My Country, 'Tis of Tea - Delaware

This week's focus is on Delaware, the first state. Now why is it called the first state? Because Delaware was one of the original thirteen colonies, and on Dec. 7, 1787, Delaware was first to ratify the Constitution.

• Speaking of the American Revolution period, Google Play Books led me to some interesting tea info from the free book "Delaware Archives - Revolutionary War in Three Volumes - Volume III," a reprint of the 1911-1919 edition. Apparently there was much discussion of some tea said to be missing from a store on Feb. 1, 1779, and it was fun to read how John said he saw Jacob sell the tea, Jacob said he bought the tea from Sgt. Rock, Sgt. Rock said he knew nothing about tea being taken out of the store except by others, etc. Considering that the Boston Tea Party was not that far in the past, I find it intriguing how many people seemed interested in getting some of that tea!

• It's always fun to look for an interesting old tea room in any state's past, and I enjoyed learning about the Old Court House Tea Room in New Castle, Delaware, which opened in 1926 adjacent to the old court house, shown on the postcard here. If you'll click here and scroll down, you'll learn of a famous customer who visited the tea room and ordered a chicken sandwich, a piece of cheese and a chocolate milkshake there in July of 1938. (Clue: Which child star was all the rage in 1938?) 

— Photo courtesy of Hotel du Pont

• So is there a good place to take tea in Delaware today? Of course, and one such place that was recently recognized with a coveted Zagat rating was the Green Room of the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, Delaware. According to the hotel's website, "Showcasing specially created blends of teas inspired by Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Estate, and Nemours Mansion and Gardens, and other neighboring Brandywine Valley museums, mansions, and gardens, our Tea Service is available daily." When I read that description, it reminded me that a tea blogger friend has actually reported on this particular hotel's tea before, so go here if you'd like to see more photos and my friend Phyllis's review!