Clayton Museum’s Camellia Tea to honor pioneering families and museum docents

CLAYTON, CA (Jan. 21, 2024) — In a celebration of history and community, the Clayton Museum is set to open its doors on Feb. 18 for the 48th Annual Camellia Tea. This cherished event, rooted in tradition, honors the descendants of Clayton’s settlers and pioneering families.

Founded in 1977 by Eldora Hoyer, wife of Clayton’s first mayor Bob Hoyer, who envisioned a gathering to celebrate the town’s pioneer family descendants, the Camellia Tea has become a significant annual tradition. Hoyer’s idea, shared with local realtor Nan Wallace, then president of the Clayton Historical Society (CHS), proposed a February tea adorned with camellias to introduce new members and pay homage to the town’s history.

Over the years, the Camellia Tea has evolved, extending its tribute to include a special group of community workers. This year, the spotlight falls on the dedicated docents who generously keep the museum open.

The event promises an afternoon filled with cookies, tea, coffee, or punch, providing an opportunity to meet Clayton’s seasoned residents and relive the town’s history.

Rich history

Joel Clayton and his wife Margaret, who settled in Clayton in 1847, laid the foundation for the town’s rich history. With nine children, only four surviving childhood, the Claytons’ legacy became memorialized in Live Oak Cemetery near Clayton. The museum, originally Joel Clayton’s home, serves as a tribute to the town’s roots.

The Clayton Historical Society, the driving force behind the museum, sustains its operations on an annual budget of approximately $25,000. Fundraising events, such as the Christmas Home Tour and the spring Gardens Tour, this year set for May contribute to the society’s financial support.

As the Camellia Tea approaches its 48th year, the museum invites all to partake in the festivities. The museum opens Wednesdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information on the Clayton Historical Society, visit claytonhistory.org or call (925) 672-0240.