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The American Doll Tea is scheduled for the Eden Woolley House in Ocean Township Aug. 7.
By DENISE HERSCHEL
It’s an annual tradition for many little girls who look forward each year to bringing their favorite dolls for a summer afternoon of tea and treats at the American Doll Tea in Ocean Township.
Sponsored by the Township of Ocean Historical Museum, the tea is celebrating its 12th year at the Eden Woolley House on Sun., Aug. 7 at 1p.m. A rain date of Sunday, August 14th has been scheduled.
Marge Edelson, museum trustee and chairperson of the American Doll Tea event, said that the event has proved to be popular since its debut, with only one tea being missed in 2020, due to the pandemic. The tea is held on the back lawn of the museum under tents.
“We have a ‘fashion show’ where the girls introduce their dolls to the audience, telling all their doll’s name, where and when they received their doll. They also make a craft and listen to a story about the Woolley sisters who lived in the house in the 1800’s,” she said.
The storytime introduces the girls to the concept of the Woolley sisters and makes them more interested in the history.
“This real family lived in our town a long time ago,” Edelson said. “I have written a story about the sisters and what life may have been like before cars, electricity and indoor plumbing. I print each story in a little book for them to take home. It’s like ‘Little House on the Prairie’ in Ocean Township.”
After the story, the girls attending the tea return to their tables for the party. Water and watermelon are available all day. Ice tea, plates of fresh fruit kabobs, home baked cookies and cakes are served to the guests. There is also a doll shop where doll clothes and accessories are for sale for 18-inch dolls. Kids can also tour the 100-year-old playhouse on the property.
Reservations to attend the tea are a must. Tickets for an adult and a child over the age of five are $30. The price is $10 for each additional child and $25 for each additional adult. In the past, the tea with an afternoon of treats, crafts, stories, exhibits and more, have sold out, Edelson said For reservations call 732-531-6040 or 732-531-2136.
