Taylor House teas toast of town

The Boonton Historical Society is using tea to bring history to life while raising money for its preservation efforts.

“We realized three years ago that we had to supplement dues with some real 21st-century fundraising,” said Jennifer Coultas, Boonton Historical Society president. “In 2004, we held our first Victorian Tea, which was a big success. The teas have been a much-anticipated and well-attended event ever since.”

Preserving local history and making residents aware of Boonton’s rich past is the goal of The Boonton Historical Society, which boasts some 200 members. Funding the society, however, is an ongoing challenge.

Exhibit fees, membership fees and contributions from residents alone still aren’t enough to keep the society supplied with micro-fiche and a myriad of other things needed to preserve history.

The afternoon teas, which are held at The Boonton Historical Society on Main Street each fall, have become so popular there are now two seatings per day on two different days. The first was held on Oct 28. The second will be held on Nov. 18 and is sold out. The tea brings guests back to the late 19th century as period-costumed players help host the festivities.

Boonton Historical Society members Tom McGuinness and D’Ann Harris-Blevin play John and Adelaide Taylor, the former owners of the house, which is now home to the society and the society museum.

Adelaide Taylor was the daughter of John Kanouse, who was a notable late 19th-century Boonton citizen. Kanouse owned three businesses and served as both school superintendent and state assemblyman.

Kanouse’s daughter and son-in-law first lived in the Succasunna section of Roxbury after their marriage, but Kanouse wanted the family to live closer to him. He gave his daughter and son-in-law land in Boonton as a Christmas gift in 1897. The couple built a home in 1898 that is known today as The Taylor House.

“This is my third year playing the part of Dr. Taylor,” said McGuinness, who in addition to being a trustee for the society is a community theater actor and 40-year Boonton Township resident. “People have such fun. This year we had both red hat ladies and straw hat ladies who decorated their hats with flowers and ribbons during the tea. They were a delightful group to entertain. We give them a little printed piece about the history of the town and the times. Then Mrs. Taylor and I pretend it’s 1898 as we table hop and get them in the act.”

“I’m honored that I was asked to come back to play the part of Adelaide Taylor for a second year,” said Harris-Blevin. “The first year I was invited by a friend, and seven of us came decked out in authentic clothing. The ladies of the society recreate the scene so well in their long black skirts and white aprons, you feel like you’ve walked right back into 1898.”

Blevin lives in Parsippany and belongs to the Parsippany Historical Society, but was so impressed with Boonton’s society she joined that one, too.

At the Oct. 28 teas, keyboard background music played as 70 guests were served a choice of tea, finger sandwiches, scones and pastries.

Aside from imbibing tea and play-acting, John and AdelaideTaylor recited Victorian poetry and led the group in patriotic songs that were popular during the Victorian era. With an eye on the future, a tea-leaf reader predicted events for guests who wanted to know their fate.

“I go both days with two different groups. It’s such a wonderful event. and I always have such a great time,” says Pat Valenzano, a high school English teacher from Woodcliff Lake. “It’s a fun way to learn the history not only of Boonton, but of New Jersey. As soon as I walk out this year, I order my tickets for next year.”

The annual Boonton Historical Society Tea has gained in popularity in part as a result of the attention to detail provided by Coultas and her committee, who are dedicated to making the tea as authentic as possible.

Coultas, who is English, leads her tea committee in the pursuit of collecting and importing appropriate china, teapots, sugar tongs and tea strainers — all in an effort to make the tea as authentic as possible.

During the teas, guests are invited to view both the permanent exhibit “Boonton: the Early Years: The History of Boonton from 1741 to 1903,”and the changing exhibit, “The History of The Boonton Police Department,” which will be on display until Feb. 20.

The gift shop is also open and is stocked with Boonton books by local authors, postcards, T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, and of course, Boontonware.

At the 3 p.m. tea on Nov. 18, guests will celebrate the 100th birthday of lifelong Boonton resident Pat Fowler. Fowler was a kindergarten teacher for 50 years in Boonton.

“She must have taught half the town,” said Blevin.

(this article was taken from dailyrecord.com)