Penny West will discuss London Letters Home of an American Apprentice Preparing for the Far East Tea Trade, Gus Farley, Jr. (1844-1899). The talk will present a glimpse of the four years Gus spent in London apprenticing as a tea taster, preparing to join his cousins’ firm of Augustine Heard & Co. in China – 1861-1865. Gus’ letters describe the daily workings of the mid-19th century tea business in London and hint at his coming of age there. The talk will focus on the ships and tea trade aspects of his time in London.

Penelope Pelham West grew up in Washington, D.C., then went north to college to seek her New England roots. Being named Penelope Pelham, and the subsequent gift of this woman’s 17th century shoe, initiated her into the pleasures of researching, traveling and writing. She lives in Maine. Over the years, she has worked in schools and libraries, founded and run the Green Store in Belfast, and now lives in a cohousing community in a net zero all electric house.

Free, Suggested admission $5, register here

Photo: St. Katharine’s Docks, London 1860