Lady Grey Tea at Lougheed House re-visits a genteel era
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could revisit a time when things were more genteel and refined? A select group of ladies did just that recently as they gathered Sept. 13 at Lougheed House to support The Lady Grey Tea fundraiser. The luncheon showcased women’s significant contributions to the early development of Calgary. Funds raised at the elegant tea will be used in part to create new exhibitions including immersive experiences and innovative physical enhancements that will bring additional focus on women’s historical significance in Calgary.
The tea hearkened back to a luncheon hosted by Mrs. Isabella Lougheed in 1909 for Lady Alice Grey, the wife of Lord Grey, Canada’s then Governor General. News reports from the day focused on what the guests were wearing, rather than the significant contributions the ladies in attendance were making to Calgary’s growth and social services. The Morning Albertan, Oct. 2, 1909, reported on the luncheon as follows:
“Thursday noon, Mrs. Lougheed gave a very delightful luncheon in honor of Lady Grey, Lady Sybil Grey, Lady Evelyn Grey and the Hon. Miss Broderick. The city guests were: Mrs. W.H. Cushing, Mrs. Pinkham, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Sutherland, Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Hull, Mrs. Jamieson, Mrs. Bernard, Mrs. McCarthy. The guests of honor wore perfectly fitting tailored suits of very beautiful cloth. Mrs. Lougheed received her guests wearing a handsome costume of old rose shade with rich trimmings. Mrs. Sutherland was much admired in a lavender silk mull. Mrs. Cushing wore a most becoming grey silk dress. Mrs. McCarthy in a rich fawn. Mrs. Jamieson in an attractive wisteria. Mrs. Hull in pale royal grape. Mrs. Pinkham in amethyst. Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Bernard in black silk. Pink and white asters and variegated sweet peas in deep bowls brightened the spacious apartments which were beautified with changing lights and costly furnishings. An orchestra in the Mission room furnished very delightful music during the hour. The guests very much appreciated the many dainties which were served from the prettiest of tables covered with a snow-white cloth, sparkling silver and perfect appointments. Preceding and following the luncheon the out-of-town guests thoroughly enjoyed the merry spin in the motor car.”
What was not reported, however, was that the ladies in attendance were not simply beautifully dressed “swans.” Rather, this group was heavily involved in the Victoria Order of Nurses, it supported charitable organizations the likes of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire and was raising funds and support for Calgary’s first hospital.
Were Isabella Lougheed with us today and in attendance at the Sept. 13 luncheon, she would be proud indeed as to how things have changed, and yet to some degree, remain the same.
Highlights of the luncheon included: a divine periodinspired menu; beautifully set tables complete with stunning blooms and vintage tea-cup and saucers; performances by award-winning cellists Ine and Luka Coatzee; a demonstration on the protocol of the Edwardian tea service by Trudy Cowan, director emeritus of Lougheed House; and a presentation from Pat Roome, Canadian historian and director of the Mount Royal University Archives, on the history and importance of women’s contributions to the growth of a young Calgary during the early 1900s.
Others in attendance are pictured.