Irving tradition of Valentine Tea continues
Written by Phil Cerroni
Almost 100 years after the original Valentine’s Day Tea, residents still gather in C. P. Schulze’ home to celebrate the event. Photo by John Starkey.
By Jess Paniszczyn
The 101 year old Heritage House was the scene of the annual Valentine Tea hosted by the Irving Heritage Society on Feb. 10.
Co-chairs Marsha Dickens and Carol Susat had the tea table elegantly decorated with rose petals and polished silver. As guests viewed the treasures throughout the house, a tasty selection of tea sandwiches and sweets from menus of yesteryear were available.
“This is the 99th anniversary of the Valentine Tea, which is a wonderful event,” said Dickens. “You get to experience this gorgeous old house.
“The tea has special meaning to me, because it is where my husband and I met three years ago today. I tell people to come here to meet their sweethearts. 
Sitting pretty, Eleanor Corry Bell pours punch for guests. Photo by John Starkey.
“This event has been a blessing to me. My father passed away on Valentine’s Day five years ago. So that changed the meaning of Valentine’s Day for me.”
Long time Irving Heritage Society member and tea volunteer, Mary Higbie, shared some of her memories of past teas.
“One of my fondest memories is coming to a tea when Catherine Shultz was standing at the door greeting the guests,” Higbie said. “That memory warms my heart. Catherine was a beautiful, gracious lady.
“The tea is a nostalgic time. It is a recreation of the housewarming tea in 1914. Many of the recipes and decorations are of that period. I always love to see how beautifully everything has been prepared.”
Following the singing of “Bless This House” by Woody Schober, the guests were invited to join in serenading the Heritage Society 2013 Sweethearts, Janice Carroll and Patty Landers Caperton, with their version of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
Heritage Society President Chris Wallace provided a recap of the many ways that Janice Carroll and Patty Landers Caperton have volunteered extensively within the organization. Currently Janice serves as President-Elect and Patty is Second Vice President in charge of programs. Both have provided leadership on several major projects including the purchase of new rugs for the Heritage House, determining the nonprofit’s by-laws, Heritage House 100th Anniversary, the annual Treasures and Oddities Sale, and the rebuilding of Mary’s Playhouse.
Contains information provided by Irving Heritage Society.
