A “Fan”-tastic time was had by all who attended the Leesport Lock House Foundation’s fifth annual Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 9.
The theme for this year’s Victorian tea came from a framed picture of an old fan found by committee member Nancy Greenawalt, and each guest took home a lovely fan as a memento of the day.
In two seatings of 25 guests each, five delicious courses were served by volunteers from the Victorian tea committee. All of the food was homemade and included berry muffins, scones, cream of broccoli soup, salad, tea sandwiches and desserts. According to Foundation president Beverly Miller, the committee went online earlier this year to get ideas and find suggestions for food and decorations.
“We learned that there is not a proper tea anywhere that doesn’t include a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich,” Miller said. “A lot of people enjoy it and don’t get the chance to try it very often.”
Attendees got into the spirit of the historical event by dressing in period costume.
“In the first seating we had a table of five women dressed in costume with hats and long dresses,” said Miller. “A couple of others wore hats, and everyone got a fan.”
The event, which sells out every year, is an important part of the Lock House Foundation’s fundraising goals.
“We need to have about $5000 each year for heating, electric and repairs,” Miller said. “The lock house is about 150 years old and is considered one of the most well-maintained original lock houses in the country.”
A strong contingent of volunteers, as well as Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts help to keep the history of the place alive.
“When local historian Mervin Moyer died last year, many of his possession went up for auction,” Miller said. “The Foundation purchased an old doctor’s carriage from the estate and now we have an Eagle Scout candidate, Ethan Michael Moquin, enclosing the bays at the Leesport Borough Hall where we’ll safely maintain the carriage.”
Despite the many fundraisers the Foundation hosts each year, including the upcoming Strawberry Social on June 13, contributions and handy volunteers are always welcome.
“The Borough of Leesport owns the building and grounds,” noted Miller, “but the Foundation controls the day-to-day operations and keeps up the house inside and out.”
Membership currently includes 70 people.
For more information on upcoming events at the historic Lock House, go online to the organization’s Facebook page, or stop into the building for a free tour on the first Saturday of the month between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and you’ll probably become a fan, too.
