The Carnegie Hall Guild will hold its 10th Anniversary Celebration Tea Party on Sunday afternoon, May 7, at the Elks Country Club in Lewisburg. The event will begin at 3 p.m. with a parade of tables, and conclude at 5 p.m.
Unique, individually designed tables will be featured at this event. Guests will be treated to a “fancy tea” at tables for eight set by individuals who will serve as hostesses at the affair. Each hostess will use her own crystal, china, flatware and decoration, creating a unique ambience at each table. Blackwell’s Catering will provide guests with petite tea sandwiches, sweet treats, cheese and fruit and a selection of teas.
Tea guests will also be treated to a presentation given by “Miss I. Virginia Brown,” also known as Elizabeth Spangler of Lewisburg. “Miss Brown” will speak to parents of students and prospective students of the Lewisburg Female Institute (LFI) about the devastating fire of 1901, and the rebuilding of the school for the 1902-1903 school.
“Miss Brown” is the history teacher at LFI and daughter of John Calvin Brown, the chaplain at LFI.
The event is sponsored by the members and friends of the Carnegie Hall Guild and is its major fundraiser of the year. The Guild assists Carnegie Hall by funding several special projects each year. A committee is working on a proposal for special projects for 2017-2018. Among other projects, the tea provides funds to purchase recorders and instructional material for all fourth- and fifth-grade students in Greenbrier and neighboring counties for the Link-Up! music education program.
During the past 10 years, the Carnegie Hall Guild has provided support for grant-funded projects that require matching funds, prepared meals for performers, assisted with the annual Creative Youth Art Exhibit at Carnegie Hall, and members have volunteered behind the scenes and with the public. The Guild has provided the historical marker in front of Carnegie Hall, large planters for the Ivy Terrace, hearing-assistance devices and a new light board for the Main Stage, efficient blinds for some rooms, acoustic ceiling tiles for the Old Stone Room, furniture for the board room, and kitchen equipment.
Membership in the Guild is open to all interested persons. The Guild meets from September to June, on the second Tuesday at 5 p.m., in the board room at Carnegie Hall.
Reservations for the 10th Anniversary Celebration Tea are required, and must be received by May 1. Admission is $50 per person. Make checks payable to Carnegie Hall Guild, and mail to: Janie Kirk, 586 Underwood Road, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Further information may be obtained by calling Kirk at 304-645-6678.
