We are home from another visit to Colonial Williamsburg, to frolick about town in costume with fashionable friends!
Greatly encouraged by them to whip up a costume of my own so the five of us could enjoy 18th century fun at its utmost, I was scurrying to the last minute to make that happen.
Since I’m not satisfied with my feeble attempts at whipping up my first attire, I was quite a bit embarrassed.
However, I absolutely did have fun being out and about with all our skirts swirling and swishing through the historic area.
Thus, stay tuned for many hopeful improvements!
This was especially fun for my daughter because it was her birthday!
FRIDAY
ACCESSORY SHOPPING FOR ME
After a quick lunch in a quiet spot, we did a bit of shopping for last minute costume needs for myself.
At the Mary Dickenson shop I secured a hat blank (to trim in the hotel that evening) along with a bit of chintz for my 18th century basket (to cover 21st century necessities).
After inquiring into chintz for my daughter’s birthday gift, we went to Tarpley’s so I could purchase a hat pin!
LUNCH WITH FASHIONABLE FRIENDS
Then we scooted to the museum for a quick lunch with our fashionable friends who were visiting for the costume conference.
Bidding adieu, we agreed to remeet the next morning at the Thomas Jefferson program.
Revolutionary City was soon to start, so I found a shady bench to furiously attempt to finish my short cloak to wear the next day, while the kids enjoyed all the fun action.
The lovely sunny weather of the day was expected to chill, so I spent the remainder of the day trying to whip my costume together.
SATURDAY
SWISHING SKIRTS IN A PALACE GARDEN
The palace garden was a lovely place to begin our day with my first costume among fashionable friends.
After listening to Thomas Jefferson give his always inspired story, our fashionable friends surprised my daughter with a birthday gift of a lovely period accurate necklace with purple beads and two different 100% silk ribbons to choose from to tie the beads on with.
Then my cell phone vibrated.
It was another of my friends whose kids dress in costume and hang out with mine when they come.
They couldn’t come this month, but they’ve been watching the web cams hoping to catch sight of us.
She was calling to enthusiastically tell me they saw us in front of Raleigh Tavern and saw my son in his green coat!
We were laughing because we hadn’t been down there at all. We surely must have doubles!
Then they sang Happy Birthday to my daughter!
SWISHING OF SKIRTS IN THE KINGS ARMS TAVERN
We were taken upstairs for a delicious lunch while listening to the Fife and Drum Corps playing outside.
Afterwards we walked down the staircase (I felt like I was in a grand movie) , filing down one by one, in our assortment of skirts, gowns, frock coat, and hats.
Standing at the foot of the stairs was an adorable little boy, about 5.
In wonderment he declared his opinion of our hats: I like that one…and that one…and that one…and that one…that one!
He made me feel as though I were part of a fashion show!
SWISH OF SKIRTS AMONG FABRIC
After admiring many lovelies at the milliner shop, we perused the offerings at Tarpleys and Mary Dickenson.
SHOEMAKER, NOT COBBLER
After that the kids and I took them to meet one of our friends, the shoemaker.
Never call him the cobbler, which is a derogatory term.
He said that shoemaking is such an honorable profession, that their children are raised to know that.
If a need comes to correct ill behavior, all the parents must do is say, “If you don’t shape up, your morals will lead you to becoming a cobbler!” at which the children gasp in fear and order has been restored!
Cobblers took odd jobs on the street for a mere pittance, with no roof over their heads in house or business.
AUTHOR TALK AT THE HENNAGE
Then we went to the museum for a special presentation on a book I’ve blogged about, The Many Faces of George Washington.
PHOTO OPS
At many points through the day we were stopped by guests for photo opportunities of us and with us.
One funny story was when one of the men asked to have his picture taken with us, after which he proclaimed: Isn’t America great!?!
DANCING
After dinner, we went to the Governor’s Palace to dance.
As we stood there and shivered and chatted, the young girl in front of us asked me: Are you Teacups in the Garden?
During our delightful chat, my daughter excitedly shook my shoulder and exclaimed: Mom, the people behind us are talking about your blog!
What were the odds? Blog readers to the front, blog readers to the back, and I had met our fashionable friends through my blog!
What fun to go dancing with all of them!
After we left the palace, it was so cold, my son put his arms around me as we walked to the bus stop.
The girls thought that was so sweet.
When it sounded like the bus was leaving, he ran ahead to stop it for us.
Feeling frozen, one of my friends ran to me from behind and wrapped me in her cloak and we walked like that to the bus as we chatted.
I felt like Little Women or Anne and Diana from Anne of Green Gables!
Arriving at the hotel lobby, we visited for awhile, then finally tore ourselves apart and say goodbye until next time.
SUNDAY
The next morning, I arrived in the historic area wearing modern clothes.
LAFAYETTE
REVERAND JAMES IRELAND
After lunch we went behind the coffeehouse to see the Rev James Ireland. He gave his testimony and shared about his experiences with George Whitfield and John Wesley
TAILOR
After the rest of my lunch, we went to visit the tailor, who noted that some of my homework had not yet been done, having been assigned back in October! Well, I have been sewing many new things, like my own costume that I must greatly improve.
AUTHOR AND GEORGE WASHINGTON
After the street theater program we got to talk to the man who made George Washington’s boots and shoes for the wax figures, as featured in The Many Faces of George Washington.
Telling him we had the book and had gone to the presentation the day before, he told us a few more things about his part in making the shoes and boots which were fascinating.
Then we went to the Visitor Center where I saw a book table in front of the bookstore with the author from the book, The Many Faces of George Washington.
Standing next to her was the Colonial Williamsburg George Washington.
We had a wonderful chat that will go down in the history books.
I really love this place!
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Rebecca March 21, 2011 at 6:07 PM – Awww, we’re so very thankful for the friendship of your family, too, and so grateful for the chance to spend time with you all last weekend! Next time we’ll get “the dads” back together, too. We all know how much they like to talk!
Who could have guessed what I’d find when I gathered up the courage to say “hi” that day last summer! I’m so glad I did! 🙂
Lucy March 22, 2011 at 3:41 AM – You all look wonderful, thanks for sharing the photo. Laurie, I am amazed you “whipped up” an entire outfit in a week! We all learn as we go along when it comes to sewing historic costume. I too am self-taught and the more I learn, the more I find how much there is STILL to learn! I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to attend the costume symposium at CW.
Ashley March 22, 2011 at 9:01 AM – Ditto to what Rebecca said! We are so blessed to have your friendship as well and we always have a fun time “frolicking” with you all! It was such a treat to see you all last weekend and to have the opportunity to celebrate Miss C’s special day. 🙂
Stephanie March 30, 2011 at 4:24 AM Laurie, I looks like you had such an amazing day in costume!
I need to tell you how much a thoroughly enjoy your postings and your pictures. You truly inspire me to always keep learning! You also make me want to visit CW even more then I do. There is so much to see and do there. Then to meet up with so many wonderful and interesting characters (that really do make history come alive) is a definite big PLUS! Thanks again, Stephanie :o)
