TWO DAYS FOR TWO UNIQUE DATES
Whisking off for two glorious Christmas filled days in the historic area, the kids and I wanted to see two unique programs commemorating the two days we would be there.
Arriving on December 15, the anniversary of the Bill of Rights, we wanted to see this program, to add to our government homeschool studies.
They did a good job, reinforcing much of what we’ve studied in our classical studies. 😉
Then the next day was the annual unique program reenacting George Whitefield’s 1739 arrival (on his birthdate) to preach at Bruton Parish Church, on December 16.
Having learned of this program years ago when I lived in Texas, it’s been a goal of mine to take the kids to meet him. We tried last year but humorously a scattering of snow canceled the event.
This year the weather report was more conducive to modern sorts! 😉
COSTUME OR NOT TO COSTUME
My son’s new wool breeches were basically finished a few days before arrival in the historic area, except I still need to buttonhole stitch all the buttonholes and reinforce extra spots. (gasp)
However, his old breeches have completely fallen apart, and it’s cold in December.
Thus, his previous linen breeches have been decommissioned.
More than one interpreter asked why I was most poorly dressed
I explained that I have no winter attire to wear to keep me warm. 😉
They let me off, *this time! * Uh oh. I guess I’d better get to work on my cloak, even though my son wants me to complete his breeches too. 😉
Turns out the weather was so warm on Thursday, even in the evening, I could have worn my gown and gone without a cloak.
Who knew? It was most definitely windy and in CW that usually means brrrrr to weather for me.
However, this wind must have been from the south because even I was feeling overdressed.
This was so atypical of every other December visit I’ve made to Colonial Williamsburg, which included snow on this day last year.
Even though the weekend was not as scenic, being warm was nice for this Texas gal. 😉
MILLINER
First stop was the Milliner Shop to see all the lovely offerings. (more details at the previous link)
EFT VIEWING AT BRUTON HEIGHTS
After walking through town on the lovely, warm sunny day, we walked to Bruton Heights to see the EFT broadcast, Westward, about Daniel Boone.
Especially fun on the big screen was seeing the opening vignettes of all the season EFT’s, one of which includes my son!
In the last frame, in the center, he salutes General Jackson and marches off as the picture flies away to open the program.
It’s much more dramatic on the big screen!
BILL OF RIGHTS CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR A NEW NATION
On this date of December 16, 2011, we witnessed a new program commemorating the ratification of the Bill of Rights on this very day 220 years ago: Bill of Rights, Christmas Present for a New Nation.
Ratified December 15, 179, the Bill of Rights was the theme of the first EFT my kids and I acted as extras, in an alternate dystopian world without a Bill of Rights.
The senior historian for CW held up a copy of Time Magazine titled, “Does it Still Matter?”
Reviewing historical events like the attempt at democracy in Ancient Greece, the attempt at a republic in ancient Rome, the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights…he set the stage for America’s Bill of Rights.
Like a Christmas present, every historical event he shared leading to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights was tied together nicely.
Suddenly, in walked Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, to debate their viewpoints on the Bill of Rights.
Were they needed? Why or why not?
As they presented their late 18th century opinions, positions, objections, and predictions, we could hear rumbles of foreshadowing into their future…our present day.
We have a Republic, but can we keep it?
After this incredible presentation, there was a break to enjoy a live performance of period music or go to the gallery cafe for snacks.
After the break something unique happened.
As the senior historian, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson took a seat, with the addition of one of the actor-interpreter managers, the historian announced they were going to do something never before done in Colonial Williamsburg.
The actors for Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson stepped out of character to talk to us as historians.
That indeed is a rare sight in CW, because they rightfully pride themselves on staying in character.
The actor-interpreter manager was also a good source of information, because he used to portray Patrick Henry and we saw him in action in that role when we were on vacation from Texas in 2008.
After a few turns around the table on perspectives, some of the guests asked questions of the historians.
In essence, we were told, that of all the great works to understand why our government was created the way it was, Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Law is prime.
They summarized that he said that self-government only works if a people are virtuous. Wow!
Do you hear the depth in that one statement? A book can be written on that! In fact, I wrote a blog post on the First Great Awakening and George Whitefield, whom we were to meet the next day!
Two important days, interrelated!
Yes, the Christmas presents were tied together neatly.
ILLUMINATION OF THE TAVERNS
After the Bill of Rights program completed at the Hennage, we scurried to watch the Illumination of the Taverns on Duke of Gloucester Street as dusk began to fall. (more details at the previous link)
Despite the “burning of Atlanta” setting on my camera, all was well. 😉
CABINETMAKER
The next day we visited the cabinetmaker, who told us to feel free to look around and even greatly encouraged us to play the harpsichord, which was handcrafted in the shop.
PATRICK HENRY
After playing some music and discussion about furniture, we went to the Palace Garden to listen to Patrick Henry.
After the program we talked to him about Machiavelli’s The Prince, which the kids and I had been reading for government. That was really great!
TAILOR
Finding the tailor quite busy with fascinating historical chit chat with the guests, I was glad to see a lady’s shirt to wear with a riding habit on display.
On my sewing list is a riding habit, since I travel greatly between Northern Virginia and Colonial Williamsburg, and I thought it would help to keep me warm in the frigid winters.
Now I could analyze its construction for future sewing.
GEORGE WHITEFIELD
On this date of December 16, 2011, we saw reenacted an event from 272 years ago on this very day, George Whitefield’s sermon What Think Ye of Christ? In Bruton Parish Church! (more details at the previous link)
SUBSCRIPTION BALL MERRIMENT
After a wonderful chat with George Whitefield outside Bruton Parish Church, we walked to the Raleigh Tavern where we were invited to afternoon entertainments.
While waiting to enter the Subscription Ball inside the tavern, two gentlemen scurried out of the tavern, bickering discussing matters of importance…which led to a challenge…to fence…with sharps!
That got our attention!
After a great round of drama, they collected their swords and reentered the tavern.
Then it was time for us to enter.
Everywhere we turned one of the 18th century townsfolk were greeting us.
As we passed the card table, I noticed those fencing gentlemen sitting there, who started teasing me to get someone to join them a the card table…apparently to Mann Page???
LOL They are so funny!
Taking that as mere teasing, I entered the Apollo Room to more greetings and relaxed to watch all the fun and dancing with gorgeous music!
While two gents asked my daughter to dance, I was asked by Mann Page to partner with him.
Then he worked it out for us to dance in the same set as my kids, so that was especially fun!
Afterwards we visited with Mrs. Randolph and one of the kitties!
SNOW CHANCES
Although this morning began warm and sunny, the day kept growing colder with cloudy skies.
Meanwhile a chance of snow loomed in my part of the world during my drive home.
BRRRR!!!!
After ordering hot chocolate and snacks from the Raleigh Tavern Bakery next door, we ventured home via the Visitor Center.
Collapsing on a bench while the kids finished some last-minute Christmas shopping, I spied an author I met last summer.
AUTHOR GEORGE MORROW
Walking over to see George Morrow’s new book, I explained that I had purchased his first four during Under the Redcoat and he remembered me!
After chatting about his books, we talked about his writing of the lesser-known people of Colonial Williamsburg.
On that topic, I chattered that I was exploring a persona for when I’m in costume, since a few weeks ago, I was approached by a little girl with a souvenir book who asked for my autograph.
At the time I had no idea what to sign because all the ladies I knew never came to Williamsburg or were already represented by the interpreters, upon whose toes I do not want to step.
Mr. Morrow had an idea!
Wow! That’s exactly what I was thinking!
No one else is interpreting her, so I won’t step on any toes. Whew!
She’s an educated woman of her time, so I like that!
And this lady even spent time in my favorite house of the historic area…or at least her husband did!
Now I have a great name to put down if I am ever approached again! 😉 I love the idea of subtly sneaking in a nudge for a child to do some research to learn independently.
