In 1924 William A. R Goodwin started a movement to preserve the remaining historic buildings in this area. The wealthy son of Standard Oil, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., became his primary source of funding. Today, Colonial Williamsburg includes 88 original 18th century structures (most of them are re-constructions) on 301 acres. Several buildings are open to the public while others are private residences and administrative offices.
Practicing tradesmen (and women) create a living history by applying their trades and educating the visitors on 18th century life, politics, and customs.
Shoemaker - a trade practiced in America
Millinery shops were almost always owned by women. They would make shifts, gowns, aprons, hats, shirts, muffs and cloaks.
The Gardener used colonial tools, plants and techniques.
Other trades included people who made baskets, bricks, cabinets, guns, wheels, barrels, cloths, books, all manner of items and services needed to sustain a society.
In addition to trades people who worked at their colonial crafts (for a modern living), there were “Actors” who portray specific characters of the period.
Where there are horses, this is hazardous waste.
The building in the background, on the left, was the Magazine...gun powder on the ground floor and weapons on the second floor.
This wall contained real antique weapons. The path to the arsenal (as were several others) was made from crushed sea shells.
Tinky Winky gets friendly with a house maid.
The Magazine is one of the original structures…notice the brick pattern?
Most brick structures had a pattern, using the happy accident of bricks that were heated in sand that got too hot and became glass, making a glaze on the brick.
For two days, I enjoyed a meal at the local tavern.
Above is Joshiah’s Best Welsh Rarebit – Warm Ale and Mustard-spiced Cheddar Cheese over Sippets with shaved Virginia Ham...it was excellent!
TW and I really enjoyed the “Old Stitch” Ale made from the original 18th Century recipe…thick brown color, no head, molasses scent, with a hint of chocolate, slight roasted malt/caramel flavor with a nutty finish. Very unique, unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. I don't like dark beer, this was lighter and very pleasant, had to have it both days.
Colonial Williamsburg is next to the College of William and Mary. This is the view, as I approached the the building.
Above is a ceramic model of the Christopher Wren Building.
This is the view from the other side.
The schedule said there was a “Historical Organ Recital” at the Wren Chapel, so I headed there for the 10:00 AM concert. This is what I heard:
It was a pump organ but electricity had been added. The item off his finger is enlarged on the right photo. One on each side, they held the original silver candelabras, which have been removed for safe keeping.
Brass lock on the inside of the front door.
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| Interior views |
Back at Williamsburg, I found a large underground museum. They still had a Christmas tree up which had a wind-vane topper.
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| Wind Vanes |
The DeWitt Wallace Museum was impressively large, like a mini-Smithsonian, with an extensive collection of American and British antiques.
Everything from furniture, metals (silver tea sets). ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, firearms, textiles, clothing, wigs, cigar store mannequin (see above) and......
...a small carousel.
Down the road, at the Burton Parish, I found a small cemetery.
Inside the parish is the original baptismal font and a bronze lectern which was a gift from President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement. It holds a Holy Bible from King Edward, presented for the same occasion.
Note the detail…the angel has a foot on the new world and the old.
Outside the parish, was the local lunatic…very entertaining.
I finished the day with a ghost tour.
I took too many photos to share here, so check out my slide show:
