“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea” quote taken from THE PORTRAIT of a LADY, a novel written by Henry James, an American-British author.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Thomas Jefferson Stubbs 2523, Conroe chapter of the Texas Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy, hosted their 8th Annual Victorian Literary Tea. The tea took place at the Living Savior Lutheran Church in Montgomery.
It has been said…”happiness is a cup of tea and a good book”. Those attending this Victorian Literary tea saw that it was two fold, one, they experience elegance, great conversation and a peaceful pause in their every day life and secondly, they heard a fabulous book review.
Beautiful hats were worn, the detail to the tables with beautiful fine china, the polished silverware and the linens were lovely. The savory smell and taste of the finger sandwiches, scones and other delicacies was an absolute delicious delight. The Earl Grey tea was steeped to perfection.
The following is a list of the ladies who gave a book review and the title of their selection.
“The Last Full Measure” by Jeff Shaara was presented by Caroyln Jamail, “Sing Me a Song of the South” by George A. Norton was presented by Debbie Chance, “Madame Castel’s Lodger” by Frances Parkinson Keys was presented Iva Gilliam, “The Journals of Josiah Gorgas” edited by Sarah Woolfolk Wiggins was presented by Jackie Barkmann, “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo was presented by Naschelle Taylor and “The Mysterious Island” by Jules Verne was presented by Schelle Taylor.
The next Literary Tea will take place on February 20, 2027 and will again be at the Living Savior Lutheran Church in Montgomery, watch for the ad in the Montgomery County Newspaper next year.
There is a Chinese proverb that states, “water is the mother of tea, a teapot its father and fire the teacher”.
Article by Eva Rains, Publicity Chairman for the Stubbs chapter