Known for its “Quality Teas Since 1929,” Simpson & Vail, one of America’s oldest purveyors of the brew and now based in Brookfield, CT, will be the subject of a Tea & Talk presented by company co-president Jim Harron on Sunday, March 1 at 3:30 pm. His presentation will be followed by a Victorian tea where some of Simpson & Vail’s teas will be served.
Among the facts he will discuss is the origin, including details of the contract, for a special tea called the Morgan Blend that is still offered (and sold in our Gift Shop!), made for financier J. Pierpont Morgan and his family, he being the brother of our own Sarah Morgan. Simpson & Vail was originally founded in 1904 as Augustus M. Walbridge, Inc., a supplier of green coffee located on Water Street in NYC. Mr. Walbridge sold his business to Mr. Simpson, who hired his nephew Lester Vail as his tea taster. It was the Water Street store of Simpson & Vail that J.P. passed each day near his Wall Street office. Jim will also inform us on literary teas by Emily Dickinson and Edith Wharton.
Tickets for the Simpson & Vail Tea and Talk are $28 for advance reservations and $32 day of the event. Reservations are highly recommended as attendance is limited. For reservations call us at 413-637-3206.
