Another sewing class, another weekend in Colonial Williamsburg!
What in the world will be my excuse for coming once the sewing classes come to an end? Only one left after this.
EMPLOYEES TELL US TO BUY A HOUSE IN WILLIAMSBURG
We got a lot of the usual fun teasing…one of the coachmen and one of the orientation interpreters told us we should just buy a house down there.
The shoemaker has a great idea! He told us to start bringing some of our furniture down on each trip and store it until we buy the house!
Well, we’d like to…
UPHOLSTERER SNEAKS US IN TO THE GOVERNOR’S PALACE
We decided to go to the Palace and try to get one of the Actor Interpreters in the tour.
This time we got a tour with the upholsterer! I had no idea the governor had his own upholsterer, who puts up and repairs wallpaper!
Surprisingly, I learned that some of painted walls were actually wallpaper.
Our tour also consisted of servant duties, family life, history and armament.
We also learned a lot about the duties of Capt. Foy…who has incidentally invited us for a tour, but never know which special Actor Interpreter tour will be available on each day.
The upholsterer took us to the largest bedroom in the house which Lord Dunmore spoiled his teenage daughters to enjoy.
In preparation for the ball, one of the lovely gowns laid on the bed.
When the upholsterer asked about the possibility of the young ladies finding a suiter at the ball, my daughter chimed in they could.
The upholsterer, ever so gentlemanly, dignified her answer.
The possibility of marrying a Virginian was not probable, since these ladies of title were destined to marry nobility in England.
After detailing the training of young ladies in matters of art, music, dancing, sewing, and overseeing household/cooking, he explained how a gentleman learned the arts of dancing, horseback riding, and fencing.
He did a fencing pose, and you could tell he knew about fencing.
In fact, he brings to mind a terrific Colonial Williamsburg DVD, A Day in the Life, which features, in part, this very same proper training of gentlemen. 😉
After one of the guests asked about the covered up fireplaces, the upholsterer replied it was the ineptness of the servants, since it was January in his time-frame of January 1775.
To prevent things like squirrels from sneaking in, fireplaces are covered in the summer.
THOMAS JEFFERSON FASHIONED FOR A SUMMERY DAY
After the palace tour, we time-traveled to the backyard of the Coffeehouse to meet with President Thomas Jefferson in the early 19th century, wearing a summer suit…most appropriate for the sweltering heat of the day.
REVIEW OF THE TROOPS
Afterwards we journeyed to 1781, to see General Lafayette review the troops.
My son and I try to conquer two goals in photo taking for this program: conquering clear photos of speedy horses and fire coming out of the guns and cannons.
My son is conquering better than I. No shock there! Instead, I’ve become successful in obtaining a mystery mist on my photographs, spurred on by the deep humidity of the late August afternoon.
HISTORIC SEWING CLASS
Saturday morning presented a uniquely fun sewing class with the tavern owners joined us: Jane Vobe from the Kings Arms Tavern, Christiana Campbell from her namesake tavern, and her daughter, Molly.
Officially attending as their truly modern selves, they couldn’t resist slipping into character, bantering away with all the gossip of the town.
Our often quiet sewing became full of laughter!
MILLINER A BUSY HIVE OF SEWING
After class, we entered the milliner shop, since I had a question.
Packed with guests as always, I didn’t have a chance to ask my question, though that is not a problem when greater opportunities abound!
The crowded room is delightful testimony to their beautiful labor, allowing us opportunity to learn new things from guest questions I’d never think of.
Guest questions often prompt the milliners to showcase a variety of offerings they provide.
I love this since I don’t know what to ask for, so these random displays bring new eye candy to delight and educate.
To make way for more guests, we scuffled to our next program.
RENDERING OF PATRICK HENRY WITH MY KIDS
Saturday afternoon, we decided to meet with Patrick Henry in, I think, 1776.
Recently, we had been visitors to his backwoods home, Scotchtown.
Usually wearing black, Henry looked especially Virginian in the more colorful sage green.
Afterwards when my kids posed with him, he called us Friends. Hearing that before, I think it’s code for, you come a lot!
Sigh. We love this place! We could live here! Can you imagine that?
A QUERY FOR THE MILLINER
With a few minutes left of the day, we popped in to the milliner again to ask about the latest offering of Burnley and Trowbridge classes that the manuta maker would be soon teaching.
In response to my query, what is a Brunswick, she joyously brought out a luscious silk ensemble made of checked fabric, most proper for any lady to wear while journeying.
Wow! I want one of these! It would be most proper for my own backwoods travels from home to the historic area with my kids.
Alas I have not stays (yet) nor the skill set for this amazing class.
I have lots to learn, but I’m so thrilled for the inspiration and the time the mantua maker made to indulge my query of this amazing article of clothing.
