My family went on East Coast Trip in September. My favorite part about our trip is when we went to Colonial Williamsburg. There was so much to see and do, either on foot or in a horse drawn carriage. We got to see many of the shops and how they functioned during the period. We were able to see the wig maker where we found out that a normal wig cost 2 ½ pounds, enough to buy half an acre of land! A normal lady’s wig had hair that, if you let out, would reach the ground. There was also the printing shop where we saw a book binding and printing. They were saying that all the gold you see on old books was hand crafted. It was remarkable to see how they did it in at that time. My favorite shop was the silversmith were I was shocked to find out that a small piece of silver is more than enough to make a ladle. The apothecary, where we found out how they made medicine, was also very interesting. They told us that people didn’t always come to them because it was expensive. So instead they would find a recipe in a cook book or the doctor would give them something. It was wonderful to see the shoemaker. There were tons of shoes and boots hanging up. We learned that it would take about a half a day to complete a pair of shoes. We went to the cabinet maker, who made all the furniture. I was amazed to see how they crafted the beautiful pieces of furniture. They even had a harpsichord there. (A harpsichord is an instrument like a piano.)
We got to go and learn how to dance, which was so much fun! The dance we learned was done at balls and weddings so that the couples could meet other couples. You would stand in a line across from your partner. You and another couple would join hands and turn one way and then the other. Then you joined hands with the person diagonal from you, turn one way and then the other. After that you and your partner would go back to back-that’s when you and your partner do a circle without looking at each other- then face each other so the girls would spin. Then you would face the person next to you hold hands and do a circle. Finally you would go back to back with the person next to you but instead of doing a whole circle you would do a half circle and end up with a new couple to meet.
We were able to tour some of the buildings like the Governor Palace, where they had over 400 weapons hanging in the house. I counted over 100 in the front hall. It was very interesting to see the inside the Capitol. It had a court room and prayer pillows. We went to the courthouse and watched a mock trial. Court was handled differently back in the late 1700’s. Raleigh Tavern was also an amazing place. We were able to tour the house then sit down and ask question about the war. At the jailer’s house, we found out that you were better off being a jailer then a normal person, because if you were a jailer you had a bigger house then most people. The jails were empty every 3 months (that’s when the court met) so that meant you had plenty of time with your family. They picked people with big families because if you had a large family the girls could help you cook food for the prisoners, and the boys could help keep an eye on them.
We also got to watch a
Fife and Drum Core demonstration. The
Fife and Drum Core marched and played, somewhat like a marching band! It was very interesting to see how the militia practiced for the war. They even shot a real cannon! I really liked Colonial Williamsburg.
