CFHS's 'Tavern Talks' makes sweet debut

CFHS’s ‘Tavern Talks’ makes sweet debut

Posted by Lora B. Englehart on February 17, 2016

Sandi Johnson demonstrates the Colonial art of making chocolate at the inaugural edition of the Chadds Ford Historical Society's 'Tavern Talks.'

The Chadds Ford Historical Society’s first "Tavern Talks" on Thursday, Feb. 11, was a sold-out event that enabled attendees to step back in time to enjoy Colonial food, drink and activities throughout the 300-year-old Barns-Brinton House.

Guests are greeted at the door of the Barns-Brinton House for the debut of 'Tavern Talks.'

All the senses were engaged as time-travelers watched demonstrators make chocolate to eat and drink, tried their hand at writing love letters with quill and ink, and made sensual scents intended to create friendships or attract a mate.

Brain cells were activated while playing an 18^th-century match game and by guessing if a woman is flirting or telling you to go away just by the way she holds her fan. Wines from the neighboring Chadds Ford Winery, a roaring fire in the fireplace, and candlelight made for a perfect pre-Valentine’s Day celebration.

The next Tavern Talks will be held on Thursday, March 10, when the theme will be "Bugging Out: Bugs that Bugged the Colonists." Visit Chadds Ford Historical Society for more information or to register.

About Lora B. Englehart

Lora has a passion for art, gardening, yoga, music and dancing. She continues to research the life of locally born abolitionist and 1998 National Women's Hall of Fame inductee Mary Ann Shadd Cary. She is a dedicated community volunteer, working with the American Association of University Women, Wilmington, DE branch (programs chair), Chadds Ford Historical Society (former board member) and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. Lora lives in Birmingham Township with her husband Bill and son Brad. Daughter Erika lives in Pittsburgh with husband Bob and baby Wilhelmina. She is a former French, Spanish and ESL teacher, bilingual life insurance underwriter and public relations coordinator for Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.