Program participants learn about ‘Tea & Polite Society’

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

SALEM

Informality and being casual remain in vogue in modern society, where texting has seemingly replaced actual conversation.

But more than a century ago, codes of conduct were followed and propriety ruled a genteel world of structured gatherings.

Lea Mollman, registrar at Mahoning Valley Historical Society, recently presented “Tea & Polite Society, 1900-1920” to about 25 women who attended the program in the Quaker Room at Salem Public Library, 821 E. State St. Tea and other refreshments were served.

Mollman began by explaining the calling card. The card, with the person’s name in the center, conveyed messages. If the top-right corner was folded down, it relayed congratulations; bottom-right folded meant condolence; bottom-left, farewell; and top-left, a personal visit.

Mollman illustrated her talk with graphics and brought tea-related items from the Arms Family Museum of Local History, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown. She outlined different kinds of teas, dictated by the time of day.

“Contrary to what people think, high tea is not the fanciest. It’s a light supper and is less formal,” Mollman said. The name “high tea” comes from the high table that is used, she explained. It would take place from 3 to 5 p.m.

The menu, Mollman said, might include bouillon, oysters, salted almonds, sardines on toast, fruit and fancy cakes. At this tea, coffee could be served.

A formal tea, she explained, was a dance or garden party. “This might be for an engagement party, to introduce a new bride or debutante,” Mollman said.

The formal tea, in buffet style, would take place between 4 and 7 p.m. “Servants were involved ... to greet guests at the door, take coats, to refill plates and cook,” Mollman said, adding with irony, “I usually don’t keep that big a staff.”

The formal tea also has a limited menu of cakes and breads and, of course, teas.

The low or informal tea may be the one many are familiar with – taking tea at 4 p.m. “Its name comes from a low table used by the fire,” Mollman said. A guest could be invited to the regular event in households or drop in, she continued. “This was more comfortable and not stiff,” Mollman said, adding guests might stay from 20 to 40 minutes. Sometimes the fare was as simple as bread and butter.

Mollman explained tea items include a teakettle, teapot, tea caddy, strainer, saucer for straining, milk pitcher, sugar bowl and a “slop” bowl. Mollman said this reference makes her smile because it seems like a coarse term for polite society. But it was practical, noting the slop bowl was for cold tea that guests could discard. Tea also involved a glass dish for lemon slices, plates, napkins and spoons.

Mollman said the historical society operates the Arms Museum, the 1905 Arts and Crafts-period residence, called Greystone, was the home of the late Olive A. and Wilford P. Arms, a director of the Block Gas Mantle Co. Its website notes “on the first floor, in original period rooms, experience the Arms’ love of handicraft, medieval architecture and design, and the natural environment.” Mollman added the Arms Museum reflects the couple’s taste and refinement.

Olive Arms used Spode Copeland china from England, and Mollman displayed some pieces. She also showed examples of Olive Arms’ tea and luncheon napkins – one with a scalloped edge and a 15-inch square with animal design. Mollman said Olive (1865-1960) went on two shopping trips annually to New York. During one in 1898, she bought a $1,800 tea set. “At that time, $1,800 would have bought a house,” Mollman said.

Attending Mollman’s presentation were Eileen Reed and her daughter, Jackie Berthold, both of Salem. Reed lived in India from 1928 to 1932 because her father worked for Tata Steel Co. there. She said, “I grew up having afternoon tea. We’ve carried on the tradition.”

Berthold added that the program had caught their interest. “I drink tea all day long,” she said.

Angie Bilkie of Poland said she “wanted to learn about tea customs.”

For information on library programs, visit www.salem.lib.oh.us or call 330-332-0042. For information on the Arms Museum, visit www.mahoninghistory.org or call 330-743-2589.