Following in the antebellum tradition of  Caroline Langdon Eustis the Shirley-Eustis House Association will once again host a special elegant tea for young ladies of the local Roxbury community and their mothers or mother figures. The event will be held in the Ingersoll-Gardner Carriage House and will feature a tea party interlaced with educational and cultural activities.

During her later years Madam Eustis held small tea parties each Sunday evening for girls from her neighborhood in order to provide them with an opportunity to experience  the beauty of her magnificent mansion and enjoy interesting  conversation and nice company. Her kindness inspired one young woman, Lillian B. Titus, to eventually become a pioneer in the New England Historic Preservation movement. In 1913 Lillie helped found the Shirley-Eustis House Association to save and restore Governor and Mrs. Eustis’  beloved former home.

Photo courtesy of Tina J. Rodocker