Albion Historical Society to Hold "Boston Tea Party" Mother's Day Tea

The annual Mother's Day Tea starts the Gardner House Museum's season each year, and this year's event will take place on Saturday, May 9. Two seatings - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - will be offered. Lovely hot tea will be served accompanied by sweet and savory nibblies.

In honor of the nation's 250^th anniversary, the museum will continue the Revolutionary War theme by holding a Boston Tea Party. A Colonial twist will flavor the event this year. Albion District Library archivist Jesse Yaeger will talk about foods served during Colonial times, and table will feature Colonial decorations.

Seating is limited so reservations are required by calling (517) 629-3276. This event is free and open to the public but donations are always gratefully accepted.

The Mother's Day Tea has been a tradition at the Gardner House Museum for over 50 years due in part to Albion's connection to the day. Strong evidence exists to support the notion that Mother's Day has some roots in Albion thanks to the sons of Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a local woman of strong character and grit. Juliet's sons, who where traveling salesmen, made a promise to their mother that they would return to Albion each year to honor her on her birthday, May 13, or the second Sunday of May. As the sons traveled about the country, they often shared stories of their mother with business contacts, making suggestions that they, too, should honor their mothers.

The Gardner House season officially opens from 2 - 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from May 9 until September 27.