Paris, Texas –– The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special program titled “Romance in the Gilded Age” on Friday, February 14 at 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. This program will include a tour of the Maxey House and feature love letters from the family, the language of flower arrangements, historic valentines from the sites collection, and more. It's a perfect opportunity for history enthusiasts, couples, and friends to learn more about the romantic practices of the past in Paris, Texas, the state’s very own City of Love.
Participants of “Romance in the Gilded Age” will learn about courting practices in the late 19th century while touring the Maxey House.
“The Gilded Age is a fascinating period when it comes to romance and dating practices,” said Elana Barton, site educator. “Almost every act was prescribed and coded in some way. A bouquet of flowers could convey a message to its receiver and even fans, a staple of ladies’ accessories during the era, could tell a gentleman if a woman was interested or taken.”
The Maxey House is also excited that High Cotton Kitchen, Chapman’s Florist and Gifts, and Paris Bakery will be offering program participants a few special surprises throughout the tour.
The “Romance in the Gilded Age” program is $8 per person. Registration is required and space is very limited. To register for the event and for more information on this and upcoming events at the Maxey House, please visit the site’s website at www.visitsambellmaxeyhouse.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/visitsambellmaxeyhouse.
The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site, a Texas Historical Commission property, was built in 1868 in the High Victorian Italianate-style as the home of Samuel Bell Maxey and his wife Marilda. Maxey served in the U.S.-Mexico War, was a Confederate general and two-term U.S. Senator. Members of the Maxey family lived in the house until 1966 and the restored house reflects almost 100 years of their continuous use. For more information visit visitsambellmaxeyhouse.com.
