After visiting l’Hermione in Yorktown, we took a quick jaunt to Colonial Williamsburg! Why not?
FIRST OVAL PROJECT
First, we returned to the setting of the tailors sitting in the Secretary’s Office near the Capitol to sew historic tents.
Back in business for the summer, this time they are sewing a baggage tent as well as a dining tent to companion with General Washington’s marquee tent aka First Oval Office.
On this day, they were sewing the baggage tent, then upon that completion they will sew the dining tent.
We learned that General Washington had at least two tents made, the second of which continues to exist today in grand condition.
Although we do not know what happened to the first one, it is thought that it might have been captured by the British when Washington and his troops fled Long Island, New York.
While enlisted troops were provided with everything they needed, officers provided their own regimentals, equipment, and tents.
MILLINER SHOP
Then we visited the milliner shop to pay a visit to a certain milliner whom we were all quite glad to reunite with!
When we entered the shop we found it in a flurry of activity as usual!
Since my friend knew that an 18th century black silk apron was in my sewing basket, she brought a completed one over for me to analyze and swoon over. This silk is beyond decadent!
My daughter took this picture of the new hats in the shop window. These were recreated based on an 18th century print!
Newly inspired, my previous plan of a simple black apron will now include ruffles!
WALKING THROUGH THE HISTORIC AREA
MERCHANT SQUARE
Soon the shops closed, so we ventured to Merchants Square, which glowed in the evening dusk.
I love this area and miss it so…my favorite place to window shop and eat when in the area.
The Cheese Shop came highly recommended on our 2008 trip from Texas, from a friend who graduated from the College of William and Mary.
That was the best ever food recommendation I have ever received!
No one makes better sandwiches!
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Time Traveling in Costume – June 11, 2015 at 9:11 PM – I’ll be interested to see any changes there too. We haven’t been back for about 2 years, although I don’t know how much time we’ll even have to walk around town yet. Since I’ll be tied up with the conference, visiting with friends we haven’t seen in awhile, and a shorter visit than usual, we may only get one day to walk around. 🙁
Val
Jessica – June 11, 2015 at 10:10 PM – Oh my word, those hats stunning!!! The one with the red flowers/rosettes in particular made me gasp aloud! Though I know its intended to look the 18th century part, I can’t help but think how darling it could be with some 1940s looks, too – great design after all, never goes out of style. 🙂 Thank you for sharing these lovely photos with us. I really enjoyed seeing them!
Big hugs,
♥ Jessica
