We call upon those of you who have an unbridled passion for the Victorian period, who yearn to rediscover this most splendid of eras with like minded modern Victorians in the Delaware Valley and greater Philadelphia area. If you live within or near to the Delaware Valley you are welcomed to join us in rediscovering the past!
This page was last updated: 18 January, 2012
Kindly extend your visit here so that you may get to know us a little better. View our calendar to see our upcomings events and activities and browse images from past events.
Welcome to the home of the Delaware Valley Ladies & Gentlemen Society.
Preserving the Past in Modern Day
WANTED!
Victorians living in 21st century Delaware Valley!! No costumes required!
You do not need to have Victorian costume to join in on any of our activities. A love for the Victorian era is immeasurable simply by how fancy your gown or suit is at an event, therefore we encourage those who might feel out of place among groups with a costume-oriented following to come be yourself with us!
So you are wanting to get into costume but not sure where to start? We can guide you in acheiving ultimate Victorianness.
Pictured: Ladies and a Gentleman of the DVLGS share a cuppa at the monthly potluck meet for March. Our meets are quite relaxed.
The DVLGS wants you to know we are NOT a costume-based group so please do not let "nothing to wear" keep you from coming out to share the fun!
See you at the next event!
Fall 2011
Historic Bristol Day and Glen Foerd Mansion on the Delaware Gilded Age Christmas
The DVLGS was pleased to attend the 35th annual Historic Bristol Day in October. Among the activities we enjoyed we hosted a small exhibit on Civil War era clothing.
Seemingly the next day we then made an appearance at the beautiful Glen Foerd Mansion to take part in the festivities of their Gilded Age Christmas event, complete with a live performance of The Nutcracker and a visit from Father Christmas himself! Images coming soon
Liberation for a Victorian Lady
A word from your loyal hostess on her trip to the seaside.
On Saturday, July 9, I ventured for the day to the Victorian seaside town of Ocean Grove, NJ.
After strolling the quaint streets and touring the auditorium and cottage, I hit the beachside changing room and engaged in a nearly 20 minute changing process. I went in a fully dressed lady of the early 1870s in a full bustle and summer cotton and emerged some time later in this 1890s circa scandalous swim ensemble!
I cannot tell you how good it felt, how liberating, to go from what I had strolled the town all day in to this. No matter how cool and breathable the day wear was, it was not comparable to feeling my legs in the breeze and taking a nice dip. The lifeguard was calling to me and my first fear was that they thought I was swimming in street clothes. It turned out I was too close to the pilings *oops*.
At Nagel's Apothecary I enjoyed one of my favourite things ever, a chocolate egg cream made to perfection. The staff could not have been more welcoming and even helpful as I ordered at the counter in full garb. There is nothing quite like an historic town that recognizes and appreciates its history.
Heads were turning at the beach that day
No wonder this was so popular in the 1800's! Ocean Grove is a fine town. Pictures will come with the next trip.
Lady Victoria's Tea Room
Saturday, July 30
Inside the Rosebush Antique & Gift Mall
This tea room is truly a hidden gem! Rosebush Antiques, formerly know as Cottage Crafters, is located in a strip shopping center in Levittown, PA. At first glance, at the front entrance, one sees nothing of either an antique mall or tea room, but a window display with antique and vintage items and stair case which leads down to both. It is not surprising why so many do not even realize it is there! Having once housed a bowling alley, the large mall is filled with vendors of many varying specialities.
Though Lady Victoria's is visible from the bottom of the stairs through a frosted glass wall, the tea room entrance sits tucked away near the back. The course on which one must navigate to reach the tea room demands a meandering through the rows of vendor stalls that one must impass on with utmost will power to avoid temptation to browse. Avoid the temptation as you can do this after your tea! You will want to work-off some of the delicious deserts anyway! For those unfamiliar with the the mall, here is a rough outline mapping the general layout.
perfect. It was not overly melony or fruity. The sweetness was counteracted with just the right amount of tang and creaminess of the yogurt. Garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, it made for a refreshing option perfect for such a hot summer day. The sandwiches were all quite tasty and as fresh as one might hope for. Two of each of the three varieties arrived arranged on a plate with slivers of apple: Tuna salad, egg salad, and chicken salad with cranberry and walnuts. Lastly, the desert brought an end the array of sumptuous fare we enjoyed. My rice pudding was undoubtebly home made, arriving in a martini glass with whipped cream and a Pirouette sprinkled with cinnamon. The pound cake, truly, would have made the ladies quite happy but we had to be strong and left the gentleman to savor it's decadent goodness. It was served with a scoop of real vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and drizzled with rasberry sauce and fresh rasberries.
This was a wonderful experience. Not only was the menu and the fare from it of exceptional quality, everything was served to perfection with utmost attention to detail and tastefulness; as was the service provided by such gracious folks. The remoteness of this tea room, we fear, prevents it from receiving as much patronage as it ultimately deserves. If you have never been to this tea room, you must. At first glance the location might suggest a less ambiant dining experience but don't let this dissuade you as the experience was anything but average. From what we heard, the future holds even better things for this quaint place as the new owners have plans for implementing some pleasing alterations to the space that we absolutely cannot wait to see.
Every Thursday between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. they feature Tea Leaf Readings which was an incredibly popular passtime in Victorian parlours. A reading is $15 per person and reservations are recommended as this we were told is their busiest day of the week.
1337 E. Lincoln Hwy.
Levittown, PA 19056
Langhorne Sq. Shopping Center
(215) 943 - 3220
One accesses the room by means of a ramp or short set of steps through which they enter an area where one is greeted by a foliage enrobed trellis. Through the gate lies the charming dining area. The seating varies with every table but do not be surprised to be seated in antique chairs with arm rests and consider yourself lucky should you be as they are quite comfortable.
Each table was beautifully set with elegant English china. Our table was set with, among others, Spode.The menu was quite expansive, featuring a generous selection of teas and a variety of food options. They offer a selection of traditional afternoon "cream tea" services, in addition to a lunch and a la carte menu for those wishing to stray from the traditional afternoon tea fare options.
We decided to order the Princesses Tea which came with a choice of scone, fruit cup (we were able to substitute this for the chilled melon soup with yogurt), 6 assorted tea sandwiches, and a choice of desert all acompanied by individual pots of tea. The scones were fresh and arrived at the table still warm with clotted cream, lemon curd, and preserves. So fresh they seemed one might swear they were fresh baked just for us. Next was the fruit cup, and for us, the soup. The chilled melon soup was
The DVLGS will meet again after the new year so check back often for updates on upcoming meets!
Best wishes to you and your family for a safe, happy and healthy New Year! We look forward to seeing you in 2012!
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