Inside the Tea Party
By Susan Matley
Board member
For those curious about the Mad Hatter Tea Party: Wondering what you missed at the Kirkman House Museum on April 26? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions!
Was the Mad Hatter himself present?
We're not entirely sure, though we did notice a gentleman on the premises sporting a top hat with a card reading "10/6"tucked into the band.
Were men allowed at the tea?
Certainly! A brave and dashing fellow shared a table with three ladies, one of whom he seemed particularly fond. We encourage more gentlemen to follow his example in the years ahead.
Also of note, two young men—one from DeSales High School and the other from Whitman College—performed their volunteer duties most agreeably. And, of course, there was the suspected Mad Hatter...
Did every guest wear a hat?
Absolutely! Hats ranging from elegant to delightfully fanciful appeared throughout the garden. Guests who arrived sans chapeau selected their headwear from a colorful assortment of hats from the Kirkman House Museum collection. Several hats available for purchase even found new and loving homes.
What was served at the tea?
Magnificent homemade scones led the feast, accompanied by cucumber, egg salad, and chicken salad finger sandwiches; grapes, apples, and mandarin oranges; Iced Lemon, Grandma's Ice Box, and Chocolate Truffle cookies; and traditional Russian Tea Cakes.
Every delicious item was lovingly homemade, generously donated, and—of course—carefully taste-tested!
Speaking of donations, where does the $35 admission fee go?
Every dollar raised helps support the Kirkman House Museum and its mission to preserve and share Walla Walla's rich history.
Could guests ask for seconds?
Of course! And yes—they received them.
Were prizes awarded for the hats?
Indeed they were!
Most Unusual went to Audney Somerville's Fourth of July-themed creation, which, intriguingly, featured a penguin.
Most Creative was awarded to Penny Maxwell Bingham for her colorful felt hat adorned with cascading curls of ribbon.
Behind-the-scenes scoop: the three gentlemen serving as judges unanimously selected Ginny Matthews's beautiful straw hat, decorated with a brilliant band of sunflowers, as the winner of Prettiest Hat.
Oh dear, oh dear... it seems I missed a fun and delicious afternoon!
You certainly did!
How can I avoid making that mistake next year?
Keep an eye on the Kirkman House Museum Events & Exhibits page for announcements of future Mad Hatter Tea Parties and many other special programs throughout the year.
The Mad Hatter Tea Party has become one of the Kirkman House Museum's most popular annual traditions, bringing together friends of the museum for an afternoon of tea, conversation, and a touch of Wonderland.
We hope you'll join us next time!