community ^ vintage dining
Henry’s Tearoom
The magic of yesteryear at Henry’s Tearoom by Rhiannon Ross
W hen I was five years old, I’d skip Nora’s tiny house in southwest Missouri, bellowing: I’m late, I’m late for A very important date. No time to say hello, good-bye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late. Each time I passed the front porch where Grandma sat rocking, I glimpsed her amused grin. I was The White Rabbit in Alice’s Adven- tures in Wonderland, clasping my imaginary pocket watch attached to my imaginary, red, plaid waistcoat. I was on my way to tea! Teatime, a half-century later, still holds its fairytale appeal for me. There’s something magical about taking time out to sit and sip sweet, steamy, amber liquid and nosh on little cakes and sandwiches. Time out for polite conversation and contemplation. The tearoom at Henry’s Antiques and Col- lectibles, in historic downtown Lee’s Summit, offers an enticing opportunity to participate in the ritual of “taking tea.” Housed in a beautifully restored, old red-brick church, the white cross atop the lantern tower may now stand for the “T” in tea. Upon entering the white, double doors, one enters a wonderland of polished wooden staircases and floors, arched windows, and nooks and crannies. Antiques and vintage wares are creatively staged on each floor. One will find small delights such as a tin pail filled with porcelain and red-handled, wooden rolling pins or a window valance featuring dainty, embroidered hankies tied to a clothesline. And, of course, vintage tea sets. Spend time wandering the two floors in search of treasure. Wash your hands with a around the perimeter of my Grandma
and donning fabric tablecloths and steeple- peaked, folded cloth napkins. Seating con- sists of slipcovered chairs or oak, pressed- back chairs plumped with toile cushions. A sense of formality pervades. No Mad Hatter chaos here. Etiquette is important, with proper silverware placement (hint: the fork situated above your plate is the dessert fork). Tables settings include clear glassware, tiny silver salt and pepper shakers, and sun- flower centerpieces. Tea at Henry’s consists of a light-lunch, served with complimentary hot, cinnamon tea and tiny squares of shortbread. A refined gentleman named Will recites the day’s prix fixe menu. A novice may mistake him for Henry, the establishment’s namesake and she
scented, sea salt scrub in one of the quaint bathrooms. Envision what the church looked like when it was filled with worshippers on Sunday mornings. Imagine angelic voices emanating from the choir balcony. But know that soon, aromas will waft from the basement tearoom to dance in your nos- trils and entice you to descend the staircase. Here, swirled, gold-stenciled wallpaper adds a Victorian vibe and old photographs collage the yellow gold painted hallway. Hutches hold china tea cups; a commode boasts a silver tea service. Chandeliers glisten like icicles. Mirrors add an Alice in Wonderland sense of possibility. The tearoom is comprised of five, small rooms, each filled with tables of varying sizes
10 VINTAGEKC WINTER 2016
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