October Meeting: Tea Party for Mary Ball Washington

"Tea Party for Mary Ball Washington"

Attendees: 6 members (5 pee wees) and 5 seniors

Before the meeting, members had a chance to read George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior and discuss them with their parents. (Books were donated by the Reverend John Clark Chapter DAR and were given out at the previous meeting.) 


At the meeting, Ms. Moll read the book "Dear Mr. President," which animates the Rules of Civility. Members discussed these rules of civility and made a slide show to discuss how to act at a tea party and at formal events.

Once members understood appropriate behaviors at a tea party, they went to the formal dining room for their own tea party, in honor of Mary Ball Washington, George Washington's mother. They learned how to use fine china and tried hot tea with honey and milk. They also had English shortbread tea cookies. Members were able to practice their manners as they asked for seconds on the tea and cookies.






Following the tea party, female members were fitted with golden sashes for the reenactment of the Suffragette's March. Members will be reenacting the march at next month's meeting.


Members discussed appropriate attire for next month's meeting: Ladies are to wear white dresses, gloves, and their yellow sashes. Gentlemen are to wear suits and hats.

At the end of the meeting, the members were able to re-enact the Boston Tea Party. This activity was planned for last month's meeting, but the rain prevented them from completing the activity. Last month they learned about the Boston Tea Party and how it compared to Shay's Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion.

Afterwards, the members took the tea water outside to dispose of it in the garden. They were able to see how the water made rivers and eroded the dry soil below.

Contest Connections:

1st Vice President - Examine the contributions made by George Washington's mother, Mary Ball Washington, to mold his character. 

Corresponding Secretary - Discover the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior and the impact it had on George Washington's development as a leader. Examine the rules and its relevance to today's society.

Organizing Secretary - Consider the passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution during the 100th anniversary and reflect on the significance of the amendment for women's suffrage.

Registrar - Increase member involvement in society activities by planning fun and interactive events that will engage members at the society level.

Government Studies - Learn how the Founding Fathers established the framework for the government of the United States of America and why it is used today. Learn about the Boston Tea Party, Whiskey Rebellion, and Shay's Rebellion.