Survey of Heil House Conducted By Southeast Missouri State University

There was excitement hanging in the air last week as we anticipated the arrival of the Southeast Missouri State University students who would conduct an in-depth survey of the John Heil House. The university group has been in Ste. Genevieve for a two-week summer field school, studying French Colonial architecture and historic sites.  The John Heil House was chosen by the Missouri State Park Service and the SEMO State University Historic Preservation faculty as one of the places of interest.

Very little research has been done on Heil House through the years, unlike other homes in the area.  So, this was very exciting to have the group go over our house with a fine tooth comb. . .and when I say that, I mean it.

 They crawled through the tiny spaces in the attic and cellar "where no other man wants to go," as well as down a maybe three foot wide alley between our home and the adjacent two-story building.

There was no place inside or out that wasn't measured, photographed, or recorded. Detailed architectural drawings and sketches were also made.  Many unknown factors were revealed, one of which was the plaster in the front room attic contained horsehair, possibly dating that section as far back as 1818. Until now, the building has been loosely dated at 1865. Of course, more research will be necessary.

For two days, this group's total focus was on documenting every detail of our home. We won't know all the discoveries until the University has time to put the data together, but hopefully by fall, we will be able to read the findings. It will hard to wait. . .

Our deepest thanks to all who made this survey happen. . .

and to every person who participated in it. 

It was an amazing two days. . .

"Southeast has the only undergraduate historic preservation program in Missouri certified by the National Council for Preservation Education, and is one of only nine bachelor’s degree programs nationwide. Program faculty have demonstrated expertise in museums, historic sites, archives, public programming, architectural history, the National Register of Historic Places, and the preservation of the built environment."

"The program is designed to not only provide students with depth and breadth in the field of historic preservation, but to also give them a broad-based understanding of the larger field of public history. In addition to core classes in the preservation of the built environment, students take breadth requirement courses in various aspects of public history, such as museums, historic sites and archives. As part of these breadth requirements, a practicum course involves students in a semester-long project, such as developing an exhibit at a local museum, processing an archival collection, or developing an interpretative plan for a historic site."

18th Century Colonial Tea: The Party

Arrive on time, never early or late

Do not discuss politics or religion or start an argument

If you take sugar, use the spoon in the bowl and then your own spoon to stir

Do not stick your pinky out

Use only three fingers to eat finger foods, never all five!

(It's considered uncivilized)

These are only a few rules of proper tea etiquette that we learned last Saturday afternoon while munching on cucumber sandwiches, blueberry scones, and lemon verbena mini cakes. It was truly a treat at the Colonial Tea Party, hosted by Sassafras Creek Originals on St. Mary's Road. . .The rain had stopped. . .and the sun was peeking in and out. . .That alone made everyone smile. . .then. . .as we entered the "tea room," the smiles got even bigger. . .But, I'm getting ahead of myself. . .

I arrived a little early (which broke the first rule of etiquette). . .for some behind the scenes photos. . .Dale, Kandye's hubby, was being transformed into an 18th century French voyageur, just in from transporting his furs to market and in time to help his wife in her opportunity to serve some of Ste. Genevieve's finest ladies afternoon tea. . .

As Kandye bustled around the store with her final preparations, Dale and I watched in anticipation as when she brought out the tea goodies. . .and instructed Dale on what teas he was to brew. . .

There was Bohea for the cucumber sandwiches. . .Oolong for the blueberry scones from Audubon's restaurant (famous for their baked goods). . .and Earl Gray for the lemon verbena mini cakes, with lavender infused glaze and lavender buds piped on top. . .

The table was beautifully set. . .

and soon all was ready . . .
as Dale watched for their guests. . .

Kandye and Dale are such a warm and welcoming couple. . . From the time the guests arrived, it was smiles and laughter for everyone. . .Kandye made the history of an 18th century tea come alive. . . amid her instructions for the proper etiquette during an colonial afternoon tea. . .

Everyone was delighted when she presented them with a special bag of the goodies, the cup and saucer, and a tea ball. . . In fact, it was such a rewarding afternoon that the guests lingered for quite a while as they shared their own tea experiences. . .

In today's world of social media and tech gadgets, it was so nice to turn them off and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea. . .interacting face to face with some delightful people. . .I hope Kandye will continue with her teas. . .and I hope you will be inspired to attend next time.  .It will be an afternoon pleasantly spent. . .

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