Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Attending a Questers Tea in Wyandotte, MI

Yesterday evening two friends and I were invited to be guests at a Snug Harbor Quester tea. The chapter just celebrated their 30th anniversary. Questers is an international organization founded in 1944, and its members enjoy antiques and history.  The Snug Harbor chapter has members from five downriver communities.  The tea was especially enjoyable to me because it was held in Wyandotte - the city where I grew up.

The tea began at 6:00 p.m. at the Marx Home built in 1862, located on Biddle Avenue - the main street in the downtown area.   



We weren't sure what we'd be served since the price of the tea and tour was only $15, but the plates contained three sandwiches: Chicken and Cranberry Salad on White Bread; Turkey and Apple on Cinnamon Swirl Bread, and Cucumber on White Bread rounds, accompanied by Currant Scones and a Fruit Kabob.  It was all very good.


Teas served were a traditional English black, and Chamomile herbal.


Dessert was Banana Bread, Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Walnut, and Spritz Cookies.


There were 12 ladies in attendance.



After we ate and conversed, we walked to the Ford-MacNichol Home [a couple of houses away] to tour the beautiful Queen Anne style mansion built in 1896. Even though I grew up in Wyandotte I had never been inside either of the two historic homes until last night. At the time I lived there, they were still private residences.


Can you believe this beautiful home would have been demolished in the 1970's if a lady hadn't bought it for less than $25,000 and began restoring it to its original grandeur.


The house was built as a wedding present for Laura Ford [pictured below with her husband], by her father.  The 6,600 sq. ft. mansion has 32 rooms spread out over three stories.  There is also a full basement. Even though the house was heated by coal, it has six fireplaces - multiple fireplaces symbolized  wealth.  There are three full bathrooms - one on each floor, 65 windows and 53 doors, with beautiful oak wood throughout.  The house is on the State and National Register of Historic Places, and is currently rented for weddings.


~ The Parlor ~


~ Fireplace in the Library ~


~ The Music Room ~


~ The Dining Room ~


Hand painted Limoges china that belonged to the original owners.



 ~ Butler's Pantry just off the Dining Room ~


~ Original copper sink ~


 ~ Kitchen ~ 
[The Butler's Pantry is through the open door on the right] 


Notice the  large tea kettle on top of the stove.



~ Master Bathroom on Second Floor ~


Below is a small dressing room with sink located between the master bathroom and bedroom. Notice the curling iron on the marble sink.


~ Decorative sink ~


~ Master Bedroom ~


~ Sitting area in Master Bedroom ~


 Directly across from the Master Bedroom was the Nursery.


To the left below is an antique baby walker, and next to it is a bowling toy.


~ Third floor Nannie's Bedroom and Child's Sick Room ~


~ Third floor Bathroom ~


That concludes the tour.  Hope you enjoyed coming along vicariously. It was a lovely evening, and I enjoyed it very much.


3 comments:

  1. What a wonderful place! I was invited to join Questers, but there isn't a chapter around here. Sounded like a great group. The tea looks wonderful!
    Ruth

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  2. That is a grand old home and I'm glad it has been preserved. I enjoyed the photo tour of the rooms and antiques. Very nice that you were invited to their tea.

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  3. Wow! May God bless all the fine people who save these lovely old homes! This must have been a real treat for you having grown up in the town. And now I've got to see if there are any "Questers" groups down South ... never heard of them before!

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