Okay, I have always wanted to go to Colonial Williamsburg. I have also always wanted to go to Disney World. In my mind, they were both kind of theme parks with different themes – and all kind of make-believe.
I have got to say that the sign advertising costume rentals in the entrance building didn’t give me a good feeling. But, when they gave me a special deal, I could hardly resist.
Unlimited visits until the end of the year!
It doesn’t matter that I will only be in the area for a few days – a bargain is a bargain!
I handed over my credit card and posed for my ID picture. I clipped on my badge and headed for the bus over to the village.
My first stop was Wetherburn’s Tavern.
While while waiting for the next tour to start, I chatted with the guide about how they know what they know. I was starting to be convinced that this was fairly serious historical work, and not just some rich guy’s indulgence. The rich guy in question was John D. Rockefeller. Apparently he was second choice. Henry Ford was their preferred backer, but he didn’t care for the conditions placed upon him.
Wetherburn had two levels of accommodations. The first was more like a youth hostel, where you money just bought you a place to sleep, not necessarily in a bed, either. You also had no control over who would be sharing the bed with you. If they ran out of spots in beds, they had additional accommodations.
They kept bedrolls on ledge in the staircase, for people who came after the beds were full. They guide mentioned that some people brought their own bedroll “for sanitary purposes”. Better the bugs you know, I guess.
He also had rooms for people who could afford to pay more.
People who booked private rooms could arrange for the food of their choice to be prepared and served to them in their room. The rest had to eat in the dining room.
There was a set menu that was served each day. The cook didn’t offer choices beyond “take it or leave it.”
The meals were prepared in the kitchen, which was in a separate building behind the tavern. This kitchen is a recreation, built using archeological information.
As the town and Mr. Wetherburn grew more prosperous, he added on a room that was used for dances, parties and lectures.
While we were upstairs in the sleeping area, a fife and drum parade went by.
The guide told us that this is a prestigious job to have and there is a lot of interest in the community. I asked if lessons were offered in the schools in town. She said that they didn’t teach it in school; all these musicians learn on their own from private teachers. They certainly moved out with precision!
After my tour of Wetherbern’s Tavern, I moseyed down the street. I was curious about the rest of the buildings that were not open to visitors. It turns out that people actually live in the houses!
They had these discrete little plaques by the doors and they kept their shutters closed. I wonder what it would be like to live with all these people walking around your house?
My next stop was the Capitol.
While waiting for my tour to begin, we were regaled by a costumed greeter.
The Capitol was a complete reconstruction. Nothing was left of the original building. There was one item that was authentic, though.
This is one item that has surely played a significant roll in the foundation of America.
Yep, it’s not marble. But, it sure does give the impression of it, doesn’t it?
The building was constructed using the Flemish bond. This is when they alternate the headers (short sides) and stretchers (long sides). This building ups the ante by alternating the colors of the bricks as well.
My next stop was the jail.
I walked down the path and I noticed that I was walking on crushed oyster shells. I had heard that they were used on roadways, and there they were. I picked up a few just to take a picture.
While we were waiting for the tour to start, we were greeted by another costumed character.
We first toured the main building. It was kind of crowded there, so I kind of held back and slipped in with a different group when I got to the part of the jail with the original cells.
It turns out that these cells held Blackbeard’s crew that was captured and held for trial in 1719. Fourteen of the sixteen crew members that were tried were hung. One made his way back and then earned his keep telling his stories in bars in London. The stories found their way into various books of the time.
This was a secure facility.
It even had a toilet in the cell. And it was securely attached. I don’t think there would be any escape through that.
This building was built to protect the papers of the Virginia colony after a fire destroyed the first capitol in 1747. This building was designed to be fireproof. It also held an office for the Secretary of the colony.
The Presbyterian Meeting House had a minimalist feel about it.
I happened upon some street theater, with speeches and dramatic readings.
This actor apparently was a loyalist, as she kept clucking her tongue and making disparaging comments the the tourists around here about the men making speeches on the steps.
Later on, there was the cannon salute. The sun was sinking lower.
Once again, I came across wedding photos being taken. It’s a little happier place than the Manassas Battlefield.
I was lucky enough to find some other visitors to dine with at Chowning’s Tavern. There was a bit of a wait, but it was a great dinner.
We were even serenaded by a strolling troubadour.
And with that, it was time to head back to the campground in Newport News.
But, hey! I have a pass that’s good until the end of the year. I could always go back.