EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS

	TRR photo by Charlie Buterbaugh Alicia, left, and her grandmother Barbara Gindhard enjoy tea and their handmade Victorian hats in front of a mural at the new Corner Tea House and Gift Shoppe. (Click for larger image)

A spot of tea and Victorian splendor

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

HAWLEY, PA — Barbara Gindhard opened her new Corner Tea House and Gift Shoppe with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 28, a capstone event for the owner, who has kept her shoulder to the wheel for over a year, renovating the building at 525 Church Street.

“It used to be an eyesore. Everybody told me I was crazy when I bought the building, but there was just something about it, and I have always loved Hawley,” Gindhard said.

Inside Corner Tea House, a gift shop full of tea accessories, picture frames, dolls, glassware and other collectibles, leads into a sunroom with tables set before a landscape mural painted by Gindhard.

“This is something I could have done in Mahwah, NJ, in Bergen County where I come from. I could have done it in a mall, but I want everyone to feel like I am entertaining them,” she said.

Gindhard and her granddaughter, Alicia, have made a collection of Victorian hats that patrons can wear as they enjoy tea in the Victorian tradition with assorted finger sandwiches, mini scones, muffins, breads and spreads, or Gindhard’s original cheesecake. She will prepare most of the menu features, including cold melon soup, watermelon salad with tomatoes and watercress, Victorian chicken salad with mandarin oranges and walnuts, fresh baked French toast, a different quiche every day and rarities like Earl Grey salad dressing.

“I like experimenting, so the menu will change a bit every month. We won’t have any greasy foods or take-out,” she said.

A proper tea should last at least two hours, according to Gindhard, who means to invite people to stay, talk and nibble for a while.

“What better way to appreciate life’s special moments, large and small, than over a cup of tea?” she said.

	TRR photo by Charlie Buterbaugh Gindhard has made each of the Victorian hats for patrons to wear as they enjoy high tea. (Click for larger image)

Part of her mission is to educate her clientele on what she calls the art of tea, which to be sure does not involve any toil.

“I wanted to create a pleasant and relaxing environment where people could sit and escape. I love entertaining people; it’s really not a job,” she said.

Gindhard has a background in retail and marketing, and she always dreamed of owning her own teahouse or bed and breakfast. Her Corner Tea House will host children’s parties, bridal and baby showers or parties tailored to celebrate special events. She will also offer story-hours and tea for children, a night with Sherlock Holmes and tea with local musicians.

Gindhard wished to thank the people of Hawley who have supported her.

The gift shop is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and tea is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Special occasion teas can be scheduled by reservation.

For more information call 570/226-2239.