Today, Four Mile Historic Park invites you to its first afternoon tea of the season, a fancy Victorian affair involving wagon rides, hot drinks and dolls. Along with the traditional relaxing midday snacking ceremonies, the park welcomes renowned fashion illustrator Jim Howard, who will be speaking on clothing trends of the mid- to late 1800s, depicted through his personal doll collection. An iconic illustrator whose detailed drawings appeared in major ad campaigns for cosmetics companies and retail stores in the ’70s and ’80s, Howard brings his expertise of period couture to life through both antique dolls and his own handmade paper versions.

As guests enjoy warm beverages, Howard — a docent and guest exhibit designer for the park — will lead an open discussion of “The phenomena of fashion dolls as exact replicas of men’s and women’s clothing of the day,” relays Four Mile development director MacKenzie Pacifico. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides and tours of the park, its structures and Colorado’s own role in Western expansion during the era.

Victorian Tea With Jim Howard runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the park, 715 South Forest Street, and is open to all ages; tickets are $25, and advance reservations are required. Call 720-865-0800 or visit www.fourmilepark.org for more information.
Sun., April 3, 1:30-3 p.m., 2011