The fate of a popular business, Angie’s Tea Garden, and a local landmark, the Centennial Block building, was uncertain after the city condemned the building in 2019. A group of women investors plans to rescue Angie’s Tea Garden and save the building in the process. ANDREW McGINN | JEFFERSON HERALD

Tea Garden project accepting donations of any amount

Special to The Jefferson Herald

Do you want to enjoy the fellowship of dining at Angie’s Tea Garden for lunch or dessert again soon?

Do you want to participate in the revitalization of downtown Jefferson?

The Why Not Us members, who are involved in rebuilding the 100 E. State St. home of Angie’s Tea Garden, are often asked, “How can I help?” The effort is inclusive and is looking for contributions of any amount from everyone interested in the project.  

As the Why Not Us ground swell began in July 2019 to reopen Angie’s Tea Garden after 40,000  gallons of water rushed into the tearoom from the apartment above, many interested women of all walks of life came together to discuss the options for Angie’s to reopen.   

Since January, 45 women have contributed $5,000 each to kick off the project.

They elected a board of directors who are focused on moving the project forward. If interested, you can still contribute at that level.

The city of Jefferson acquired the building and is in the process of rebuilding the roof at this time.

The next step is when the building is turned over to the Why Not Us group to renovate the building’s interior, complete with new kitchen, more seating and expanded restroom space.

Please join the effort and make a contribution in any amount.

Would your family like to honor your mother, grandmother, sister, special aunt or friend? The contribution can be listed as a memorial or tribute to the Friends of Why Not Us. 

To learn more, Like the Why Not Us Facebook page or email WhyNotUsTea@gmail.com with questions.

Checks can be sent to Why Not Us board member Rita Pedersen at P.O. Box 310 or dropped off at 114 S. Wilson Ave. in Jefferson. Please include how you want your contribution listed in the Friends of Why Not Us recognition to be displayed in Angie’s Tea Garden.

Why Not Us board members include Peg Raney, Rita Pedersen, Debra McGinn, Carol Zwicky, Jacque Andrew, Shirley Stapleton, Ruth Freeman, Jeanne Myers, Ginny Showman and Karen Voge-Perkins.

Contact Us

Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161