Sip tea, learn Clayton ­history at museum event

CLAYTON, CA (Jan. 19, 2023) — The Clayton Historical Society’s annual Camellia Tea began in 1977 when descendants of Clayton pioneer families, as well as many longtime residents, gathered at a residence on Morgan Territory Road to celebrate and have a happy reunion of those interested in the historical background of the Clayton area.

The view of the most rugged side, the North Peak, formed a beautiful backdrop – along with the driveway filled with blooming camellias.

According to Clayton native Janet Easton, her mother and Eldora Hoyer, wife of Clayton’s first mayor, set up the first tea in an attempt to bring the old and new Clayton residents together. The Safeway district manager offered his home, and it was a beautiful and classy setting. He even had a valet so people would not get their clothes soiled walking up to the house.

In 1979, two small Victorian homes built in 1869 and formerly belonging to Joel Clayton (who founded the town in 1857) were joined and renovated to form the current Clayton Museum on Main Street. The historical society then held the Camellia Tea for the first time at the new museum.

Each year, the public is cordially invited to visit the museum for the Camellia Tea. Guests can enjoy tea, coffee, punch and cookies. There is also a gift shop.

This year’s Camellia Tea will be held 1-4 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. For more information, call 925-672-0240 or visit www.claytonhistory.org.

Volunteers and members of the historical society run the museum, which is normally open 2-4 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. The Clayton Historical Society also sponsors the Clayton Gardens Tour in the spring, which is the main fundraiser to support the museum.