Ladies of the gentry class in colonial America did not
have the opportunity to attend public meetings, debate, vote, or have a
real voice in democracy. Some women, such as Mrs. Charles Carroll
(Molly, to her friends) and Mrs. William Paca of Annapolis, supported
the cause in other ways. During the years of the American Revolution,
these women grew a variety of herbs that replaced English teas. These
included varieties of mint, chamomile, rosemary, lemon balm, and
valerian root. Many of these ladies said, "Let's lock up the English
tea until King George decides to lift the tax!" If you remember how
important tea and tea parties were to the colonists, this was a big
sacrifice.
Afternoon tea parties, a custom brought here from
England, were an important part of the colonial culture. Molly
Carroll often served tea for family and neighbors in her beautiful
townhouse in Annapolis. The ceremonies and traditions around the
serving and drinking of teas were an important part of colonial life.
The Sharpe Family, by Gawen Hamilton. From the collection
of the Maryland State Archives.
Click below to listen to Molly Carroll
talking about her afternoon teas.
