NEWS Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               

“CUPID’S TEA” FEBRUARY 14 AT DAVID DAVIS MANSION

             BLOOMINGTON, IL – Cupid’s arrow will hit Bloomington on Valentine’s Day with a distinctly Victorian flavor.

            “Cupid’s Tea” at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site will offer a limited number of visitors the chance to enjoy tea and cake served by Victorian ladies in period costume, learn about the Golden Age of Valentines, and then make a hand-crafted, paper Valentine themselves.  Sessions will be held Saturday, February 14 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4 p.m.  Seating is limited to 25 people per session, and reservations at $12 per person may be made by calling (309) 828-1084.

            The formal Victorian parlor at the Davis Mansion will be the setting for the event, and parlor tables will be set with fine linens, crystal and china.  Guests will be properly served Valentine cake and hot tea by an authentically costumed Victorian maid while enjoying a program on the “History of the Victorian Valentine” presented by The Tea Ladies of Bloomington-Normal, who will also be dressed in period clothing.  Afterwards, guests may create a paper Victorian Valentine for their sweethearts. 

            “Cupid’s Tea” is sponsored by the David Davis Mansion Foundation.

            The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis and his wife, Sarah.  It is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours, and is located at 1000 E. Monroe in Bloomington.

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