Two weeks ago my husband and I took our good neighbors for a simple but elegant brunch at Rutherford House on the grounds of the University of Alberta. Although the food was very good, the highlight of the experience (to me) was simply to be in this wonderful historic house.  Guests can eat in the breakfast room or an enclosed porch which is what we chose. It is brightly lit by natural light and a definite change from the darker interior with its abundance of dark oak woodwork.

Here’s a bit of background on this wonderful old house according to a U of A web site  :

Built by the first Premier of Alberta, the Honorable Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the substantial old brick house, with its pillared porch and stone-walled terrace, was occupied by Dr. Rutherford and his family until 1940.

Dr. Rutherford ranks with Dr. Henry Marshall Tory chief among the founders of the University of Alberta. As Premier and Minister of Education he pressed for the earliest possible establishment of a provincial university. His administration was responsible for the first University Act and for the choice of the site on the North Saskatchewan in the western part of what was then the city of Strathcona. His interest in the University did not lessen with his retirement as Premier. He became Chancellor of the University in 1927 and remained in that office until his death in 1941.

Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site  is operated by Alberta Culture in cooperation with The Friends of Rutherford House Society.

One way of raising the funds necessary for the maintenance of this home is to hold special events. The 2013 events include several talks on the theme of Grandma’s Attic.

I am doing three sessions for the series. If nostalgia and antiques makes your heart beat faster check out their offerings by visiting their web site at the following address: Rutherford House Events 

simple but elegant brunch