As a professional in the hospitality industry, Tonia Burgess-Kinghorn could have pursued any number of career paths when she moved to Idaho Falls from Las Vegas nearly two decades ago. Part of that experience involved working in a tea room, which led her on a path to the historical neighborhoods of Idaho Falls.
In 1996, she found the perfect fit at 87 N Water Avenue.
The previous owner had left three pieces of vintage furniture. From that humble arrangement, a kind of cultural magic has since filled every corner of the home — better known by its frequent customers and fans as Stillwater Mansion.
“The place was in shambles, but I could see the potential,” Tonia said. “It just keeps expanding, and after 18 years of tea parties and special events, it’s amazing to see the customers who keep coming back. I’ve watched entire families grow up here.”
The entertainment and social value should be obvious for clubs and associations, but the experience at Stillwater also holds educational value.
“It offers the community tons of things, especially for youth,” Tonia said. “This special setting is great for kids who may not be used to it. They need to feel comfortable in all environments, and the tea room experience provides that exposure.”
Youth programs and parties focus on etiquette skills, and bring a sense of culture and history to the entire experience that would be hard to find in a classroom.
“What many don’t realize is that there’s a purpose to the etiquette, and the educational value is 97 percent of the experience,” Tonia said.
As director of the Ladies Tea Guild of SE Idaho, she takes her service seriously. Monthly meetings usually feature some furnishing or decor item of historical significance. Many get-togethers have a specific theme, and participants dress accordingly. As a prelude to some parties, guests are even carted around in vintage vehicles.
“The possibilities are endless,” Tonia says. “What we offer here is perfect for a historically themed event.”
The home was built in 1898 (back in the pre-I.F. days of “Eagle Rock”) by Mayor Edward Coltman. His wife, a pioneer of the early symphony, kept a grand piano here. For Tonia, the echoes of the property’s history still resonate.
“This place is very much alive,” she says. “Lots of energy here. I get the feeling that the home loves what I’m doing with it.”
Sample the surroundings for yourself, and you’ll likely agree.
From festive themed tea parties (Alice in Wonderland, among others) to intimate weddings, small receptions and family reunions, the ambiance at Stillwater is hard to beat. Book clubs also find it as a no-brainer, especially when discussing Victorian novels and other period pieces. For the summer, Tonia plans to host “In the Garden” parties as a venue for local authors and artists to discuss their work.
For more information or to book an event (reservation only), visit www.stillwatermansion.com or call 200-4473.