Taking mom out for high tea is a Mother’s Day tradition and there are a variety of shops to visit in the 209, including a new place in Oakdale.
With this tea shop the 209 has gained a rare gem which has been a long time in the making. At a time when historical buildings are being transformed to more modern interiors, that is far from the case of the recently opened Tea at 202 in Oakdale.
Owner Oly Truhett and lifelong partner Jim Bauman have spared little by way of time, detail or expense in recreating the 1884 Victorian home at 202 E. G St., Oakdale.
“The minute I bought this house, I walked in and I could see it all done,” Truhett said of the Victorian being transformed into a tea house. “I envisioned everything.”
Admitting to a love of all things “pretty” and a love for “playing house” with her sister Judy Furtado, Truhett has hosted tea parties at her Orange Blossom, Oakdale home for friends and non-profits for years. A lover of antiques and antiquing, she shared she’d always wanted to bring a tea house into town, as well as preserve the history of the Victorian time period.
“It’s just me,” she said of the Victorian style. “It’s just always been my thing and my vision.”
So close to 11 years ago, along with partner Bauman, the couple began work on the property, starting with the cinder block building adjacent to the Victorian.
First opened in mid-October 2022, the Tea at 202 tea house has been well received in the 209 and beyond. The reservation only based business offers two seatings; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Truhett, with the help of sister Judy, her daughter Tina (Furtado) Lucas, as well as her daughter in-law Carol Furtado, the fearless foursome bring their guests a true tea party experience complete with varying teas from the Azores, scones, finger sandwiches and signature desserts.
Truhett and her three dedicated accomplices gather at the house each week prior to hosting their guests to prepare everything that will be served. The homemade items are crafted in the commercial kitchen of the 1884 home.
“These are recipes I’ve done forever,” Truhett said. “The sugar cookies we’ve baked since we were kids. We’ve baked all our lives. Everything is traditional. We’re trying to do everything traditional.”
Current cost for the 90-minute experience is $35 per person. According to Lucas, the response has been very successful and they continue to book parties for spring and beyond.
“It’s a tea time experience. That’s what we call it, it’s not just come in and have scones,” Truhett continued of the total experience.
The space that’s been created can host 26 to 30 per seating and private rooms are available at an additional cost.
Upon entering the home, the five-year labor of love given to the space from the two owners is apparent. From the furnishings, to the moldings, floors, curtains, to serving pieces; nothing has been overlooked. Truhett shared that she and Bauman enjoy antiquing and through the years have collected much of what is being used for the current business venture.
To make a reservation or for additional information on Tea at 202, call 209-493-7431.
