Volunteers from the ELHS (l-r) Evelyn Hoover, Erma Bower and Mary Lunger, view items donated to the East Lycoming Historical Society for an upcoming tea.

HUGHESVILLE-“The Civil War Era” is the theme for the third annual tea, a fundraiser to benefit the East Lycoming Historical Society scheduled for April 30.

Civil War times will be honored with dulcimer music by Lucy Henry of Montgomery, and a brief overview of herbs by Columbia County Master gardener Carol Ovelman of Millville.

One hundred fifty years ago women likely were not gathering socially to sip tea, but did so while making items to aid soldiers going off to war.

Conversational topics during March of 1861 might have been the news of seven states that had already seceded from the Union, and President-elect Lincoln taking office the following month.

Delicacies at the upcoming event will consist of four varieties of tea sandwiches plus four mini desserts. Fare also includes jarred jams by Vivian Mills served atop scones with clotted cream, both freshly made by Kim Singer.

Also among the crme de la crme, Hughesville High School students will again serve guests tableside. Colorful cups, saucers and tea services, many recently donated to the society, will grace intimate tables.

Adding to the ambiance, attendees may choose to arrive in costumes related to the 1860’s, though as always, attire remains optional for the occasion.

Greeters Alice Dewire and Ann Sherwood will present arriving guests with name tags at the Friends Church Fireside Room, Hughesville. For reservations phone 546-6992.