The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC), the owner and custodian of the Bassett House, 708 W. Main St., Whitewater, has announced that it will be hosting a spring concert series.

This year’s inaugural season will bring two opportunities for area residents to listen to vocal performances given by University of  Wisconsin-Whitewater faculty members and students.

The first performance will be held Sunday, April 7, when the vocal studio of faculty member Rachel Wood will perform, and Sunday, May 26, when faculty members Robert and Sarah Gehrenbeck will perform.

Those attending the performances will additionally be treated to complementary wine and refreshments, which, along with the performances, will be enjoyed in the Bassett House. According to information released by the federation, the Bassett House is “one of Whitewater’s loveliest old homes.”

Tickets to attend the performances cost $30 per adult, per performance, or $50 to attend the full two-performance concert series. Student tickets, offered to those attending high school and college, are $15 per individual, per performance. Children under the age of 13 may attend at a cost of $10 per performance.

Ticket purchaser are asked to make checks out to the WFWC, and mail them to Linda Robinson at 957 W. Highland St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Alternatively, tickets may be purchased using Venmo: Whitewater Federation.

Purchasers are asked to indicate the chosen concert date or dates they would like to attend, and the number of adults, students, or children attending. Space is limited, the release advised.

Additionally, the release noted, all proceeds from ticket sales will be used to help preserve the Bassett House, which the release further described as one of Whitewater’s oldest historical homes.

The WFWC, the release stated, is engaged in “a full, multistage, and necessary restoration of the Bassett House.”

Ladies Tea Party

Additionally, this spring, the federation will hold its annual “Ladies and Young Ladies Tea Party.”

According to a recent release, the event — with some time off during the COVID-19 pandemic —  is in its fifth year.

This year’s event will be held at the Bassett House Sunday, April 28, with two “seatings” available: the first will be held between 1 and 2 p.m., and a second will be held between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

All ladies over the age of 6 are welcome to attend this event, the release stated, during which participants will be treated to refreshments, tea, and lemonade, all of which is served in the “charming ambiance of one of Whitewater’s loveliest old homes,” the release read.

Ticket prices are as follow: $30 for an adult and a child; $10 for additional children, and $25 for a single adult.

Participants are asked to make checks out to the WFWC  and mail them to Linda Robinson at 957 W. Highland St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Alternatively, tickets may be purchased using Venmo: Whitewater Federation.

Ticket purchasers are asked to indicate the number of adults attending the tea, the number of children attending, if any, and their choice of first or second seating times.

Space is limited. A deadline by which tickets must be purchased is Sunday, April 14.

All proceeds made during the tea party fundraiser will be used to support the Bassett House Preservation Fund, which the WFWC, the release stated, will use to ensure the preservation of the Bassett House.

Some Bassett House history

According to information provided by the federation, Thomas Bassett built the home in 1857 for his wife, Bessie Vilas, and the couple’s daughter, Florence.

Florence lived in the house her entire life. A longterm member of a Whitewater women’s club, she bequeathed the Bassett House to the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs upon her death in 1926. For nearly 100 years, the Bassett House has been the home of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs.

A designated local landmark, the Bassett House serves as the site for meetings of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs. It is also an event venue available at a fee to the public for parties, showers, and other celebrations.

As custodian of the Bassett House, the federation is committed to stewardship of the Bassett House, including its operational sustainability, with fiscal responsibility. The federation is engaged in a restoration of the building, which follows a complete renovation of its upstairs apartment.

Rental income from the apartment contributes to the upkeep of the Bassett House, as do venue usage fees.

Further monies are required to achieve “significant funds” for the restoration work, released information stated.

The release additionally cited attributes of the Bassett House, including:

• The building’s embodiment of approximately 170 years of history.

• The building’s designation as a local landmark.

• The building’s architecture, including transitional Greek revival style with Italianate features.

• The property’s inclusion during tours and community events.

Additionally, the release noted, the building is one of the few remaining 19^th century homes that once lined Whitewater’s Main Street.

For more information, about the Bassett House and its upcoming events, contact Linda Robinson by email:  linrob73@gmail.com.