Afternoon Tea with Ida
Why Afternoon Tea?
Ida Day Holzapfel was extremely dedicated to the library during her time here. Her dedication and achievements had a long-lasting impact on the library and Hutchinson. During her time at the library she and her assistants cataloged every single book for the first time, began outreach and home deliveries, moved the library to its current location at 9th and Main, and started the Bookmobile program.
We’ve learned about her through stories passed down over time. Her dedication to the library could make her difficult to work with at times, especially if she felt her coworkers didn’t share her dedication to the library. Nonetheless, she cared very much for the library and the community it serves.
She was described as a very proper woman and had afternoon tea at 3:00 PM every day with her employees. It’s very fitting to celebrate her 138th birthday with afternoon tea.
Our library has continued to grow and provide vital services to Hutchinson, continuing the work she began over 100 years ago. The programs and services we offer have grown substantially over the years while the cost to Hutchinson has remained low, something that has always been important to our mission.
Celebrate with us by bringing your fanciest tea cup for afternoon tea on Monday, April 20th at 3:00 PM.
A Brief History of Tea Time in Mid-Century America:
Afternoon through the 1940s – 1950s in America was a lot different than tea time in the United Kingdom. American afternoon tea was a blend of tradition with some modern conveniences and often featured light snacks such as small cakes, cookies and finger sandwiches with coffee as well as tea. It is believed this is where the term “coffee break” may have originated. It was less formal than British tea times.
Tea time was a time to visit with friends and neighbors about recent events while reading, listening to radio programs, or; in the 1950s, watching a popular television show playing in the background.
Registration is required due to limited space.
If you would like to learn more about the library’s impact in Hutchinson, you can find that information on our website: