TEA PARTIES AT THE BAY Ticket courtesy of Hilda Rossiter and Hilda Lewis . During the latter half of the 19th century, tea parties were a very popular event within communities. Sometimes they were held as a fund¬ raiser, and in many instances they were simply a social outing. Whatever the reason, these tea parties attracted large crowds. Special trains were arranged to handle the crowd of people expected from as far away as Charlottetown and Georgetown at this tea party, as indicated in the article that appeared in the Examiner in July of 1889: (42) THE MONSTER TEA Head of On July 17th, instant. In a lovely field owned by Mr. M. Mclnnis about two-hundred yards from the station, fronting on he beautiful Bay, with its pretty view of nine miles distance to harbor, pronounced by all tourists to be the most magnificent spot in America. Saloons provided with all kinds if temperate drinks, together with fruits, wild and tame and all other dainties usually found at such places on similar occasions. A first-class brass band, along with other musical instruments, will discourse sweet music on the grounds. The amusements will consist of Horse Swing, Football, Sack Races, and other games which will appear in due time in handbills. Look out for them. The committee will be found attentive to all except those who may appear on the ground under the influence of intoxicating liquor, or may dare to sell at or on near the grounds. Tea on the table at 12 o'clock noon. Trains will run as follows: A special train will leave Charlottetown at 7:30 am (standard time), on day of tea; returning will leave St. Peters at 4:45 pm. Express train from Souris will be detained thirty minutes, leaving at 6:45 am; and for the convenience of parties from Georgetown , Branch regular train will be detained at Mount Stewart to connect with special same evening. 218