On Jan. 18, more than 100 women took the time to spend the afternoon together taking tea at the Carlisle banquet facility on Butterfield Road. This was the fifth annual tea sponsored by the women of St. Pius X Council of Catholic Women, which provides programs throughout the year for women to come together for the common cause of enjoying one another’s company.

To be in the true spirit of the afternoon, I donned a hat given to me by mother that is about 100 years old. I do not know what it is about this hat, but every time I put it on, I get the urge to find a polling place and vote. Could it be this hat had been worn during the women’s suffrage movement? I do feel the power when I wear it.

According to www.coffeeteawarehouse.com, the history of tea time started in 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford needed a little something to tide her over as their dinners were served between 8 and 9 p.m. She requested her servants bring her a pot of tea with finger sandwiches and little cakes at mid-afternoon. Soon this custom caught on among her circle of friends and if was fashionable to have tea all over the British Isles.

Carol and Michelle Weiland, co-chairs of this event, provided a silent auction that consisted of everything to do with tea. We took chances on raffle items such as teapots, teapot cookie cutters, all kinds of tea, tea note cards and even Tea Shop mystery books.

After being welcomed by the CCW President Dina Czocher, our tea commenced. As we were each served a plate of finger sandwiches, scones, dessert and, of course, tea, we enjoyed food fit for a queen.

Another reason for this gathering is to announce the CCW Woman of the Year. Last year’s woman of the year, Kristi Florey, took the stage to announce Jean Plewa was given this tribute in 2009.

Jean is a woman who supports many ministries throughout the parish of St. Pius X as a minister of care to the homebound, bereavement minister, coordinator of the Christmas Giving Tree and Eucharistic minister. Jean also supports the Elizabeth Ministry, Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus.

Jean, we thank you and honor you for your service to our community and St. Pius X Parish.

The highlight of the afternoon was the fashion show put on by Ruth Thomas and Chloe Berg of Decades of Dresses that showcased a collection of dresses from 1930 to 1949. About 20 dresses were modeled and brought us back to memories of our mothers and grandmothers dressed to the hilt with dresses, hats and gloves.

These ladies were not only informative about this era of women’s clothing, but also the stories they told us about how they found this vintage clothing were charming.

One dress found was actually worn to the Inaugural Ball in 1937 when Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn in as president. There were dresses made of silk, velvet and crepe. Suits and hats modeled reminded me of pictures I had of my mom and aunts during the late ‘40s. The quality of this clothing was incredible for it to have lasted into this century.

Decades of Dresses can be contacted at (630) 833-0175 or by e-mail at ruththomas377@att.net.

Thank you, ladies of St. Pius X CCW, for a wonderful afternoon that encompassed women of all ages, along with the historical tradition of taking tea and simply enjoying one another’s company.

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