Hower House at The University of Akron will host their sixth annual spring tea and performance series Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16, 2014. This annual event is sponsored by the Friends of Hower House.

This year’s theme is “In Company of Extraordinary Women” and features a historical look at the women in Akron and surrounding area. Also included this year is a look at some of the Hower women. Featured this year will be:

• Frances Robinson Adams, daughter of the founder of Akron’s Robinson Clay Products. Frances was a frequent guest at Hower House functions and quite civic minded, involved with Tuesday Musical Club and other cultural endeavors in the community.
• Marie Leah Bruot (1857-1924) the spirited older sister of Blanche Bruot Hower and “favorite auntie” of Grace Hower Crawford. A creative soul, Ms. Bruot was also a well-respected teacher in the Cleveland School System; she adored world travel, especially while in the company of her sister Blanche and favorite niece Grace Hower.
• Grace Hower Crawford (1881–1973) was the eldest child and only daughter of Blanche Bruot and Milton Otis Hower. She was active in many local cultural and civic organizations as well as a founding member of Akron’s esteemed Weathervane Playhouse.
• Blanche Eugenie Bruot Hower (1862-1952) was a tireless advocate for women’s rights and quality education for all. She taught her children to give back to the community and shared her husband’s [Milton Otis Hower] belief in “duty before pleasure.” Blanche served on the Akron School Board, founded the Hower Trade School, and served in the Ohio House of Representatives in addition to many other civic, cultural and political accomplishments throughout her long and extraordinary life.
  

Local community actors will portray these extraordinary women who will discuss matters of the day (mid-1920s!) while enjoying music of the era. As part of the tea’s theme, Grace Hower Crawford invites you to attend a very special surprise party in honor of her mother, Blanche Bruot Hower. Festive and period attire encouraged!

Limited seating is available both days at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and prepaid reservations are required by March 7, 2014. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 student rate (ages 8+). Free parking is available on-site and nearby in the university’s parking lots.

For more information, please contact Hower House at (330) 972-6909. Reservation forms and details are available on the Hower House website at www.howerhouse.org.