Guests at the Victorian Tea on Saturday at the historic Liberia Mansion in Manassas were treated to a return to the elegance of the 19th century.
The tea, which cost $35, featured musical entertainment and costumed servers, in addition to elegant tea fare.
Guests were offered five different kinds of tea, two different cookies, three tea sandwiches (chicken salad, cucumber and tuna salad) and scones and teacakes.
In all, the crowds at the two sessions -- 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. -- were served 155 cookies and the same number of sandwiches.
Nicole Wilfong, public program coordinator for the Manassas Museum and in charge of the tea, said this was the third year for the gathering and "one of the best attended."
During the two-hour tea, guests were given a history of the Liberia Mansion, a museum property built in 1825 that was home to both Confederate and Union forces. The building is currently under renovation.
Assisting Wilfong at the gathering were members of the volunteer Museum Teen Council -- Jess Loello, Amy Oswald, Jessica Rapone and Chelsie Graham -- all attired in period dresses.
Entertainment was provided by the Chanticleer Singers, an 1860-period singing group who have been together for two years and perform at Civil War reenactments, cotillions and teas.
"We love singing together and entertaining," said member Bernadette McConnell, whose group was also decked in period costume.
Among the guests at the tea was Virginia Drane and her two granddaughters, Shailane Reid and Cheynne Ball.
"I am a fan of and love going to teas; and when I saw this one advertised in the paper, I decided to come and bring my two granddaughters. We are all really enjoying it," Drane said.
Some of the refreshments were made by a caterer while others were made by museum volunteers.
Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.
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