The History & Etiquette Of Tea

From time to time I will talk about the history & etiquette of tea at my historic programs. I began my business a decade ago catering afternoon tea parties all over PA, NY, & NJ, while presenting my Victorian Fashion programs. Long story short I had to give up the catering three years into it since PA changed their food law. They required a commercial kitchen, to the tune of about $25,000, which was impossible with four young children.

Fortunately I was getting more bookings for my historic Victorian Fashion programs. At the same time I was asked to portray a nurse, Esther Tinsley, c. 1910 in a documentary film for the Pittston Historical Society, PA. Miss Tinsley was the first woman hospital administrator in the country, before women could even vote! It was an honor for me to portray her early years. Things have been blossoming in my career ever since.

Although I miss my tea parties I now have the best of both worlds hosting tea parties at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion B&B where I also present programs and tours. 

Here is a funny experience that I had with Lapsang Souchong tea, which is the tea that was dumped into the harbor at the Boston Tea Party.

Lapsang Souchong Tea... Or Is There a Fire In The House?

During my research I learned that Lapsang Souchong Tea was the tea dumped into the harbor at the Boston Tea Party. I decided I should try it. I was catering a tea, so I bought 8 boxes. While driving home I kept thinking that there must be a fire somewhere, it seemed as if I smelled smoke.

I arrived home and set the grocery bags on the counter. I went upstairs a few minutes when I heard my son came in from school. He came looking for me right away to ask me if something was burning downstairs! I panicked and ran to the kitchen. Perplexed I said to him, I smell it too, in fact I smelled it all the way home from the store. We followed the smell and realized it was coming from the tea in the bags! I unpacked the cellophane covering on the tea box, then the smell became really strong!  I thought, perhaps it's better when it's brewed, so I put the kettle on. (It did not get better.) I tried to drink it, but it reminded me too much of the smell of a house on fire.

I did a little more research and found out Lapsang Souchong tea leaves are fermented over burning Pine wood. THAT explains everything! :)

I bravely took it to my tea event, along with several other teas. I knew it wasn't just my imagination when several ladies coming into the kitchen asked me, "Is something burning?" "No, " I replied, "It's just the tea."

Only one of the ladies in the group enjoyed the Lapsang Souchong tea. I told them my story and we all had a good laugh. I guess it must be an acquired taste, try some and judge for yourself. :)     

Victoriana Lady Lisa- Bringing history to life since 2003

To contact- Victorianaladylisa@gmail.com