Another gift from John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Friday October 4, 2013
Anvil Campground
Williamsburg, Virginia

 

Our day in Williamsburg is full to the brim.

 

 

 

There is so much to see here it’s hard to know where to begin. If you have never been here before or don’t buy tickets at your park or hotel, you must see the visitor center films.  There is one they’ve had for years but it’s still great.   We go directly to the Historical Area.  On the way we walk through Merchant's square where I see a fellow Charlottesvillian and stop to chat.   He takes time away from his writing to suggest several things we won’t want to miss.

 

 

Williamsburg is a one of a kind place.  An entire town restored to the 18th century.   There is a modern Williamsburg but you can walk for quite a distance before it interrupts the feel of this place.  There are no cars permitted but 18th century transportation is available.

 

 

 

 

All of this is thanks to Mr. Rockefeller and the Rector.

 

 

Those who were following us in Acadia will remember the wonderful and beautiful carriage roads which were designed and paid for by John D. Rockefeller Junior who continued to pay for the up keep until his death in 1960.  Williamsburg is another of his amazing projects. 

He pretty much saved the area from being razed after being approached by William Archer Goodwin a rector of Bruton Parish Anglican church.  There is a short and interesting history here if you are a history buff.  Particularly the section entitled “Beginnings”.

 

 

I think the period clothing really adds to the atmosphere.

 

As we walk down the streets there are numerous costumed interpreters.  Everyone who works in Williamsburg is in 18th century garb and has a specific identity.  You can ask them any questions you like about the area, the history, the town or themselves and they will answer in character.   Some of the tourists are dressed too though not as many as at a Renaissance Faire.  There is a shop where you can rent appropriate clothing if you’d like to.

 

 

I think this young lady is carrying the American Girl company’s doll Felicity whose story is that she lived in Williamsburg in 1774.  There are dolls, stories, clothing and props for nearly every period in American History.

 

 

 

 

The colonial town is not gated; you can visit for free.

 

All of the outdoor grounds are open to the public but if you wish to be able to do the building tours, the reenactments or see the working artisans you need a pass.  With that you can come and go as you will and do anything you like. We got our passes at the campground and had to “upgrade” from a one day to the special for seniors.  Now we are on our way to the ticket office to get a separate free ticket for a special tour.  For these too it appears you must have the pass. 

When we pass by the courthouse a young woman is pacing back and forth apparently awaiting the outcome of a trial.  Later in the day we attend a court session.

 

 

 

 

We also pass an outdoor market and some folks playing games in the field next door..

 

 

 

 

 

 

We strike it rich with an accidental tour and a fabulous tree.

 

 

 

As we leave the ticket office, we find  a “short introductory tour” with a Williamsburg farmer is just beginning.  So we tag along.  He takes us out onto the palace green (the several block long lawn in front of the Royal Governor’s Palace) and provides all kinds of information about what to see where, whose house is whose and the history of it all.  We walk down the green as he points things out.  Then over to the Compton Oak which is a THE most amazing tree.

It would take several people to put their arms around this tree.  Its branches are bigger than most of the trees we hug and many of the branches nearly touch the ground.  It shades a huge area and there are multiple benches which groups of people use to get out of the sun as we are doing.

 

 

 

 

Our first house tour is at the home of Law Professor George Wythe.

 

One of the things our farmer advises us is that if we would like to see Mr. Wythe’s home, it is only open when he has stepped out which is between 9am and 1pm today.  So we bid him good day and head over there across the green.

In 1779 the College of William and Mary made George Wythe the first professor of  law in the country.  He had been Thomas Jefferson’s tutor when reading the law with a current attorney was the main way one became a lawyer.  Carrie is a graduate of William and Mary Law but reports she has never met Mr. Wythe although she has heard a great deal about him.

 

 

 

Our tour group is ushered into the drawing room.  We take seats around the edge.  We are told that the chairs are pushed back because there was dancing in this room.  I’m taken by the contrast between the formal and bold wallpaper and the unfinished floors.   In the corner cupboard I find a very interesting tea pot.  A little humor for those who know their American History.

 

 

 

 

I am very surprised that we are taken up to the family’s private quarters on the 2nd floor.  I wonder what the Wythes will say when they return.  

The wallpaper in the guest bedroom and the stripes in the Wythe’s bedroom are again both very bold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the wallpaper in the hallway both upstairs and downstairs.

 

 

We are shown the other rooms in the house as well, the children's bedroom, the study, the office, the summer bedroom but space prohibits showing it all.  And I know you want to have some surprises when you come yourself.

 

In the back of the house is a lovely lawn, gardens and numerous white clapboard outbuildings including the kitchen, laundry, dove cote, stable and smoke house among others.  The herb garden is heavenly.  The basil plants are like bushes.  Do they make pesto in the 18th century??

 

 

Of course all the plants are authentic to the gardens of the time.  I suppose the swallowtail is to.  This entire town is researched to within an inch of its life.

 

 

 

 

 

Tired from being awakened by the trains over night, I take a little rest before our picnic lunch which we eat right on this bench.  Then it’s off to court.

 

 

 

 

We are ushered into the courthouse and told about court days and the workings of this court.  There were from 5 to 8 judges depending on the case.  There will be 3 cases heard here today and they are short some judges.  I’ve always wanted to be a judge.  So, civic minded as I am,  I volunteer to help out.  I hope I’m not too judgmental.

The bailiff talks about the way the court is physically set up.  Only the officers of the court, including solicitors and queen’s counsel,  can go into the area in front separated by the railings.  This is called “passing the bar”.  You must be an official to pass through that bar.     You also will “stand trial”.  There are no seats anywhere for anyone in the court other than the officials.  Everyone stands, witnesses, defendants, observers.  All beyond the bar.

 

An  African American would never have been allowed to be a judge or even sit on the jury in the 18th century but we live in more enlightened times now. Four of us are chosen to sit in for the absent judges today.

 

 

The only actual man of law (solicitor) sits beneath the magistrate in the center of the court and reads the accusations and advises us on points of law.

 

 

 

The first case is called.

 

He pleads his case.

 

 

The magistrate speaks to a point of law.

 

 

 

We find him guilty

 

If you have to be convicted, this is a beautiful courthouse to do it in.

 

 

I like being a part of a panel of judges.  I’m considering it for my next career.

 

This is only part of our first day in Williamsburg but it’s enough for one post.  Next post, we hear the spinet piano, visit the shoemaker and see the Marquis.