Tea Time

One of my dear friends sent me a message and asked if I wanted to join her for a Traditional Victorian Tea. I said yes and I am so glad I did. She advised me that I would be expected to wear a hat and that she would pick me up at Two.

When she invited me I had no idea that I was being taken to the gem of The Pullman State Historic Site, The Hotel Florence. This historic hotel is now in the midst of a multimillion dollar, multiphase restoration process. In it's day it was luxurious hotel commissioned by George M. Pullman, the magnate most noted for his plush Pullman Sleeper Cars, that were manufactured in his Palace Car Factory, visible from his private suite of rooms at the hotel.

The Queen Anne inspired architecture was popular during the Victorian Period when the hotel was constructed. It opened for business in 1881 with 60 rooms of varying classes, the best of the best located on the second floor, with Pullman's own suite. The second floor rooms boasted fireplaces, fine woodwork, and elegant maple furniture. As you ascend each of the four floors the details grew simpler and the architectural details became more basic.

Over the Years and through many different owners the Hotel fell into great disrepair. It was thought that the hotel might be lost for good. Then in 1991 the hotel was purchased by the State of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The hotel in still in the process of being repaired, and tours can be arranged.

The Victorian Tea that is held here is a fund raiser sponsored by The Historic Pullman Garden club and the Pullman State Historic Society. I love afternoon tea! The whole idea of a sumptuous little meal in the late afternoon feels so silky and luxurious to me. The Victorian Tea was lovely, the menu had lots of vegetarian options for me, my favorite being the tiny open faced egg salad sandwiches. It was all together a lovely event and I will make sure to attend next year also. I will post more photos on my facebook page.