Off to Williamsburg

In case you’ve forgotten, I told you that trip to West Virginia consisted of lots of side trips, not the least of which was a day at Williamsburg, Virginia. I’m sure many of you have visited, but I’d never before had an opportunity to see Williamsburg, so for those of you who have been there—enjoy a revisit. And for those of you who haven’t—I hope this will entice you to go if you get a chance. I went while my sister and I were visiting my niece and family. Being an organizer, niece Jami checked things out online and we decided we needed a “plan of action.”

After an on-line review of the map of Williamsburg, and knowing we couldn’t possibly do everything in one afternoon, we located our absolute must-see shops. Fortunately for us, most were located on Duke of Gloucester Street.


After hopping off the bus, (well, it was really more of a hobble than a hop, but hopping sounds much better) we saw the Governor’s Palace and then proceeded to the Apothecary Shop where we listened to a talk about licorice root, phlox and other medicinal plants used by early Colonists. I couldn’t help but think of Julie Klassen and her wonderful book, The Apothecary’s Daughter.

At the Silversmith shop (above), we learned that young boys completed an arduous apprenticeship period of approximately seven years while they learned the craft and proper use of the tools. When they reached age 21, they became journeymen for an additional period until they acquired enough money to set up a business for themselves. The apprentices had many rules to follow, among them the promise he would not marry, gamble, frequent alehouses or tell trade secrets during his period of apprenticeship. There were lots more rules, but that gives you a general idea that you might be free in America, but you still had to follow strident rules if you wanted to learn a trade.

We also stopped to tour the shop of the milliner and tailor (I couldn't decide which picture to show from the milliner and tailor shop so you got all three). I was sorely disappointed that the wigmaker’s shop was closed. I so wanted to see them stitching away on a hairpiece, but that will have to wait for another visit. Of course, there was a visit to the bookbinder—how could I miss that one? Once the printer finished printing, the binder set to work folding each sheet (four or more pages per sheet). Once folded, he set to work on the stitching frame. This was followed by squaring up and gluing, trimming and preparing a cover which was another formidable task. All told, it took eight to ten hours of actual working time for a single volume, but spaced over as much as two weeks to allow drying time between processes. And here we are today in the digital age where we can download a book in a matter of seconds. What would those Colonists think?

After stopping in a variety of other shops, we stopped to watch a performance of A Court of Tar & Feathers that took place in the middle of the street. The picture is below, and before you ask--no, I didn't stop at the Alehouse before snapping that picture. I can manage to get them crooked just drinking a bottle of water. All in all, it was a day of great fun and I highly recommend Williamsburg to any lover of history, but plan on more than one afternoon if you want to see it all!

May you find joy as you explore history with friends and family.
~Judy

P.S. I have a brand-spanking-new website and I'd love to have you take a peek and let me know what you think. I have a newsletter out there that went out yesterday, but if you'd like to sign up for future newsletters, I'd be delighted.

P.P.S.  The winner of The Carousel Painter is Becky. I'll be contacting you by e-mail for your mailing address. Thanks to all who entered. ~Judy