Each place setting was complete with a beautiful handkerchief cone favor, stuffed with sage, donated by Donna Feeney, owner of Donna Maria’s Tea Time.
     The menu for the afternoon included a selection of finger sandwiches, sweet scones with whipped cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries. 
     Guests munched on goodies and enjoyed chatting with each other. They reminisced about everything from children and grandchildren, to world travels — especially to England — and about their histories in Alpine and the woman’s club.
     There were two seatings for this year’s Victorian Tea: at noon and again at 3 p.m. 
     During each, about 50 guests, women aged grandchild to grandma, and a few grandpas, sat and sipped tea, enjoyed the food and visited with friends and colleagues.
     The menu, which was hand-prepared by members of the Victorian Tea committee in the Alpine Community Church kitchen, was printed in a souvenir brochure, complete with recipes for each item. The more than 30 members of the club who worked on the committee were responsible for the food preparation, and many also served as waitresses for the event.
     The chairwoman for this year’s Victorian Tea event was Jill Sing, who rose and took a bow for her efforts, and was honored with a gift basket. Woman’s Club member Carol Morrison was also honored for her ongoing work with the club.
     “If anyone deserves the credit, she does,” said member Joan Manuele. “No one works harder for this club, and this tea, than she does.”
    Between courses, guests took part in gift drawings, with more than 20 prizes being handed out. Junior Miss Alpine 2005, Sierra Adams, was on hand to assist with the drawings and take part in the tea.
     Afterwards, came the fashion show, when club members who were dressed in Victorian garb strutted their stuff on the stage, showing off fanciful hats, glamorous gowns and antique jewels.

Pat Watson, left, and Carlette Anderson, right, strutted their stuff on the stage during the fashion show at the Victorian Tea.

     Founded in 1914 as a social club, the Alpine Woman’s Club has been active in the community throughout the years — from war efforts in both the first and second world wars, to the current endeavors to preserve the history of Alpine and provide scholarships to high school students in the area.
     The club’s building, Alpine’s original town hall, was built in 1899 and is maintained by members.

Many of the tea participants arrived dressed up in Victorian Era dresses and hats, and antique accessories. Junior Miss Alpine 2005, Sierra Adams poses here for a picture with the group. Photos by Christy Scott/The Alpine Sun