Tyler

The Mary Tyler Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will host its annual Silver Tea at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the historic Roseland Plantation, 2601 Texas Highway 64.

Reservations are required by Thursday, March 6, and may be made by calling 903-592-1458.

Roseland Plantation was built in 1854 by Burrell Hambrick and was originally a 3,300-acre cotton plantation. The plantation received distinction as the recipient of the first Texas Restoration Award, chapter spokesperson Anna Lee said.

"Period antiques fill the rooms and hallways of Roseland which is under the new ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Toth. In addition, vintage wedding gowns, dating from the middle 1800s will be on display at the tea. Various members of the Mary Tyler Chapter will be attired in and modeling vintage clothing, adding to the ambiance and aura of historic Roseland," Mrs. Lee said.

"The tradition of a Silver Tea has its roots in a proper English Tea, usually held in church. 'Silver Tea' referred to the silver coins deposited in a bowl set by the door where a large denomination silver coin was to initiate generous donations from guests. These monies were used to further a charitable cause," Mrs. Lee said.

"Times have changed but silver teas are still a gracious means of funding worthy projects," she said.

Donations from the 2008 Mary Tyler Chapter DAR Silver Tea will be directed to the Literacy Council of Tyler.

In addition, DAR members are asked to bring children's books which will also be donated, Mrs. Lee said.