Governor Warner Mansion Luncheon

Yesterday I drove to Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield Hills [about 28 miles from my house], to a holiday fundraiser luncheon for the Governor Warner Mansion.  I've blogged about events at the mansion [located in Farmington] three times.   It is a Michigan Historic Site.

Fred M. Warner was Michigan's 26th Governor, and he lived in the 1867 Victorian Italianate mansion built by his father, P.D. Warner, from two years of age until his death in 1923 [at 58 years of age].  His grandchildren donated the mansion to the City of Farmington in 1980.

~ Pine Lake Country Club ~

~ The Country Club was decorated beautifully for Christmas ~

~ There were lots of Nutcracker decorations ~

~ There were silent auction items and raffle drawings ~

~ Lots of elegantly dressed ladies ~

~ The luncheon was called Holiday Splendor ~

The tea served - 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' - was provided by The Rendezvous with Tea, where I've attended several tea tastings and written about them on my blog.  It was a wonderful black tea.

Pre-lunch treats [pictured below].  A pianist played soft Christmas music on a baby grand piano throughout the event.

The lunch began with a fabulous Butternut Squash Bisque with a swirl of balsamic vinegar.

~ Asiago Chicken with 'trimmings' ~

~ Fabulous Chocolate Dessert ~

130 people attended, and a good time was had by all.

Tea at the Governor Warner Mansion

During my August blogging break I enjoyed several tea outings.  Today I'm sharing the 'Tea and Talk' that was held at the Governor Warner Mansion, on August 25th in Farmington, MI - just 26 miles from where I live.

Fred M. Warner, Michigan's 26th Governor, served three terms from 1905 thru 1911.  A Farmington resident most of his life, he lived in the 1867 Victorian Italianate mansion built by his father.  His daughter was the last family member to occupy the mansion, and his grandchildren donated it to the City of Farmington in 1980.

Located on Grand River Avenue, many City events are held on the wrap-around porch during the spring, summer and fall, as weather permits.

Gazabo near the gardens.

The mansion is a Michigan Historic Site.

The 'talk' portion of the tea was the life of Mary Todd Lincoln.

The tea was held on the lovely wrap-around porch, and was only $15 per person.  It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and perfect for an outdoor tea.

The tea meal consisted of three tea sandwiches: Ham Spread on Caraway Bread; Cucumber with Dill and Cream Cheese on White Bread; and Egg Salad on Wheat Bread.  A cup of Fresh Fruit with Mint accompanied the sandwiches.  

The scone was Mixed Fruit with Lemon Curd, Jam, and Devonshire Cream.  Yummy! 

The servers were volunteers.  The tea was 'Royal Wedding' - a black tea blend of Strawberry, Kiwi, and Mango by Amy Lawrence in Washington State.  It was outstanding!

Ladies had a wonderful time at the sold-out event.

Dessert was served in a compote-like dish filled with a Brandied Cherry, Angel Food Cake and Vanilla Custard, topped with Whipped Cream, and Candied Pineapple.

Joan McGlincy impersonated Mary Todd Lincoln, and did an awesome job!

Joan has researched Mary Todd Lincoln's life extensively, and said she sometimes feels she knows more about Mrs. Lincoln than she knows about herself! ;-)

The 19th Amendment that guaranteed all American women the right to vote was ratified on August 18, 1920.   The historic date was one week before the tea, so it was acknowledged and honored at the tea.

Isn't this little girl cute?

There were vendors at booths on the grounds selling tea, hats/fascinators, jewelry and representatives from the City's Garden Club.  It was a delightful afternoon.

The mansion is open April thru December.  It can be toured on Wednesdays as well as the first Sunday of the month.  My girlfriend and I plan to return on a Wednesday for a tour and have lunch at nearby Ginger's [a former tea room] afterwards.

[Photo courtesy of Ginger's]