Join the Chester Historical Society for a lecture and tea co-sponsored by Chester Public Library on Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. at the Chester Library 250 W. Main St., Chester. Local author Meryl Carmel will present a one hour talk which brings to life the little-known story of Kate Macy Ladd, the original owner of the Natirar Estate in Far Hills.

Born in New York City in 1863, Kate Everit Macy Ladd was raised in a loving Quaker family which exemplified the virtue of philanthropy. While the Gilded Age was dominated by philanthropic figures such as Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Vanderbilt, their wives and daughters often lived behind closed curtains, staying well out of public view everywhere but the society pages. Standard Oil heiress Kate Macy Ladd of Natirar seems, on the surface, to have followed in this tradition. But a deeper look at her life reveals a woman who was fiercely committed to the welfare of ordinary people and who ultimately became an important medical philanthropist.

This presentation touches upon Kate’s family and Quaker heritage, her years in New York City during the latter decades of the 19th century and her life at Natirar with Walter Graeme Ladd her husband of almost fifty years. Kate’s story is told through an informative Power Point lecture illustrated with more than fifty slides, featuring Macy and Ladd family photographs, many well over a century old, from private collections.

Carmel’s presentation will be followed by a book signing and tea. The public is welcome; however, pre-registration is required. To register call the library at 908-879-7612 or online at www.chesterlib.org and go to Program Sign Up.