Monthly Newsletter: May 2023 (No.16)
Welcome to Our Technicolor Life! We are a husband and wife team that lives a vintage lifestyle in full color through our many adventures in our tea room, travel, entertainment, and art. Follow along each channel that makes up Our Technicolor Life.
We are Jeff and Carrie Ketterman. During the day, Jeff is a General Manager with Kasgro Rail Corporation Management Division. With a fleet of over 500 heavy-duty cars, Jeff works daily to provide solutions to various needs of the multi-dimensional rail transportation industry. By day, Carrie is a painter, illustrator, and author creating murals, & paintings.
After closing up shop for the day. Jeff and Carrie host themed tea parties out of their historic home at The Old Capitol Tea Room, travel to festivals and vacation in The Not So Long Trailer, and have two bands, a 1950s style band, Rosie & the Rockabillies, and a 1920s style band, The Tin Pan Alley Cats. Each of these channels makes up our Technicolor Life.
TEA
This past month we had the honor of hosting Ms. soon to be Mrs. Natalie's bridal shower. This beautiful and very sweet young lady and her family have been coming to visit us for many a tea party over the years. We were beyond thrilled to have you all over for your bridal shower this past month! Thank you friends and family for hosting with us here at The Old Capitol Tea Room! It goes without saying, it’s always a treat to see you all. Here’s to many more wonderful memories and best wishes to you and Christian and all the happiness in the world!
We also spent a lovely Saturday afternoon hosting a sweet baby shower for sweet Lindsay. It is always the goal of The Old Capitol Tea Room to take care of all the details so that you are able to come and host your special occasion, relax, and enjoy tea and time spent with family and friends. See below for more details about our private parties.
Private Parties
Our private party information has been updated with a private party booking form and booking availability. In 2023, private parties will primarily be hosted on weekdays and weeknights with limited weekend availability. We host baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, book clubs, church groups, meetings, etc. The cost is $35/person (kids and adults) and include a traditional afternoon style sweet and savory tea tray made up of finger sandwiches, desserts, selection of 3 loose leaf teas, and tax. We require a minimum of 15 people to book a private party and can seat 32 comfortably between our dining room and living room.
There is a $100 booking fee to be paid in advance to secure your desired date. This booking fee secures your date, time, and two hours in the tea room. This booking fee is non-refundable and does not go towards your final bill. October, November, and December are our busiest months of the year and private parties are NOT available on weekends. We are happy to look at weekdays and weeknights during these months. If you are interested in a private party, please fill out our Private Party Booking Form. We do require the $100 booking fee at the time of your booking to secure your date at the tea room. This booking fee is non-refundable and does not go towards your final bill. Final headcount and payment must be submitted one week prior to the event.
The private party booking form now includes party time frames for you to select. Our public tea events do take precedence over private parties. If we have a Friday/Sunday public tea event, we do not host private parties the Saturday in between.
Weekday Private Party Time Frames - 12-2pm OR 1-3pm
Weeknight Private Party Time Frames - 5-7pm OR 6-8pm
Weekend Private Party Time Frames - 12-2 pm OR 1-3pm
Alice and Hatter Story Time Tea
Smiles, memories, and of course lots of tea & treats were had at the Mad Hatter's story time tea party! Of course, Alice and a tea party go hand in hand, but this particular tea party includes an extra bit of magic and whimsy. Our Alice and Hatter Story Time features a live staged reading of "Alice In Wonderland" read by Alice with sound created by Hatter and we just may or may not finish with a little sing along.
Deadly Derby Murder Mystery
Being April, the countdown to the first Saturday of May is always an exciting time for us. One of our favorite murder mysteries to perform is the ever popular, Deadly Derby Murder Mystery which is hosted the week prior to the Run for the Roses.
The long-awaited day for "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" is just around the corner. But, prior to the annual "Run for the Roses" comes some of the biggest social engagements of the year. And the Barnburner Black Derby Gala is one that is NOT to be missed. This year's gala is one for the records, however. There is bad blood brewing in bourbon-town this racing season. And the Barnburners just love to stir things up with their guest lists. No one have imagined what tranSPIRES when this party comes "down the stretch" to the finish.
The murder mysteries are always an exciting evening at The Old Capitol Tea Room and this particularly mystery had all of the drama, flair, and decadence of the paddock on Derby Day.
TRAVEL
Spring is my favorite time of year because we are the furthest away from the winter months, everything is coming to life again, and you still have summer to look forward to. I'm also a firm believer in making each day count and to never turn down the opportunity for an adventure. This past month was full of little adventures and road trips.
Stream Cliff Farm, Restaurant, and Winery
I joined my Mom & Dad for a little road trip through our own backyard so to speak with a lunch date at Stream Cliff Farm, Restaurant, and Winery. If you've never visited Stream Cliff Farm before, treat yourself to an afternoon in this charming and historic spot in Commiskey, IN.
Here is a bit of history from the Stream Cliff website as told by current owner, Betty Manning.
The history of the family farm dates back to 1821 when James Harmon came to Indiana to live on the land his father received for serving in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Harmon remained a bachelor his entire life and built the old barn (circa 1821) and the brick house (circa 1836). It took him seven years to bake the bricks for the house. While constructing his home, he lived in a hollow log and had pigs underneath the floor to help keep him warm and was the resident when Morgan’s Raiders came to the farm on July 11, 1863. The property is on the original route of the General John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail. Mr. Harmon died shortly after Morgan’s Raid and is buried nearby. Having no heirs, he left the farm to the Methodist Church and it was from the church that owner, Betty Manning's grandmother’s family purchased it. Her grandmother was a quilter and gardener, and it is to her memory the quilt-shaped gardens are dedicated. The business was started in the early years of Betty and her husband, Gerald’s marriage and today there have now been seven generations who have lived on this farm.
When you visit you will find hilly, limestone ground overlooking the beautiful Graham Creek. Many of the buildings are original; the Keeping Room Antiques was once the farm granary (circa 1868), the Cabin was once Grandpa’s blacksmith shop and the Summer Kitchen was an early doctor’s office. The Country Store, soon to be a pottery shop, was once a stable, Stream Cliff Farm Restaurant was a greenhouse and the Winery was Gerald’s blacksmith shop. The Chapel was once a corn crib. There are quilt-shaped gardens in the pattern of the Log Cabin, a Dresden Plate, a walled Grandmother’s Fan and a Heart in a Square garden in the crucifix. A Sanctuary Garden is an outdoor church, there is a Bridal Garden, the Bluebird Arbor Trail and a Fairy Garden. The Farm has been featured in a number of national magazines and have visitors come from across the country.
While in the area be sure to visit the recently restored 1887 James Covered bridge; it is truly beautiful and is a mile or so from the Farm.
Located at 8225 S County Road 90 W, Commiskey, IN, there is always a full schedule of events, music, and more happening at Stream Cliff. Be sure to check out their website and Facebook page, Stream Cliff Farm, Restaurant, and Winery for hours, information, menu, and upcoming events.
Milan '54 Museum
After lunch, we drove the short distance to Milan, IN. Milan High School won the Indiana state basketball championship against Muncie Central High School in 1954, the victory being significant as Milan was the smallest town to win a state championship in the United States at that time. The 1986 film Hoosiers is based on the story of the 1954 Milan Team. Jeff and I had visited Milan and the wonderful Milan '54 Museum several years before and I knew my parents would enjoy visiting.
The Milan '54 museum celebrates the 1954 high school basketball team that inspired the movie "Hoosiers". There are so many artifacts, history, memorabilia, photos, and even audio/visual memories told by the players in this incredible museum. If you are a basketball fan or even just a history enthusiast, this museum does not disappoint. Located at 201 W Carr Street in Milan, IN. this museum is well worth the visit. Be sure to check out their website and Facebook page for hours.
ENTERTAINMENT
Granville's Mayberry Lucy Festival
The Not So Long Trailer hit the road for the annual Mayberry Lucy Festival located in charming Granville, Tennessee in April. This was our fourth year participating in the Mayberry Lucy Days and we are so happy to report the weather was everything we could've hoped for. Granville is known as the Mayberry Town of Tennessee and as you are taking a stroll down the street, you truly do feel as if you have stepped back in time.
The Cumberland River brought settlers to Granville in the early 1800s. From about 1831 until 1920, Granville was a thriving riverboat town. After riverboat travel ceased, the community was a successful farming area. In the early 1970's, the river covered farmlands when the Cordell Hull Dam was built. Families relocated and Granville became a ghost town. The river breathed new life into this community in the late 1900s, creating a perfect vacation site. Since 1999, Granville’s mission has been to become a historic destination, telling the story of a small, riverboat farming community.
Today, visitors magically step back in time, in Granville: Tennessee's Mayberry Town. A trip to Historic Granville offers many rewards, including unmatched natural beauty of the hills and the lake. You will be amazed by the 1880's award-winning T.B. Sutton General Store, where you can browse historical artifacts, purchase handmade items, and enjoy delicious country cooking.
The Granville Museum tells the story of Granville and surrounding area stores, churches, schools, and families, and traveling and temporary exhibits are displayed in the exhibition room. Adjacent to the Granville Museum, visitors will find the Farm To Your Table Museum which gives a glimpse into the agricultural life of the areas. The Historic Sutton Homestead offers guided tours and connects visitors with memories of a simpler time. The Pioneer Village guided tour includes Gulf Service Station with antique cars, farm equipment, an 1800's cabin, an Artisans Building and Cottage Garden and so much more.
The vintage cars in the Clemons Car Museum and the Whistle Stop Saloon are reminders of more romantic times and offer photo opportunities. The Mayberry - I Love Lucy Museum showcases one of a kind, rare artifacts from these popular TV shows. Visitors are amazed at the large collection of whiskey decanters in the Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum and with our newest museum, the Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum.
With many things to see and do in Granville, you can slow down and tour or sit, relax and enjoy the view. This Mayberry Town will take you on a trip down memory lane.
We performed our Lucy & Desi Tribute Show Friday and Saturday as well as hosted Lucy Trivia, chocolate candy wrapping competition, grape stomping, and your chance to film your own Vitameatvegamin commercial and rounded out the festival riding in a gorgeous '54 Chevrolet for the parade down Main Street.
Rosie & the Rockabillies
We're adding more dates to our summer schedule! The summer of Rosie is upon us! Be sure to follow our Facebook page, Rosie & the Rockabillies for updates.
ART
Coming to a bookshelf near you! This month we are excited to finally debut our latest books!
Camping Critters is a children’s book series based on our love for Lucy, Desi, and camping adventures with The Not So Long Trailer that Jeff and I have been planning for quite some time now. He wrote the story and I illustrated. This one was honestly about 3 years in the making and I cannot believe I’m now holding the first in this series!
I also spent about 3 months illustrating a Lucy coloring book with plans for a Grey Gardens to follow. This coloring book is for Lucy fans of all ages with over 20 illustrations and quotes from “I Love Lucy” throughout.
Once proofs are checked and submitted, we’ll be able to start some pre-sales so stay tuned for how to order a copy or copies of “Camping Critters: Lucy & Ricky Raccoon Buy a Camper” and “The Lucy Coloring Book.”
LIFESTYLE
This month we are featuring our time travel weekend to Montgomery, Alabama for the Fitz Gala. My favorite time period is the 1920s and I'm fascinated by the history, clothing, people, excitement of the roaring 20s, and anything about the Fitzgeralds.
We finished a murder mystery tea on Friday night, got up early Saturday morning and headed down to Montgomery, AL to attend the annual spring gala event at the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum on Saturday night!
We have never had the chance to attend this event as it usually falls on Derby weekend. This year they moved The Fitz event up a week, so we had to drive down to check it out! Rain put a bit of a damper on the evening’s festivities, but we still enjoyed it immensely!
And if the 1920s are our favorite decade, a very close second is the 1950s. We had a rockin’ and rollin’ good time on our Sunday down south! Big thanks to a good friend of our’s, Carol Shirley Majors, who got us two great seats for The Million Dollar Quartet matinee performance at the Blount Cultural Park Performing Arts Center in Montgomery! Thank you Carol!! 🥰
We sang along to every song and even got a few winks from the cast on stage who appreciated our beaming faces - because, we were beaming like a couple of lighthouses. 😜😁
This show and the music is SO good!! We absolutely love it! The cast of this production was phenomenal! We have seen several productions of this show and this may have topped them all! Each cast member was just incredible in their respective role. I mean…this was a top-notch, Broadway-like production in every aspect!! The set was gorgeous and when the neared the end of the show, where the characters come back for their finales, we were blown away by the push-back of the main set and drop-down lighted backdrop that ended the show.
Jeff and I have a very fond appreciation of this show, as we staged a production locally in November of 2018. The show was just gaining popularity at the time. It now has productions running all over the US.
I was delighted to play the role of Elvis’s girlfriend, Diane in our production and Jeff directed.
Revisiting this show from time to time, as we did on Sunday in Montgomery, reminds me of how special and unique this show is. If you EVER get a chance to see a production of this show, SEE IT. It always leaves the audience on its feet screaming for more!
Thank you Montgomery Shakespeare Festival, the Blount Center, and the fabulous cast of Million Dollar Quartet for making our Sunday SO incredibly special!!
I’m including a few photos from our production from 2018 in this post…just because. 🤣❤️🥰
And we added one more stop along our time travel weekend to revisit a fictional town caught in time from one of our favorite movies, "Big Fish."
To be honest, it was going to be tough to beat the first part of our day which included great seats to see Million Dollar Quartet, but the sun was shining and the sky was blue! We knew an outdoor activity or two was needed.
Just north of Montgomery, near Millbrook, AL, you’ll find Jackson Lake Island. This private island is home to the fictional town of Spectre. For those who love the 2003 movie, Big Fish, it’s a bit of a dream come true to visit this little island. The magical scenes from the movie that take place in Spectre, were filmed here! Twenty years later, many of the town’s buildings are still standing. It’s a little glimpse of “movie magic” that for those who grew to love the movie see as a bit of a Xanadu.
If you have never seen the movie, Big Fish, give it a try sometime! It is truly a magical movie, and such a beautiful story as a frustrated son tries to determine the facts from fiction in his dying father’s life. His father, played gloriously by Albert Finney, has spent his life spinning one big fish tale after another. But, as his son comes to find out, there is a bit of fact in all of his father’s stories, once the layers are peeled back.
It is a most beautiful movie about life and living. 🥰
In addition to now being a campground , the island is home to a community of goats! These little guys are SO cute, so if you visit be prepared to fall in love with several of them, especially the little baby goats. ❤️
After some time on the island we ventured back into Montgomery and spent the evening strolling the riverwalk and exploring the downtown of Alabama’s state capital.
This concludes our April as we move into May in Our Technicolor Life! Please explore the website and share with friends & family! This website our one stop shop for all of our events and information. Don't forget to subscribe so you stay in the loop and check out our upcoming events section right on the home page!
Yours truly,
Carrie & Jeff
AT A GLANCE - MAY EVENTS
Friday May 5th Kentucky Oaks
Louisville, KY
Saturday May 6th Kentucky Derby
Louisville, KY
SOLD OUT Friday May 12th 7pm Mary Poppins Sing Along & Tea
Corydon, IN
SOLD OUT Sunday May 14th 3pm Mary Poppins Sing Along & Tea
Corydon, IN
SOLD OUT Friday May 26th 7pm Breakfast at Tea-ffany's Tea
Corydon, IN
SOLD OUT Sunday May 28th 3pm Breakfast at Tea-ffany's Tea
Corydon, IN
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