Jun 18, 2007

Busy lives put on hold at Fort shop, eateryBy Carla McCannGazetteExtra.com

Fort Atkinson-Visitors can only guess at what stories lie untold in the antique china and stemware that grace the tables at Bethany Lynn’s Tea & Treasures.

Before sitting down to an elegant luncheon and a spot of tea, visitors also are invited to participate in the fun of dressing up in wide brim or fancy hats that offer a glimpse of past fashions on parade.

The teashop at 407 S. Main Street in one of Fort Atkinson’s historic residential neighborhoods also has fine gifts, jewelry and “anteaquities” for sale.

As the store’s owner, designer, chief cook and bottle washer, Lou Stark is fulfilling a long-time dream.

“I’m passionate about this,” Stark said. “It’s a good thing.”

She spent decades collecting fine table linens and settings, furniture and wall decorations to create an ambiance that offer diners an opportunity to travel back in time to a more relaxed and gentle era compared.

Most of the items were bought at estate sales and auctions.

For Stark, the teashop always seemed to be a plan in the making.

“I wanted to offer women in particular a quiet and relaxing place to get back in touch with themselves,” Stark said. “It’s so important to take time for yourself.”

But that often takes a back seat to the demands of raising families, jobs and careers, Stark said.

At the tea shop, where a four-course lunch and chatting with friends or family can take three or more hours, busy schedules and hectic daily lives are checked at the door.

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