Tea time in Rush City

By MaryHelen Swanson
A Victorian High Tea was served at the Carlson House in Rush City Wednesday, June 11 as a fund-raiser for the North Chisago Historical Society.
The invitation to join in the fun attracted nearly 50 people.
The guests were seated in the dining room, the parlor, the music room and the reception hall.
Each was served by an appropriately dressed ìmaidî of the Gay Nineties period.
The tea was served in china cups and in courses starting with a hot brew of Soderblandning or Swedish Tea.
Finger sandwiches with names like Rush Creek Ripples, Carriage House Cucumber and Meadow Wildflowers came next.
Vegetable trays were then presented under the name Moon Over Loverís Lane, referencing the Lane that used to run in front of the Carlson House years ago which was used by local sweethearts.
Another cup of tea was poured, this time Earl Grey.
Carlsonís Crumpets with lemon curd, jams and Devon cream came next followed by Treats in the Turret- Annaís Brownies, Alphiís Lemon Diamonds, Silk Petticoats and Parlor Pralines, Anna and Alphi being daughters of the homeís original owner John Carlson.
Another cup of tea was poured, this time French Vanilla. The ìteaí concluded with the serving of Sweet Strawberry Dreams.
Conversation was pleasant, and many dressed in costume, or at least wore a hat reflecting late 19th century era. The ladies came from the Rush City area and from outside the area.
The treats were all prepared by local women who had been busily baking for several weeks.
The Carlson House is an historic home that has been restored by owner Carmen Anderson.

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