Glendale’s Lyceum Book Club invited me to be the guest of honor at their monthly meeting on November 1st. I was, of course, very pleased that they had chosen my book.
Many of the ladies came dressed in “proper tearoom attire” of hats and gloves, and the refreshments included tearoom finger sandwiches with cucumber slices and cream cheese, an assortment of dessert items, and wine.
I brought some items for “Show & Tell” –
- the little silver cup that is engraved with the names of the winners of Pogue’s Bridge Club on April 17, 1936
- a box of Kislav effervescent Glove-Bath that was a popular item for washing the ever present (required!) white cotton gloves
- invoices from the Gorham Silver Company for flatware and serving pieces from when Shillito’s Tea Room was remodeled in 1929
- old menus with prices that seem unbelievable when compared to today’s prices
- photos of Shillito’s atrium interior
- department store ads from 75 to 100 years ago
- a recipe for Nutmeg sauce that was served in McAlpin’s Tea Room
- other pictures that weren’t used in the book because they came in too late
One of the book club members, Eunie Abel, also kindly brought the handmade items that her family had bought and treasured from the Woman’s Exchange so that we could see in person the beautifully made baby items that appear in photographs in the book.
I answered questions as to the research and writing phases of the book, and everybody shared personal memories of the good old days of going downtown and enjoying pleasant afternoons shopping and eating in the tearooms. I think everyone had a good time – I know I did.
Jennifer Keelor was getting a close look at some photos.
Here are two more of the book club members who came in the “proper tearoom attire” of hats and gloves.