A toast to students at the Felt Mansion

Kelli Bowman serves lunch to Douglas Elementary School fifth-graders as part of the annual Eloquence Day at the Felt Mansion on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Casey Lokker stood in the center of the ballroom of the Felt Mansion on Thursday, May 8, 2025, a glass of sparkling lemonade in her hand and the eyes of about 70 fifth-graders from Douglas Elementary School turned toward her, each student holding their lemonade glass high.

“The purpose of a toast, boys and girls, is to commit together that we are going to have a great time in one another’s company,” said the event organizer and Douglas Elementary staff member to open the 14^th annual Eloquence Day. “Today we are celebrating your growth. You are growing up and becoming young adults. I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the company of others. Cheers to a great Eloquence Day!”

The clinking of glasses and cheers filled the third floor of the mansion as parent volunteers began serving lunch to the students.

Casey Lokker shares a toast with a glass of lemonade with Douglas Elementary School fifth-graders as part of the annual Eloquence Day at the Felt Mansion on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Eloquence Day is a way to teach students manners and etiquette. The Saugatuck Public Schools students wear semi-formal attire such as jackets, ties and dresses.

This year’s theme was Wildflower Fiesta. The students were served an elote corn salad, arroz con pollo, and fiesta skillet veggies, along with a sparkling lemonade. Each student left with a personalized gift bag filled with personal hygiene items.

Students also received tours of the mansion and professional photos by Aria Mansaray.

Check out these two videos on Instagram of the event: The toast and a walk through the dining room.

Lindsay Tringali seasons meals for Douglas Elementary School fifth-graders as part of the annual Eloquence Day at the Felt Mansion on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

About the mansion

Construction of the mansion, 6597 138^th Ave., began in 1925 by Dorr E. Felt, inventor of the Comptometer, the first machine that could do all four math functions — add, subtract, multiply and divide. The building was finished in 1928. Felt’s wife Agnes died that year. Dorr died a year-and-a-half later.

After his death, the estate became a seminary for the Augustinian order then a state prison and Michigan State Police post before the property was purchased by Laketown Township. The mansion has been restored and is a top historical and educational site as well as a wedding and event destination.