NILES — Two antique dolls, one of Ida Saxton McKinley and the other of Lucy Rutherford Hayes, have been added to the collection at the McKinley Birthplace Museum in Niles, which showcased a little bit of history this weekend with a formal Victorian-era-style spring tea.

More than 45 women gathered Sunday at the museum, with many wearing Victorian-era hats and clothing.

Ami LeMaster, curator / director of the museum, said she has been hosting events during the past year to bring people to the museum, including a Christmas open house in December and a Civil War program last month.

“The Victorian teas were in the same era as the McKinley presidency. Mrs. McKinley and others would hold the teas, which was common practice then to hold an afternoon tea. Women would hold a tea at their homes and visitors would call, usually between 3 and 5 in the afternoon,” she said

LeMaster said the tables were set in the styles from the Victorian period with the best silver and tea cups and saucers.

Lois Barrett of Howland said her family had the 1800s antique dolls of the two presidents’ wives for many years.

“We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful facility like this right here in Niles. I wanted the museum to have the dolls to display here for the public to see,” she said.

Mary Fuller of Howland, one of the many guests, said she was ready to attend such an event after the many cancellations because of the pandemic.

“I thought this would be different and fun and get to see people,” Fuller said.

She also attended the prior two museum events, noting she liked the Christmas decorations and the Abraham Lincoln portrayer.

Jessica Trickett of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, who was the guest speaker, shared with the audience common styles at the turn of the century with the upper class tradition of holding an afternoon tea and the etiquette women followed for them.

“They had special tea and food that they ate at the afternoon teas. I talked about what it would be like to visit Mrs. Arms’ home for an afternoon tea,” Trickett said, referring to the family for whom the Arms Family Museum in Youngstown is named.

Arms’ tea service was showcased at the event.

“The women would hold certain hours on a specific day for people to stop. They would get an invitation to join her for tea and would be introduced to new friends. There was etiquette they followed, such as having calling cards,” Trickett said.

Hubbard graduate Josh Ryhal showcased his artwork at the event and will leave his many portraits and other drawings up through May.

“This is the first time I have ever been at an event like this,” he said.