Tea and Scandals: Afternoon tea with with twist to be held at historic Joplin home

(From Historic Murphysburg Preservation)

The recently restored historic house at 405 South Moffet Avenue, in Joplin’s Murphysburg Historic District, will once again host an afternoon tea---mimicking a social event that was held there over a century ago.

In August of 1908, Mrs. Henry Edward (Blanch) Dangerfield hosted a high tea for the Who’s Who of Joplin. It was an elegant affair where over 50 people gathered in the commodious living rooms of the James and Mary Anne Dangerfield home. 

According to the Joplin Evening Times newspaper, “Dainty, airy costumes were worn by the ladies who presented a very attractive setting.” Blanch was the daughter-in-law of the Dangerfields.

Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. (HMP) will host two afternoon teas on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 12 noon and again at 3:00 p.m. There will also be a separate ticketed “speakeasy event” at 6:00 p.m. All guests will be treated to a tour and historic account of the house while enjoying the holiday decorations. Period costumes are welcome but are not required.

Organizers say there will be more than just a selection of teas with delectable traditional English finger foods and delicacies, guests will also learn about tea etiquette and local history. The event will also include tales of scandals that enveloped the Dangerfield family!

What is a society gathering without a little neighborhood gossip?

The teas are open to guests over the age of ten years old at $40 per person. The speakeasy event is open to guests over the age of twenty-one years old at $20 per person, which will include the decorated house tour, signature drinks, holiday cheer, and more.

BACKGROUND – Both James and Mary Anne Dangerfield were born in England in 1842. After moving to Joplin, James engaged in mining and later launched a real estate business which grew to include loans, insurance, rentals, collections, leases on mining land, and construction. Mary Anne was prominent in the religious work of the First Presbyterian Church and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. The couple had a son, Henry Edward (H.E.) and a daughter, Lillian. Their son and daughter-in-law, Blanch, also lived at the house with and later without Edward’s parents. Edward was active in the father/son duo’s business. Blanch was the first president of the Century Club, a Joplin social organization.

HMP is a (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization that implements charitable and educational activities. They promote and stimulate historic awareness and preservation throughout the historic district and the greater Joplin area.

TICKETING – For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit Murphysburg.org or by calling Paula Callihan at (417) 208-9376.