Ventfort Hall board member and veteran Lenox Tub Parade participant Tjasa Sprague will present a Tea & Talk on the story of this traditional event that dates back to the Gilded Age in the Berkshires. Her presentation will be followed by a Victorian Tea.
Her talk coincides with the annual Lenox Main Street parade scheduled for the same day at 1:30 pm, co-sponsored by the Colonial Carriage & Driving Society and the Lenox Chamber.
The New York Times, 9/8/1895, printed: “Now that the hydrangeas, asters, and all the various flowers of this region are approaching perfection, the young women are reminded of the floral tub parade…” (The Tub defined: an Irish term for a horse drawn cart.)
Over the years Sprague has collected clippings and historic photos of the Lenox Tub Parade. From 1983 it became an annual event again and, says Sprague, “there are countless photos and memories since then. Photos from Anna Alexandre’s photo album and others from the Stokes family show a glimpse into family life revealing how naturally the flower parades would celebrate the joys of the summer and fall seasons.”
Cost to attend is $28 with advance reservation; $32 day of. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. Call us at (413) 637-3206 for reservations.
