With the opportunity to visit one of our favorite events, Drummer’s Call at Colonial Williamsburg, we were glad to have a clear calendar.
Joining us was my daughter’s boyfriend (Mr. A), whom my son (Mr. B), daughter (Miss C), and I had plans to thoroughly indoctrinate into the proper manner of loving the 18th century.
So far, he’s happily joined us on smaller 18th century excursions near Northern Virginia.
Remembering 2004 when I led my young children on their first journey through the historic area, I had great fun watching Mr. B and Miss C carry on the tradition as they excitedly led Mr. A from site to site.
First, he wanted to buy her a ring, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
MILLINER
En route to the ring was the milliner shop, so Mr. B and Miss C dragged Mr. A to the Margaret Hunter Shop to look at all the lovely offerings for the ladies.
Perhaps we should look at wedding attire?
SILVERSMITH
Since the Silversmith shop was right next door, that was the next stop since Mr. A had planned on buying Miss C’s engagement ring there.
Talking about it for weeks, they even pulled me in for ideas, so I showed them some web sites and their decision was made.
As they chatted about the lovely rings on display, the shop keeper remembered Miss C from her days of being properly attired.
Since the shop keeper suddenly felt quite invested in this important purchase, she ensured their every question was answered.
WIGMAKER
Leaving the love birds to peruse their purchase with the shop keeper, my son and I waited out doors to watch the anticipation of Drummer’s Call begin.
When we were all together again, Mr. B and Miss C took Mistress A to the place they most loved to fear, the wigmaker!
At one of their visits to the wigmaker, my kids were offered a head shaving for a proper fitting of their new wig.
Gleefully, my kids awaited Mr. A’s reaction.
Thankfully, all was well, since no threats for free shavings were offered on this day. 😉
I just loved the lovely displays of more beautiful craftsmanship abounded.
Located near the Capitol, many a burgess could easily conduct business to update his attire before returning to his burgess duties.
GRAND MARCH – DRUMMERS CALL
Greatly steeped in tradition and history, Drummer’s Call beckons one and all with the rhythm of their fifes and drums.
GRAND REVIEW – DRUMMERS CALL
CABINETMAKER SHOP
After the Grand March and the Grand Review, Mr. B and Miss C took Mr. A to the cabinetmaker.
Their craftsmanship in fine woodwork extends to these stunning sketches.
Love looking at the view of the brook that runs underneath the shop, which amazed Mr. A.
BRICKYARD
After chatting with the cabinetmaker, Mr. B and Miss C took Mr. A to the brickyard.
Impressed as he was, we could not talk him into removing his shoes to squish barefoot in the clay to prepare it for the brickmaker to place into molds.
Perhaps on a hot summer day when he wants a spa day?
GOVERNOR’S PALACE GARDENS
Next Mr. B and Miss C took Mr. A to the Governor’s Palace gardens, especially to get lost in the maze.
TIN SHOP
After the great discussion with the brickmakers, Mr. B and Miss C took Mr. A to the tin shop, one of the newest trades featured at Colonial Williamsburg.
CHEESE SHOP
Soon after, the trade shops closed, and we were hungry!
Mr. B and Miss C led Mr. A to Merchant Square to purchase the best sandwiches ever at the Cheese Shop.
ROBERT CARTER III HOUSE
After dinner, we walked to the Governor’s Palace to await the final Drummer’s Call event.
Waiting on the porch of the Robert Carter III house, we watched dusk settle.
TATTOO – DRUMMERS CALL
After the final event, we walked to the visitor center via the pond near the bridge, where the tree peepers and bull frogs pronounce their tunes from high-pitched to deep bass, with coordinated rhythms, in their own version of Drummer’s Call.
