William S. Hart is infamous throughout our town and while most of us have passed his mansion in Newhall and know of the mark he has made on the world, little is said about his sister Mary Ellen Hart. During the month of May the friends at the William S. Hart Park and Museum took time to celebrate a truly eventful tea party in her name. Mary Ellen’s Tea Party is an annual event put together to raise funds for the park. Everything from fine tea selections to desserts including champagne cake truffles covered the tea tables. One hundred and twenty nine attendees came dressed for an event to remember, including the ladies wearing their “red hats” from the Red Hat Society. Michael Fleming, an accomplished guitar player and country singer, provided entertainment, while the men who volunteered dressed for the occasion in true cowboy attire. Committee chairperson Diane Slauson wanted to make the event possible to remember Mary Ellen. “I give tours at the museum and I’ve always enjoyed walking into the back of the mansion where Mary Ellen used to sit enjoying her tea. It is fun to honor her by having a tea party in her name,” Diane said.
After the last dessert plate was cleared, the raffle was over and the last sip of tea was taken, Mary Ellen’s Tea Party came to an end. The event was a success and Mary Ellen herself would have been proud to have the tea held in her honor.