The Little Traveler

It all started with a rather unusual tea given in the Raftery home at 404 South Third Street in Geneva, Illinois. History tells us that Edmond and Kate Raftery enjoyed a wide circle of friends and were known for entertaining with flair.

A friend of Mrs. Raftery's, Mrs. Lucy Calhoun, traveled extensively through the Orient with her husband, a diplomat. She sent unusual gifts back to her friends in the United States.

Mrs. Raftery was delighted with her friend's finds and knew others would be, too. She asked her to send more of these unusual items and, as time passed, her collection grew. These Oriental 'treasures' were displayed on the grand piano in the Raftery's living room. With 'the stage set,' invitations were sent for an afternoon tea and sale.

The tea was quite successful and others were held with items not only from the Orient, but from other friends who had traveled through Italy, France and England. As the collection continued to grow, so did the Rafterys' reputation. By 1922, a portion of their home was formally opened as a shop. Afternoon tea continued to be served to their 'guests.'

By 1925 their shop, dubbed The Little Traveler, was frequented by the 'carriage trade.' Knowing that her guests had traveled some distance, Mrs. Raftery (still more hostess than shopkeeper at heart) served luncheon. It was a wonderful meal, served in the intimate surroundings of the home's dining room, where the shop's antiques were displayed.