‘We’re continuing a tradition that was started in the 1860s,’ said historic site’s Ian Ganton as over 30 people gathered Friday for one of several sold-out Christmas teas: a fifth tea has been added for Dec. 19
A festive group of ladies enjoyed an Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site Holiday House Tea on Friday.
The Christmas season paid-admission teas, held in the historic site’s cozy old world kitchen beside a warm fire, have been held at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site for over 30 years.
“We’re continuing a tradition that was started in the 1860s by Margaret Pim as she and her husband ran the Stone House Hotel. She did Victorian teas,” said Ian Ganton, Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site heritage programmer.
“The menu includes an assortment of fancy sandwiches wrapped in wonton wrappers with fillings such as devilled eggs. We’ll have rolled spiral sandwiches with either cherry or sweet pickle centres, chicken salad sandwiches and egg salad sandwiches as well. It’s all very pleasant,” Ganton told SooToday.
Lunch was followed by tasty desserts.
“Dessert includes our famous sticky toffee pudding, shortbreads, sugar cookies and gingerbread men. We’ll be serving regular tea, fruit punch as well as regular and decaffeinated coffee,” Ganton said.
The food was prepared by experienced chef Alma Kasch and assisted by Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site staff.
The kitchen was filled to capacity for Friday’s tea, with 32 people attending.
Two other teas scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 are sold out, but another tea has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m on Friday, Dec. 19.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site or by calling the site at 705-759-5443.
“I enjoy it. We do teas throughout the year with different themes but Christmas is a special time,” Ganton said.
Maribel Howe
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