Craig Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Old Brick Hotel in New Castle, VA. The chapter transformed the dining room of the hotel into the dining hall of the merchant ship, Dartmouth, and served High Tea to over thirty guests.
The Dartmouth, James T. Hall, Captain, was the scene of the Boston Tea Party, also known as the Destruction of the Tea Incident. On the evening of December 16, 1773 an unknown number of citizens quietly boarded the ship disguised as Native Americans and destroyed 342 crates of tea belonging to the East India Tea Company. The event is considered the spark which soon ignited into a full revolution by the colonists of the New World against the oppressive rule of Great Britain.
To begin the occasion, the chapter presented the following awards to guests present: the DAR Good Citizens Award to Karly Potter, a deserving senior at Craig County High School; the Craig Valley Chapter, NSDAR Patriot Cup to VFW Post 4491 for the Most Patriotic Entry in the 2023 Independence Day Parade; and a plaque to Millie Harrison’s family & friends for the Most Patriotic Youth Entry in the 2023 Independence Day Parade. The chapter regent also recognized Dianne Brown as Outstanding Daughter for Volunteerism in 2023.
High Tea included a delicious array of sweet and savory treats and a selection of the five teas popular among the colonists and ultimately thrown into Boston Harbor in 1776. Tea sets and serving pieces were supplied from the collections of several chapter members, who also prepared the scones, cucumber sandwiches and other menu items enjoyed by the guests.
Following High Tea, guests were entertained with a short skit bringing to life the events of December 16, 1773. The skit was narrated by Lisa Ferguson, chapter member, from Catawba. Tina Crawford, chapter regent, played the role of Abigail, wife of John Quincy Adams, and Diane Givens, chapter treasurer, played Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel Adams. Justin Crawford (son of Tina Crawford) played Captain James T. Hall. A surprise visit by a few “Mohawks” searching for tea (played by Anita Martindell, President of the New Castle Garden Club and Lee Greiser, member and past President of the New Castle Garden Club) brought laughter through the audience. Jonah and Chase Dunbar who were recipients of the Most Patriotic Youth float award became last minute additions to the cast and delighted everyone with their feathers and tomahawks.
Following the event, the celebrants gathered on the porch of the Old Brick Hotel for a group photo while shouting “Spill the Tea!”
-Submitted by Craig Valley DAR
Courtesy photos
