In its heyday the home of Jacob and Martha Van Orden was the scene of many parties and social gatherings. Although it is currently the SaukCountyHistoricalMuseum the mansion once again has hosted a special social gathering. The original Van Orden dining room table was set with bone china and decorated with candles and flowers for a ten course Victorian dinner. Victorian maids circulated quietly among the guests, catering to their every need. String quartet music was provided before dinner by Tootie and the Bowfish, a local group consisting of flutist Gail Bird, violinist Mona Larsen, violist Paul Wolter, and cellist Inger Clemens. The meal was catered by The House of Embers from LakeDelton and served by volunteers Mona Larsen and Mel Burgi, who portrayed maids of the era, and Tim Kepple who was the butler. The Victorian Dinners are fundraisers to help keep the museum open. If you are interested in attending a future Victorian Dinner please contact the Sauk County Historical Society at 608-356-1001 and you will be contacted in the future when the next dinner is planned.
