Eloise Hunter

The Eloise Hunter Chapter is based in the Norfolk, Virginia area
at the Hunter House Museum.
 
For more information on the Eloise Hunter Chapter
please contact:
 
Anne-Taylor Cahill
757-489-8127
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Chapter Comings and Goings:

2011 was launched with the chapter's Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 23, at the Hunter House victorian Museum. After a brief business meeting, a raffle drawing for a porcelain tea set and a paid year's membership to the chapter was held. When the meeting adjourned, the members enjoyed a time of fellowship with light hors d'oeuvres, pastries, and beverage in the dining room. Especial thanks is extended to Margaret Spencer for graciously opening the Hunter House to the chapter for their exclusive use on that day.

On March 19, the chapter's first official outing to Riddick's Folly Museum in Suffolk commenced. Lunch at Holland Country Gourmet preceded the tour of Miles Riddick's 19th century Greek Revival mansion. Curator Mr. Lee King conducted the tour of the 21 room dwelling, combining historical fact with anecdotal asides that made the two hour tour (and three story climb!) go by all too quickly. The day ended with a stop at the museum's gift shop, and the participants shared the feeling that the afternoon was memorable, enjoyable, and profitably spent.

In May the chapter visited the Chrysler's exhibition Tiffany Lamps: Articles of Utility, Objects of Art. Forty pieces from the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in New York were on display, and EHCVSA member Carolyn Sale guided the chapter through this remarkable display to a greater appreciation of Tiffany's art. Luncheon followed at Freemason Abby, a Victorian Era restaurant located in the Freemason Historic District of downtown Norfolk.

To celebrate the beginning of the summer season, the chapter attended the Edgewood Plantation Tea and Tour. Built circa 1849, this home is the only example of Gothic Revival Architecture on the James River. In a romantic vein, the beautiful ghost of Lizzie Rowland roams the grounds here, plaintively awaiting the return of her lover from the battlefields of the Civil War. She may be a spectral figure of tragedy, but chapter members enjoyed a happier turn of events on the outing to this national and state landmark.

In October, the chapter had a private house tour of the Francis Land House in Virginia Beach and in November will be attending the Dickens's Tea at Ferry Plantation, also in Virginia Beach.

victorian Quotes Corner…

“Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.”  Mark Twain