Have you ever dreamed about going to a tea party, like in the movies? You could make your dreams a reality right in your own little town of Milford. The Mary Jackson Tea Party offers a fashion show while attendees enjoy tasty soups, tea, sandwiches, savories, crumpets, quiches and desserts, which usually consists of chocolate truffles, crepes, macaroons, or creme brulee. The tea party is enjoyed and loved by all ages. Nancy Jones, adult volunteer, says about this year’s Fall Tea that happened on Nov. 16, “Food was fabulous and the fashion show was delightful.”

Mary Jackson was a beloved actress on the hit show The Waltons, where she played a woman named Emily Baldwin. Jackson was born in rural Milford in 1910, and graduated from Milford High School in 1927. Then, she pursued her education at Western Michigan University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1933.

Before the fame, she was a teacher for a short time before finding interest in theatre. Later, she went back to school at Michigan State University to study fine arts. Jackson never forgot where she came from, and would often come home to visit. Being a member of the Milford Historical Society, she was a huge helping hand in raising money in 1988 to rebuild the Oakgrove Cemetery Bridge that connected our small town to one of its oldest burial grounds.

Being so connected to her hometown, Jackson donated her house to the Milford Historical Society after she died, so it could be used for events. With this house, Sue Bullard, organizer of Mary Jackson house and tea, thought it was a good idea to have a special event in memory of Jackson, which now happens twice a year—once in April, and once in November. Both have slightly different things to offer.

There is always a variety of tasty foods, made by docents. Many are used from the Mary Jackson Tea Cookbook, which has new recipes added to each year. The cookbook is available to buy at the tea party, as well as the Milford Museum, which is open Wednesday and on weekends from 1-4 p.m. Delicious desserts are also always provided after the main course.

Student docents and volunteer adult docents model 1800’s and 1900’s era dresses that are typically donated to the historical society by locals. Each dress is very unique with special characteristics and some even being over 100 years old. The models walk through three small rooms where a short description of the dress is read, telling about the style and what time period it is from.

A raffle is hosted after dessert and prizes are handed out to the winners. In the past, people have won teapots, teacups, books, soaps, and more.

Seating is extremely limited because there are only three small rooms, so it’s recommended that people buy tickets in advance. Tickets are sold for $25 at the Milford Museum, Main Street Art, and Acorn Farm. All the money made from the tea and the raffle goes toward the maintenance and services of  Mary Jackson’s house.

Guests who have grown up watching Mary Jackson’s show, The Waltons, really feel a sense of connection to Emily Baldwin and resonate with how much Jackson loved Milford, and why she always came back to visit.

The models and docents who volunteer in the event take pride in participating because it’s a learning experience and they can compare the clothing technologies that they grew up with versus the technology used in the 1800s.

Lakeland High School Senior Morgan Sprader said, “This was a great opportunity to learn more about history in downtown Milford with some close friends.” This shows that it’s to the student’s advantage to take part in these kinds of events because it’s something students will never forget. Many also become more thankful to the Milford Historical Society for continuing to preserve the Mary Jackson house in support of her kindness and love for Milford and its history.