Author’s note- There are three things I love in life: The story of The Little Match Girl, The Secret Garden book and Royalty. Two out of three sin’t bad this morning.
Rowena Peyton, a descendant of John Randolph Of Roanoke, Va. was once a well known match seller on the streets of Atlanta. For years the former Florida Houri’s (a beautiful young woman, especially one of the virgin companions) bent figure stood on street corners, yet no one knew her secret. Newspaper clippings and letters found in her belongings spilled a secret she had kept for a lifetime. It seems in the prime of her life when she was a prominent socialite from Florida, she had once been the dancing partner of the future King Edward the Vll. (Prince of Wales)
When the Prince visited New York a spectacular ball was held for him in his honour. There were many pretty girls in attendance, but none finer than Rowena Peyton of Florida. The King asked several bystanders who she was, and while the crowd watched, the future King Edward the Vll danced the first dance with her. For days the name of Rowena Peyton was on everyone’s lips as newspapers were full of accounts of this young lady and her father Furse Peyton and his wealth and station in Florida.
After the Civil War the Peyton family fortune was swept away, and Mrs. Peyton’s two daughters, Rowena and Rhoda came to Atlanta supposedly fatherless and penniless. Rhoda conducted a kindergarten at their home and Rowena became the breadwinner selling matches, soaps and pencils and became known as “Matches Mary”. Rhoda died the first week of January 1906, and Rowena died of pneumonia a few weeks later.
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The sisters lived frugally and became well-to do by references in many newspaper clippings. Heartbroken over the death of her sister, Rhoda, Rowena lay sick in the little home at 187 Luckie Street in Atlanta, Georgia likely wishing to join her sister.
On the 30th of January 1906 she closed her eyes in death and would be buried in the family grave in South Carolina next to her sister. Newspapers were not only writing about Rowena’s story about dancing with King Edward, but also of an illicit love affair which for her own reasons had remained silent most of her life. Her reward to peace finally come back to her when the portals of death closed on her in January 1906 at the age of 76.
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But was the story true in its entirety or just parts? Read below and remember the Civil War. Some newspapers said,”well the stories come from Atlanta!”
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Lanark County
Perth
Not invited to the royal wedding? Well- “Pinky Up” and get your finery and fascinator ready!–You can still celebrate– as you are cordially invited to a High Tea – Royal Wedding style! Saturday, May 19th 3 pm! CrossroadsTea Room from Perth will be serving the best in dainties and Champagne is Included!
Prizes for Best Fascinator & Outfit–
Where? Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa
Get your tickets fast at The Crossroads Tearoom– You know they will be sold out quickly!
40 Gore Street East, Perth, ON, Canada
613-267-2152
crossroadstearoom@gmail.com
Carleton Place
Carleton Place, Ontario K7C3S9
Almonte
Join the Hub for the Royal Wedding on May 19 click here
You are invited to the Live Screening of the Wedding of
His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales to Ms. Meghan Markle at the Almonte Civitan Hall.
6 AM for light refreshments
7 AM Ceremony start time
Followed by an English Breakfast and a very special Wedding Cake
MORNING WEDDING ATTIRE ENCOURAGED!
Join us for what is expected to be one of the most watched world wide events. A big screen will be set up to watch the Wedding unfold, followed by a delicious breakfast and wedding cake!
We have 20 Golden Tickets for those interested in the baking challenge and are first come first serve. Golden Cake ticket holders are asked to bake and decorate a wedding cake or dessert ( to serve 8 people).
Cakes will be on display and all attendees will have 1 vote for their favorite cake. Bragging rights and prize for the winner!
We invite you to extend your best wishes to the happy couple by bringing a card, which will be passed on to them. In lieu of gifts for the Royal Couple, and to honour their extensive charitable work, we invite you to donate to The Hub Building Fund.
Tickets are $25.00
For more info and to purchase your tickets, please call Julia Thomas at 613-256-2116, or email info@thehubalmonte.com.
OR
Tickets can be bought at Blackbirds and Gilligalou Birds in Almonte.
Proudly sponsored by THE HUB and Prior Engagements, Party & Event Rentals
Get ready for the Royal Wedding and make your own Fascinator! Two workshops coming up – April 25th and May 2nd. You too could look amazing with this addition to your wardrobe! Info under a separate event for The Hub! Book your spot today!
Dressed in their finery and enjoying their tea and cupcakes, from left: Carleton Place residents Linda Seccaspina, Laurie Graham and Jennifer Irwin. – Tara Gesner/METROLAND
Queen Elizabeth II honoured with tea party (2015) click here.
Linda’s Countdown to the Royal Wedding–May 12th
Linda’s Countdown to the Royal Wedding–Day 2-May 13th Mother’s Day
Linda’s Countdown to the Royal Wedding–May 14 –Day 3 –There was no Febreeze in Those Days!!
Linda’s Countdown to the Royal Wedding–May 15 –Day 4 — Thoughts of “Three Sheets to the Wind”?
Linda’s Countdown to the Royal Wedding–May 16 –Day 5 — Spilling the Scandalous Royal Tea
1970s Lanark County Beauty Queens
Here She Comes Miss Eastern Ontario –Photos
lindaseccaspina 