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La Tea Da - North Powder’s historic Silver Tea set for Thursday
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But Joyce Lawyer believes the tradition began 87 years ago. In those days, women paid one silver dollar to attend the tea — hence the name. “Think about that, though. A silver dollar back in those days was a good amount,” Lawyer says.Indeed. According to the website www.thepeoplehistory.com, in the 1920s a Chevy Superior Roadster cost $490, a new linen dress cost $4.75 and a dozen eggs cost 25 cents. An eight-room family home sold for $2,900. So the best average guess is that one silver dollar in 1920 would be comparable to at least $15 today. Fortunately, the Silver Tea has not adjusted its prices for inflation. In fact, they no longer charge to attend at all. However, organizers do ask for donations from those who are able to do so. Proceeds from the Silver Tea allow the women’s group of the Community United Methodist Church, which hosts the event, to help people in their hometown. “And every once in a while we’ll still get a silver dollar,” says Lawyer. Phyllis Smith has been attending the Silver Tea for as long as she has lived in North Powder — 40 years. She continues to look forward to the annual event. She looks forward to the group singing and “having a good visit. “This is our big bash. It’s really something special for the women. The tables are all decorated by different groups. This year they’re going with aprons and teapots,” Smith says. Dozens of cookies are homemade and donated by the community for the tea, and served with punch, coffee and — of course — tea. Leftover cookies are always sold, usually for about $1 per dozen. “That’s a pretty good deal for a dozen homemade cookies,” says Smith. The women of North Powder are inviting everyone to join them Thursday for this unique Union County tradition. So go and take a silver dollar or two — just for fun. |
