Gone With The Wind “Special-Tea” at Southern Oaks

A tea party in honor of the world’s best-selling novel and movie, “Gone With the Wind,” is Nov. 12 at Southern Oaks in Fayetteville. Guests are invited to dress in Civil War-era outfits from the Southern Oaks costume collection, which include hoop skirts, old-style blouses with cameos, and romantic hats.

The guest speaker, Victoria Wilcox, will present a “behind-the-scenes” look at the lives of the real family members of Margaret Mitchell who were the inspiration for characters in “Gone With the Wind.” Many of these ancestors of Mitchell are buried in the Fayetteville City Cemetery. Wilcox, a published author, songwriter, and occasional speaker at the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, spearheaded an organization dedicated to restoring the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House Museum in Fayetteville, which was originally owned by the uncle of the legendary Doc Holliday. She is currently writing an historical novel about Holliday, who was related by marriage to Margaret Mitchell.

The Gone With the Wind tea is the first in a series of themed-teas conducted each year at Southern Oaks, called Special-Teas. These teas are held usually on a Friday, and are open by reservation to the public. Future teas include a Victorian Holiday Tea in December, “Somewhere in Time” tea in January, “Teatime on the Titanic” in April, and more.

Southern Oaks is a restored turn-of-the-century house on historic Jeff Davis Drive in Fayetteville. It is available to rent for weddings, receptions, parties and all types of special events. Owner Michele Cox conducts many historic events there as well, such as 1700’s and 1800s summer day camps for girls, Victorian-style birthday tea parties, costumed mother/daughter teas, and historic field trips for elementary school classes. Luncheon programs are also available for Red Clubs. The cost is $20 per person, payable at the door. All reservations must be made by Nov. 10. For more information, visit www.VictorianAdventures.com or call Southern Oaks at 770-460-0890