Martha Washington Tea Party guests, staff and volunteers gather on the lawn Saturday, April 25. The afternoon included tea, treats, colonial games and more. Courtesy photo

By Christopher J. Raso

Twenty-six guests enjoyed a tea party at the Welcome Center at Brown House on Saturday, April 25 hosted by America’s original First Lady, Martha Washington.

The afternoon included tea, treats, colonial games, and an authentic dance of the period, as well as guided tours of the Brown House by General George Washington, otherwise known as “Martha’s Husband.”

Some young guests brought their dolls to the party. Tea, lemonade, gingerbread made with Martha Washington’s recipe, cookies, and fresh fruit were served by Brown House staff members dressed in colonial attire. The dancing and lawn games gave all in attendance a taste of the culture of the period. 

Martha Washington was portrayed by Martie James, a retired Wylie Independent School District educator and Regent of the Major Francis Grice Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Wichita Falls. She shared stories about the etiquette and duties of a hostess in the late 1700s and how Martha Washington shaped the role of First Lady of the United States.

“We all had a wonderful time at the tea party,” states Brown House Curator, Tracy Lawson. “We look forward to hosting more events like this in the near future.”

Christopher J. Raso is a monitor and tour guide at the City of Wylie Brown House Welcome Center.

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