerald Necklace Inn, Bed and
Breakfast, Tea Room, It 's been my pleasure to serve
afternoon Tea to the Victorian Ladies group, I love
stepping back into the past, a charming and wonderful
time. The grace and beauty women had at that time is
something that is ageless and will never go out of style.
I enjoy putting details to everything that the Inn has to
offer, from resting in one of our beauitful guest rooms,
refreshing yourself with our spa services in the salon or
just enjoying our High tea served everyday in our Victorian tea parlour. We invite you to come again and have tea with us, let us know, we'll set a table for you.
Gloria Cipri Kemer Fairview Park, OH
Let me first thank you for all the work you are doing for
this Victorian Tea Society. I am joyfully looking for hats to wear to these events. I think the Hats are everything. I want a 18 inch brim to decorate for the teas. I am
especially looking forward to the Roaring 20' s event at the Marriott.
Karen Peters Rocky River, OHA continuing fascination with the Victorian era
led me to collect and extensively research Victorian
antiques, clothing, and accessories. My
immersion into the Victorian lifestyle led me to
develop my company, Lost in the Past, in 2001.
Since then, I've enjoyed sharing the grandeur of
this forgotten age with others.
I present fun and informative programs that
include historical and social contexts but are
geared to modern audiences! Many program
topics are available, and custom requests are
welcomed.
I have spoken for a myriad of groups and events,
including libraries, schools, Red Hat events,
historical societies, genealogical societies, tea
clubs, church groups, garden clubs, women’s’
clubs, Girl Scout troops, bus tours, and private
parties! Programs are tailored to the interests
of the audience, and I welcome audience
participation!
I strive to return audiences to the grandeur of the Victorian era. It is a lost age of grace and loveliness.
Everything in the Victorian era was both useful
AND beautiful. Women have made great strides
socially and in the workplace, but there is
something to be said for the genteel society of
one hundred years ago.
Laura L. Medina, OH
I truly enjoy the Victorian Era, dressing up in long
dresses, hats & gloves and taking time to enjoy a
tea-lightful afternoon with other tea ladies &
friends. It's a time when we can slip off the
timepiece in our minds and enjoy a cup of tea,
tiny savories and tea-lightful conversation.
Sandy D. Fairview Park
