Snow can't stop Dolley's High Tea

FORT MADISON - This past Saturday, the Victoria Gallery Tea Room hosted its first-ever Dolley Madison High Tea. This sold-out event paid tribute to Dolley Madison, the influential First Lady and wife of Fort Madison’s namesake, President James Madison.
Owners Lex Whitcanack and Dr. Marie Brady-Whitcanack partnered with Old Fort Madison Preservation, Inc. to hold the event, with proceeds supporting the fort’s restoration project, led by Bill Napier.
The guests were enchanted with a presentation on Dolley Madison by Dr. Marie Brady-Whitcanack, with the help of a third-grader, Jade Blacker. Blacker shared about the significance of children during Dolley’s time and Dr. Brady-Whitcanack shared about Dolley’s bipartisan social events. Dr. Brady-Whitcanack hopes that the guests’ takeaway from the event was the significance of James Madison and how it relates to Fort Madison.

“Our history, in regard to the Constitution and James Madison, is remarkable. This old fort, it really is a remarkable history that we also want to add to, as far as a living history, when we build the museum as well," Brady-Whitcanack said.
"This is the kickoff to starting our capital campaign, our major fundraiser, for the reconstruction of the historic fort and the building of the new visitor center museum.” 
The afternoon opened with roasted tomato soup and a cheese madeleine, followed by three varieties of tea sandwiches. The guests were served three types of scones accompanied by homemade clotted cream and jams. The final course featured an assortment of petits fours and Dolley’s signature peppermint ice cream. Our teacups were rarely empty, continually refilled with black tea, a green and ginger blend, and a cranberry vanilla herbal tea.
Dr. Marie, a professor, enjoys being a hostess, and her husband Lex, opened The Victoria Gallery Tea Room six years ago. The pair has a talent for creating an immersive experience with period dress worn by all the workers. Be on the lookout for their next specialty tea.