I've not yet had the pleasure of traveling to the Southwest, so I especially enjoyed learning about this week's featured state, New Mexico, and the rich influence of Hispanics and Native Americans. Come along with me, will you?
• La Fonda on the Plaza, which sits on the site of Santa Fe's first inn, established in 1607, is considered "the oldest hotel corner in America." This screen grab is from their website. (Click here to see it larger and to learn more about the fascinating history of La Fonda). The photo isn't identified, but those are definitely cups and saucers the women are holding. And if you scroll down, you'll see an image of a waitress at La Fonda delivering tea sometime between 1935 and 1940 (I found the ID on another website), so I feel fairly safe in surmising that tea has been served there over the years, although I've yet to read of "afternoon tea" or tearooms, per se. The La Fonda website reveals that "During Prohibition, when 'teas' were popular pretenses
for stronger beverages, the bohemian crowd in the capital city imbibed freely.
La Fonda was a favorite gathering spot for these writers and artists whose
outings included generous servings of gossip. Among the literati was visiting
author Willa Cather who stayed at La Fonda while writing her famed novel 'Death Comes for the Archbishop' (1927)." La Fonda has a wonderful history book available for viewing right on its website, and you can access it here in case you are planning a trip out west!
• The most famous tearoom I'd never heard of? That could well be the tearoom in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, run by Edith Warner, who is the subject of a book I've just learned I must read, "The House at Otowi Bridge: The Story of Edith Warner and Los Alamos" by Peggy Pond Church. Apparently Edith, who was from Philadelphia, befriended both the Pueblos and the scientists working on the Manhattan Project, which makes me think this would have been THE tearoom in which I would most like to have eavesdropped! The modern-day ruins of her tearoom are shown here in a photo from 2009. Wow. Just wow.
You find the most interesting things!
ReplyDeleteI lived in New Mexico for 23 years ... well before the "recent" tea take off. I intend to check out the St. James Tearoom in Albuquerque. I understand they set an English tea. I love your My Country, 'Tis of Tea series.
ReplyDeleteI have ordered Chai Pilgrimage in 2014 from... New Mexico. Thank you, Angela, for remembering me this wonderful book. As Snap, I love your series. This one and all the others. Kris
ReplyDeleteThat tea room looks very comfortable and relaxing. I love the huge windows, too. I have been to Santa Fe for only one day. It is a fascinating place that I hope to return to and explore more. Thank you for this great post. Blessings
ReplyDeleteAnother informative lesson. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have never been here either, but hoping next year to remedy that. I will be referring to your mentions in this post for exploring. That last place would be fun to find.
ReplyDeleteGreat post on New Mexico, Angela, love this series! I haven't visited New Mexico but would like to and it would be so nice to see the La Fonda Hotel.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of tea being served in the 1930's, very neat. Week after week, you find the most interesting historical facts and photos, making for a 'must read' blog: thank you, Angela! Joanie
I live in New Mexico and was happy to come across this article! I absolutely love tea! I've heard the St. James Tearoom in Albuquerque is amazing! One day I plan on going here, when I can find someone that love tea as much as I do.
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