Afternoon tea to support Barkley Park

It's no secret that Milford is filled with architectural, historical, and cultural treasures. What is a secret, though, is the little-known gem of Barkley Park.

Located at the east end of Ann Street as it crosses over 2nd Street, it was dedicated in 1975 to an incredibly creative, energetic, civic-minded woman, Ethel Noyes Barkley. Her park overlooks one of the borough's most picturesque vistas of the Delaware.

To be part of this project, join “An Afternoon with Ethel" from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at St. Patrick’s Church Hall on High Street in Milford. This old-fashioned tea will feature a presentation by Linda Pinto, president of the Milford Garden Club, highlighting Barkley’s many contributions making Milford uniquely beautiful.

Annette Haar, representing the Milford Council, will present an overview and update of the project.

The Milford Garden Club will provide its renown sweet and savory treats, along with tea and other “serious” libations (i.e., the Ethel Barkley Elixir).

'Into the Garden'

In addition, there will be a sneak preview of a first edition book titled “Into the Garden." Marta Hallett, publisher at Glitterati Editions, has provided renderings of plein air paintings of 200 hidden gardens from around the world. Christian Peltenburg-Brechneff was privileged to have exclusive invitations to some of the world's most exotic gardens.

“His paintings capture some of the most exquisite yet private gardens around the globe,” Hallett says.

Books will be available for purchase, as well as a coupon to have the author sign when he visits Milford in October.

The renovation (some say resurrection) of the park is made possible by a grant from the Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program, as well as funding from Greater Pike Foundation, Verizon TCCGives, the Borough of Milford, the Milford Garden Club, and other local donors.

Tickets are $20. Proceeds will support ongoing improvements in the park.

Reservations are required, and space is limited. Tickets are available at The Craft Show (120 East Harford St., Milford) or by calling Linda Pinto at 570-296-5326, emailing milfordgarden@gmail.com, or sending a check to P.O. Box 764, Milford, PA 18337.