Our story
The History of 107 Center Street
Welcome to 7 Ladies Tea Parlor, located on the square in the former home of David and Laura Aiken built in 1839. Mr Aiken arrived in Chardon in 1828 and was a county clerk here in Chardon for approximately 8 years before becoming elected to be an Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
He and Laura had 2 children, Maria and Eugene Aiken. The Aiken home has been lovingly restored and harkens back to the Victorian era it was originally constructed in. We hope you enjoy your visit and a chance to relax and connect with family and friends.
- Jeanne & Lynn Felberg ( Owners of 7 Ladies Tea Parlor)
So, just who are the 7 ladies?
Meet the owner and operator: Jeanne Osborne-Felberg
Jeanne has been in the food and beverage industry for over 30 years. Over the years she has worked in nearly every position, learning and growing from each experience. Eventually, Jeanne’s hard work paid off as she transitioned into management. Utilizing her knowledge and passion for taking care of guests, she has traveled extensively and overseen the opening of 20 restaurants.
She learned from a very young age that food = love, hospitality is contagious, and that great memories are in the little details. “Over the years it has become my mission to be part of helping to create memories for others. From the early days of my life spent in my mother’s and grandmothers’ kitchens, learning family favorite dishes, canning, baking and the importance of gardening. It was always fun to go and pick fresh produce from the garden or ripe berries for jam from the blueberry or raspberry patch. Then in the fall, oh the smell of apples and hot apple sauce or tomato sauce cooking in the kitchen. The smell filling the entire house. Yum!”
“So, who are the 7 Ladies? Glad you asked! Well, there are 6 ladies in my life who have influenced my growth, success, taught me manners, that there is always room for one more at the table, and a good hostess makes sure that everyone leaves with something from the party. Let me introduce them to you.”
Great Grandma Ruth (maternal grandmother) – Born in 1900, she was a graduate of Edinboro University and a teacher before being married. The mother of 4 girls, she had a beautiful parlor and a kitchen where something was always cooking. She was very proper and educated, living well into her 90’s. I sat on the couch next to her for many hours talking about the past and trying to learn to crochet.
Great Grandma Victoria (paternal grandmother) – Born in 1890 Poland, she arrived in this country at age 16 to be a nanny to her sister’s children before meeting and marrying her husband, and having 7 children that she had to raise on her own. I am both named after her and her first great grandchild. I remember sitting on her lap eating cookies while she talked to me in polish and sang to me. A very warm but strong woman who always put family first.
Grandma Sophie (paternal grandmother) – She was the youngest of Victoria’s children, and an amazing cook and homemaker. Best known for cabbage rolls, poppy seed muffins and her famous potato salad. She shared with me my heritage and the flavors of growing up polish.
Grandma Irene (maternal grandmother) – She was truly larger than life. I can still close my eyes and feel the warmth of her home. The smell of Sunday dinner cooking when you arrived and her always playing the gracious hostess. She was into the details and going the extra mile to make you feel special. Passionate about gardening, herbs, canning, sewing, and crafting. Her home was my own personal secret garden filled with treasures. You always left her home with a bag or box of goodies for later.
Diane (my mom) – She loves to cook and this is where I learned food is a way to show love. Making those special oatmeal cookies, cheesecake diamonds, and Roast. A well-read woman and avid gardener, she taught me how to set an amazing table, how to be a proper lady, and that handwritten notes to your friends and family are priceless. She encouraged my love for the culinary arts.
Sandy (my mother in-law ) – She adopted me more than 30 years ago, and being from an Italian family, always had room at her table for one more. A strong, caring woman who taught me that any troubles can be solved over a cup of tea and good honest conversation. In her home there was never a shortage of great things to eat. Her amazing sauce that simmered all day, scalloped potatoes, and homemade bread. She took me to my first of MANY tea rooms.
“These 6 ladies created the 7th lady. I am the collaboration of all these remarkable women. The address of the Tea Parlor sums it up: 107 Center Street. I am 1 of 7 ladies and in the center of them all. I am so grateful to honor their traditions and continue the love of food, passion for hospitality, and doing the little things that make memories last a lifetime and beyond. 7 Ladies Tea Parlor is inspired by heritage and family, the moments in our past that shape our present and future.”
