Frances Glessner was known for her hospitality, and regularly welcomed friends to share a meal in the elegant dining room of her home. Guests included Prairie Avenue neighbors, business and social leaders, musicians, artists, authors, and university presidents and professors. In this illustrated lecture, curator William Tyre will explore what a guest would have experienced from the time they entered the front door until they left for the evening. Topics include drawing up the guest list, selecting the menu, creating the table setting, themed dinners, after dinner entertainment, and highlights from Frances Glessner’s collection of more than 100 cookbooks which still reside on the shelves in the library.
This event will also serve as the opening reception for the symposium “Nineteenth Century Kitchens and Dining,” taking place on Saturday November 9th, co-sponsored by the Victorian Society in America.
Reception begins at 6:30pm and Lecture at 7:15pm