New holiday tradition brewing at the Union County Historical Village

The tables are set in preparation for holiday tea 1 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday at the Union County Historical Village in Creston.

The event is a fundraiser organized by the Union County Historical Society and is being held as part of ‘There’s No Place Like Creston For The Holidays’ celebration. Guests will be treated to hot tea and a small luncheon inside the historic Edaburn house.

“The dinner party is a throwback in every way,” said UCHS board member Sharon Snodgrass. “The glassware used to serve the luncheon is depression era glass.”

Holiday tea is a new addition to the annual Creston holiday celebration. The goal is to raise money to fund necessary renovations and replacements throughout the village while also offering a chance for those who haven’t visited the village to get a taste of what there is to offer.

‘Our goal is to make the whole village more aware to the public,” said Snodgrass. “We also would like to replace some of the rugs and other things and we need donations for that.”

Much of the work and some of the funds are provided by the board members themselves. Linda James, another member of the board, said they plan to do renovations to one of the barns after having collected the proper wood from tearing down a garage with the same kind of material.

“We don’t just ask for money, we get out and do stuff,” said James, with a laugh.

The menu is split into three courses: sandwiches, savories and sweets, with each participant starting with hot tea.

The first course offers the choice of an egg salad on marbled bread, cucumber with garden vegetable on a bagel, chicken salad with cranberries and walnut on whole wheat or cheddar spread on crostini.

The second course, the savory part of the meal, consists of drop scones, Devonshire creme or very berry preserves.

The final course offers petit fours, maple nut creams, poinsettia spritz cookies and brownies with creme de menthe rosettas.

Entertainment will be provided in the form of musical and literary performances throughout the luncheon.

‘The high school speech students are coming out and doing some Christmas readings,” said Snodgrass. “We have two ladies, Elaine Fargo and Caroline Gary, who will be playing the pipe organ. We also have Catherine Fox coming and donating her time to play violin.”

Snodgrass said the village is funded mostly by donations and grants and the village itself is ran by volunteer work.

“It’s nice when our community steps up and does these things to help our cause,” said Snodgrass.

Reservations are $20 and are required to attend. To book reservations, call Linda James. at 782-7302.