STONYFORD, CA (MPG) – The Stonyford Community Hall was transformed on March 29 into an enchanting world of elegance and sophistication.
The Stonyford Museum hosted its first Spring Tea Party as a fundraiser for the museum, located in the 125-year-old historic Town Hall, which served as the original hub for meetings and social gatherings in the western Colusa County community formerly known as Smithville.
Guests enjoyed scones and tea sandwiches on fine China and chose from a selection of intriguing teas.
“I was very impressed,” said Maxwell resident Maria Carrancho. “This is something I would go to every year and invite my friends to. A tea party is a wonderful event to have as a fundraiser and I really enjoyed it.”
Longtime Stonyford Museum director and historian Joyce Bond said the addition of new volunteers has breathed life into the nonprofit organization.
Terry Curry, whose family has lived in Stonyford for generations, and her daughter Summer Nadeau, spearheaded the party. Proceeds from Saturday’s fundraiser will go toward building a new interactive blacksmith exhibit at the museum.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and I think it is an event that can grow,” said Curry, who made multiple flavors of scones. “It would be a good annual fundraiser for the museum.”
The tea party featured multiple photo props and a silent auction for a watercolor painting – in a custom frame made from salvaged wood – painted by the late Vic Kronberg, who taught art at Willows High School for many years and was best known for his depictions of old wooden barns and fences, a part of American history that has not been widely preserved.
The artist’s widow, June Kronberg, donated the watercolor, which raised $450 for the museum after the silent bantering between luncheon guests was over. The museum also awarded a door prize to one lucky ticket holder and guests had the opportunity to win nice raffle prizes, including a three-bottle collection of New Clairvaux wines.
People of all ages enjoyed the event, including 2-year-old Kelly Gaines, of Dunnigan, who was beautifully attired in a pink and white dress and matching hat. While many of the guests wore traditional hats and fascinators for an elegant occasion, many came in hats intended to win the coveted prize for being the most creative.
Maudrie Smith, of Elk Creek, took home the prize and the title for the Best Hat.
“The event was a delightful celebration of community, culture, and cherished traditions…” said Bailey Langford, who is now the official photographer for the Stonyford Museum. “The serene atmosphere allowed guests to soak in the beauty of their surroundings while connecting with each other in a warm, inviting environment.”
Langford, owner of Rustic Lens Photography, will be helping the Stonyford Museum and Stony Creek Horseman’s Association by filling the publicity void left by the passing of Roy Stewart.
“The Stonyford Museum is already looking forward to next year’s Tea Party, promising another year of delightful moments, cherished traditions, and community fun,” Langford said. “If you missed this year’s event, make sure to mark your calendars for next spring.”
The Stonyford Museum, established in 2011, is open from 1-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of the month or by appointment by calling (530) 570-5391 or (530) 902-1596.
The museum has numerous exhibits that pay homage to local Pomo, Wintun and Nomlaki tribes, pioneers, trappers, local dams and reservoirs, military history, and lots of browsable miscellany.
Admission is free but donations are accepted and appreciated.