Greater Leavenworth Museum revives tea social event at historic grange hall

LEAVENWORTH – After a six-year hiatus, the Greater Leavenworth Museum brought the return of its afternoon tea event at the historic Chumstick Grangehall on May 29.

“We wanted to bring back a community event that was heartfelt…The Upper Valley Historical Society and the museum [aren’t]  just for guests that are visiting from out of town. We're here for the community, and preserving the history means having events that gather our community,” said Upper Valley Historical Society Board President and Treasurer Christie Voos.

The tea events started in 2010, taking place at Wenatchee River Institute’s Riverhaus and eventually moving to the grange. Each tea hosted a different theme, as well as different speakers, presentations, and activities. 

This year, the Tea Committee, chaired by Claudia Cockerham, organized a spring-themed tea with scones, sandwiches and desserts prepared by UVHS volunteers and the Cascade Garden Club. The event sold out, with over 60 guests in attendance.

Throughout the years, the tea has also been associated with the Royal Ladies. During the tea, 2025 Royal Lady Sandy Houston thanked the organization for bringing back the event.

“Your work here at the Historical Society is significant because, as we know, preserving history knits generations together. It is the heartbeat of a community's memory, and it ensures that future generations can understand where they came from and why it matters,” said Houston.

During the tea, Voos and former president Matt Cade shared about the organization’s plans for the historic Chumstick Grange Hall. According to previous Echo reporting, the building dates back to 1910, when it served as a train depot for the Great Northern Railway. Since the 1930s, the building has been home to the Chumstick Grange.

“Our current idea…Is to get a long term lease for this building, so that we can bring this community asset back to what it was and more,” said Voos. “Our mission is to preserve and promote the history of the Upper Valley. That means keeping buildings around that have historical and community significance.”

UVHS plans to revive the space as a place for community gathering, fit for events too small for the Leavenworth Festhalle or Snowy Owl Theater, said Voos. Additionally, the downstairs space would be utilized as an additional space for the museum’s collections, making them more accessible to the community.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media