In the early decades of the 1900?s, a crucial part of the social circuit was the afternoon tea party. And according to historian Lisa Mort-Putland, none were more prestigious than those at Rutherford House in Edmonton:

Now Mrs. Rutherford had a wonderful tradition, as did many ladies of the time. They were called at home teas. And she would actually place an ad in the local newspaper the Plain Dealer or the Bulletin stating that she would be at home to receive guests, usually every third Monday of the month. And as many as 200 ladies would drop by for tea. And they would actually do the circuit of homes. You generally came into the house, had a cup of tea, visited, chatted about what was acceptable and prominent for the day, and then moved on to the next home.

People were drawn to the Rutherford House tea parties partly because the house was so grand. But Mrs. Rutherford also developed a reputation as a special host.

She had a great sense of dignity, and when she entertained, people felt very, very welcome. And even in the newspaper articles, they describe her afternoon teas as being very warm and delightful places for ladies to come. Of course, they also described the flowers and the dresses and what type of dainties they would have as well. But Mrs. Rutherford was certainly a high point on the social calendar.

Cycling two hundred people through your home in a single afternoon depended on a formal etiquette. And ladies attending the at homes were well aware of the unspoken rules.

For example, the more senior or socially prominent ladies would get a seat. The rest of the ladies would usually stand. And you would be delivered your cup of tea by the maid or by some of the younger helpers such as Hazel and her friends. They would deliver you one cup of tea. And of course, in those days, coffee tables were rather unusual. And in a parlour, tables were scarce because you never wanted your guests to get too comfortable. So the ladies would be given their cup of tea, but they had nowhere to put their cups and saucers. And so they would sit very straight and proper, and get a little tired of sitting. And the maid would come and take away their cup and saucer and bring their coats.

It was important for ladies to be seen at the afternoon teas, for that?s where people took their first steps up the social ladder.

On the Heritage Trail, I?m Cheryl Croucher.