A Tea Party celebrating Placentia’s rich history was held in the garden of the O’Reilly House Museum, August 7th. During the event, held by the Placentia Area Historical Society, framed Heritage Awards were presented to Mrs. Patricia Power and Mr. Kenneth Flynn by President Tom O’Keefe. Both recipients are past presidents of the Society who have spent several years promoting our history.
The social event provided tea, coffee and other refreshments for approximately forty people who attended. Several guests wore period costumes while background music was provided by Sarah Murphy on classical guitar. A celebration cake was cut by the recipients of the Heritage Awards.
PAHS members and staff as well as a number of community organizations assisted the event. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Star of the Sea Association provided cups and saucers. The Placentia Area Théâtre d'Heritage loaned chairs and a portable shelter. Jim and Bess Pretty loaned patio furniture and potted flowers. A tremendous amount of support was also provided by the Festival of Flags organization in collecting furniture and paraphernalia used to help decorate the grounds. They provided and installed chairs, tables and flags and assisted with food and then after the event returned equipment to those who had loaned it.
The 2010 Tea Party was a most successful event and demonstrated the great value of people and organizations working together. Preparations are now underway for the next event, Doors Open on August 29, also being organized and sonsored by PAHS.