FROM AMERICAN REVOLUTION TO PLANTATION LIVING

Hampton Inn/Richmond Road

Williamsburg, Virginia

Friday, April 9, 2021

79 F, Sunny, drops of rain in the afternoon

 

Today’s adventure started along the York River at the American Revolution Museum (built in 2013) in Yorktown.  I really liked the way the museum had a variety of artifacts, as well as short films along the way to provide background of the American Revolution. Exhibits were clearly explained, and visitors could see the perspective of the English, the Patriots, the African Americans, the Native Americans, and the French. Of course, there was a focus on Virginia’s part and the Battle of Yorktown, but the Thirteen Colonies were well represented, as well as the major battles.

 

The re-created Continental Army encampment portrays 1790/91 and we learned about the life of a soldier, camp life, and cooking. Musket firing added to the sensory experience.

Continental Army Encampment

The small tents  housed six soldiers. 

In the distance (right side), the tent with scalloped edges was the Colonel's

The two tents in the middle were the company commanders, probably captains. 

The general found quarters elsewhere, presumably in a house/mansion/plantation

Inside the colonel's quarters

 

The Revolution era farm was based on a real life 18^th century middle class family, with different aspects of every day life.

Weaving in the main room of a middle class farmhouse

She is spinning wool. The loom is on the left.

Parlor/Bedroom of a middle class farm house (it is apparent this family is using 

the 2nd room of their house for a bedroom. There is a 2nd floor with a low roof--the children's bedroom

Kitchen in a separate structure. She is making a pot roast

L to R: slave quarters, covered work area, farm kitchen, farm house

Pasture with split rail fence. My grandparents' farm has fences like this in Bear Lake, PA

Vegetable garden-onions, peas, beans, lettuce, kale, cabbage, carrots, and more!

This was a tobacco farm

Barred Rock chickens. Free range!! Usually the farm has an old breed, 

but because of Covid, they could not get chicks last year. 

After a light lunch at the museum’s cafeteria, we returned to Williamsburg for a stop at Whitley’s Peanuts, even some for identified readers of this blog, maybe.

 

Another scenic drive is VA Rt. 5, the road to Richmond. Since we wanted to visit a plantation along the James River, we headed west on this very route.  According to literature, Berkeley Plantation is Virginia’s most historic plantation.  It was the home of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three times. William Henry Harrison (“Tippecanoe”), Benjamin’s third son, was born at Berkeley and became the 9^th President of the United States. His grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was the 23^rd President.

 

This early Georgian mansion was built in 1726—it is said to be the oldest 3-story brick house in Virginia that can prove its date.  I love entering these homes to see the dining room, always my favorite. We were not allowed to take photos, but the cream colored plaster walls, the gold and blue drapes, cherry corner cupboard, the sideboard, the crystal candlesticks, colonial table, and shield backed chairs looked perfect. I told TK that I wish our dining room was that large!  Homes in this area, whether middle or upper class had a separate building for its kitchen because of the heat.

"Driveway" to Berekley Plantation

Front of the main house/Berkeley Plantation (originally 8000 acres)

Guest House

Looking from the mansion to the James River

 

The James River was in view of the mansion, and during the Civil War Union Forces encamped at the plantation, not far from Richmond. “Taps” was composed on this site at that time, and I believe the Pennsylvania 83^rd Infantry Regiment was there at the time.  President Abraham Lincoln visited Berkeley to review General McClelland’s Army of 140,000 Union soldiers.

 

We had dinner at Indian Fields Tavern, a restaurant we saw on VA Rt. 5 as we went to Berkeley. They had the best fried chicken on the planet. The bread pudding was tasty too. 

 

History infuses this area, and it has certainly energized me. TK says not so much for him, but he has enjoyed the trip too.  I am sure happy we decided to take this little getaway. Tomorrow we will head back to Erie, Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

SURVIVAL ON JAMES RIVER

Hampton Inn/Richmond Road

Williamsburg, Virginia

Thursday, April 8, 2021

70F, Sunny

 

Just as an aside, during Covid, this hotel does not do room service daily—we placed our towels and waste baskets outside the door before we left the hotel for today’s adventure. When we returned the front desk gave us new towels and wastebasket. This is not a problem for us.

 

This image is hardly earthshattering, but this is, from left to right, the soap dispenser, faucet, and hand dryer over the sink in the Visitor Center at Jamestown Settlement

Today we headed for the Jamestowne Settlement and had a great time there.  After paying admission ($31 for 2-military and AAA discount), we walked first to the Powhatan (Algonquin) area, with a basket weaver, a man hollowing a log for a canoe, another explaining their farming.  We explored their “yehakin,” their abode, inside and out.   

 

Exterior of the Powhatan Yehakin

Yehakin interior

At the James River, we boarded the recreated Susan Constant, which sails occasionally.  Despite its smaller size (as compared to the U.S. Brig Niagara), I can verify that the crew quarters and officer quarters were luxurious, also compared to the Niagara. TK reminded me that the Niagara was a warship, not built for comfort.  The passengers, all men, were cramped together below deck.  The Discovery is also recreated here.  The original ships arrived on site in April 1607.

Susan Constant and Discovery

 

We walked to the fort where many people were reenacting different trades, including carpentry, blacksmithing, as well as cooking.  I admire the men and women who work here, carrying on the history of the era. 

Inside Fort James

The governor had his own "home" inside the fort

Governor's dining area

English governor's bed

Gentlemen's quarters

Englishman protecting the fort (I think most or all of the men  were required

to defend the fort when attacked--this would be their attire)

 

We had lunch in the cafeteria, and I was excited that they had peanut soup.  

After eating, we went through the museum that explains the three cultures here, the Powhatan, the English, and the Africans who were brought to this country soon after the settlement was established. Survival is the theme here—how the Powhatan struggled to exist after great numbers of English arrived, how the English struggled in an unfamiliar land with scarce commodities, almost starving. Women came just a year or two later, but many men and women perished, how the Africans struggled in a very strange environment not of their choosing. Disease, famine, sporadic attacks by the Powhatan.

https://www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement/

 

The archaeology site nearby--a National Park site

Again, we were intrigued by the ongoing excavation taking place in the area of the first James Fort. When we were here the last time, at least 15 years ago, they were excavating near the church. The work has expanded and archaeologists have found the outline of the original fort, burial sites, and many artifacts dating back to the early 1600s.  https://historicjamestowne.org/

From the website: "In recent years, the Jamestown Rediscovery team has been excavating outside of the Memorial Church to learn more about the 1617 church as well as the two later 17th-century churches built on the same site. The church constructed beginning in 1617 was Jamestown’s second church and is where representative government in English America began with the convening of the first General Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 1619. Planned excavations will expand to areas in front of the church tower, where several interesting features were previously identified that may help to shed light on the church’s surroundings as Jamestown grew and changed over the course of the 17th century.

"In 2019, the Memorial Church reopened after undergoing two years of excavations within the building’s interior followed by the installation of a new floor and exhibits. The updated space reflects the original footprint of the 1617 church."

 

We spoke with one of the archaeologists, a graduate of James Madison College, majoring in anthropology and history—she has been working at Fort James for five months.  I asked her what her most exciting find was. She found a copper curtain ring and just this past Monday she found a “King’s Touch Token.” She explained that the king was considered a divine being by the Church of England, and he could cure (allegedly) certain diseases by his divine touch. After the healing, the person was given a “touch piece” or token. She said it was uncommon to find one, so she was excited about it.  I did not ask what material it was; it is not displayed yet.

This is a King's Touch Token, but not the one found by the young lady we spoke to. 

 

There is a museum at this area too with many of the artifacts that have been found.

 

For dinner we found our way to another favorite, Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que. This restaurant is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

https://www.pierces.com/

 

This was a very good day!

TK's Takes: The peanut soup was very good!!

 

NASSAU STREET ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT AND MORE!

Williamsburg Inn

Williamsburg, Virginia

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

78F, Sunny

 

Another sunny, warm day in Williamsburg, Virginia!  We could not make reservations for a carriage ride or lunch or dinner at one of the colonial restaurants, so we started out at the First Baptist archaeology site, a new area of excavation. The site is the first physical location of one of America’s oldest churches founded by free and enslaved Blacks. The project aims to tell the story of the church and the people who worshiped at the historic site.

From the Colonial Williamsburg website, “Archaeologists are conducting excavations to uncover two buildings, the remains of the mid-19th century First Baptist Church and a smaller building that preceded it. The earlier building, referred to as the Baptist Meeting House in an 1818 tax document is thought to have housed the congregation prior to the construction of the church. That structure was replaced in 1856 by the brick church that stood on the corner of Nassau and Francis Streets until the congregation relocated in 1956.

 

“In the first phase of excavation, the team located the foundation of the 1856 church, along with the remains of an earlier building. While we do not yet know whether the remains of the early structure represent the “Baptist Meeting House,” where the congregation worshipped beginning in the early 19th century, a second phase of work is set to begin in January 2021 and hopes to answer that question and many more. In the second, expanded phase of excavation, the team will be taking a closer look at the previously identified structure and searching for others on the lot to try and locate the building where the congregation first met for worship in the city of Williamsburg.” 

 

We were very interested in the site and it was interpreted well at the building across from the “dig.”  

 

https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/locations/first-baptist-archaeology-site/

Archaeology dig on Nassau Street

Closeup of the archaeology dig

We walked along Duke of Gloucester Street again and visited the Peanut Shoppe of Williamsburg, as well as the William and Mary College Bookstore.  We have plenty of peanuts to take home!

Colonial homes on Duke of Gloucester Street

Colonial homes on Duke of Gloucester Street

Staying at the Williamsburg Inn was convenient because our car was securely parked, and we could walk the grounds. We grabbed the car and drove to Chickahominy House on Jamestown Road for lunch.  We love this small restaurant, built in 1962, because it looks and feels colonial. Architectural features from the colonial era were used inside and out, the floor is wooden, and the tables and chairs are a lot like those in the colonial restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg.  The servers are not costumed, but the menu is authentic. I enjoyed chicken and dumplings, biscuits, and apple crumb pie. TK had Brunswick stew (chicken with a tomato base) and biscuit and ham, as well as buttermilk pie (a custard with a hint of lemon) Delicious!

https://www.oldchickahominy.com/

Snapshot of Chickahominy dining area

 

Brunswick stew and ham/biscuits

Chicken and dumplings and biscuits

After lunch, we drove Newtown, another newer shopping area, and then to the huge Williamsburg Antique Mall.  I scoured the aisles, but saw no trivets, ground glass covered containers, nor World War I items, so we headed for the outlet mall for one more stop.

 I could not eat dinner, but we snacked at the Mexican restaurant next to the hotel, La Terraza. We realize we are getting just a little older and have not been walking marathons. While here, we are walking several miles a day and my thighs know it.

 We have decided to cancel Friday’s reservations, and head home Friday. There have been many changes, according to the hotel clerk. For instance, the wonderful visitor center is now being used for Covid-19 vaccinations and will never be the visitor center again. A sports complex will be built there.   They paved the streets in Colonial Williamsburg, a month ago—that means when one walks the streets it no longer feels like the 1700s. 

 The huge Yankee Candle Home store is closing because a lease deal could not be reached.  We are making the best of our trip and we still love the area, but change happens.  I am glad we made the trip so many times in Williamsburg’s heyday.

 

TK’s Takes:  It was very warm today.

BACK TO THE REVOLUTION IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Williamsburg Inn

Williamsburg, Virginia

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

75F, Sunny

 After sleeping in longer than usual, we packed our room and left for the Williamsburg Inn – a new treat for us. We always admired the Colonial Williamsburg properties, but never stayed in any as they are expensive. But, thanks to TK’s expertise, we have a room for only $30 resort cost, which included two two-day passes to the Colonial area. The room is large and comfortable!

Our room: Tyler Guest House, #4063

 We walked to the Colonial area, but because of Covid-19, many houses and merchants are not open. However, we made the best of what was open. The beautiful gardens, the new archeology “dig,” and some of the shops. I was pleased to see there were many tourists, but we could not get any reservations for one of the colonial restaurants at any time this week.  We sauntered along the Duke of Gloucester Street, but we missed our gingerbread cookie at the Raleigh Bakery.  https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/

Garden in Colonial Williamsburg

Garden in Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg, horse and carriage in distance

Tilling another garden in Williamsburg

Since all of the sandwich shops and restaurants had long lines, we opted for a croissant at a bakery near Merchant Square.

 We will leave the rest of the colonial area for tomorrow. TK wanted to go to Tommy Bahamas, and I wanted to go to Williamsburg Pottery, so we returned to the Inn and our car.  

Williamsburg Pottery

 TB did not take long because today was the last day of a big sale, but TK did find a shirt. I was so sad at Williamsburg Pottery because only ¼ of the shops were open. I am so glad we visited WP many times in its heyday. There used to be huge building after huge building, all connected.  A building devoted to Christmas, another to ribbons, silk flowers, shelf after shelf, arranged by color, enough baskets to fill a house, pottery (the pottery for the colonial area was made here and they sold seconds), dishware, cook ware, boxed food, outdoor furniture, all separated into huge rooms.  One building had about 15 ladies who made wreaths or floral arrangements to order with silk flowers. I was going to buy a couple because I need new wreaths. The ladies are gone, and there are a few arrangements and wreaths, but not like before. I could go on, everything from dog leashes to palm trees for sale. 

 A few years ago, the WP built a new area, which is also huge, but today the shelves were nearly bare. I hope that things improve for this shopping area, because we enjoyed it very much and obviously others did too.  http://williamsburgpottery.com/

 

Captain George's Seafood Restaurant

For dinner tonight we went to Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant and thankfully this restaurant is still doing well. It is the largest seafood buffet I have ever seen.  We had to wear masks, social distance, and wear plastic gloves at the buffet.  New gloves every time we went to the buffet. Tonight’s offerings:  Alaskan crab legs, black mussels, fried scallops, fried shrimp, crawfish, Cajun crab legs, mini clams, big clams, steamed shrimp, oysters Rockefeller, mahi, broiled salmon, baked wahoo, crab imperial, stuffed mushrooms, fried oysters, fried chicken, baked sausage, sirloin steak, smoked beef brisket, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, gravy, rice, sauteed mushrooms, jambalaya, BBQ ribs, broccoli, stuffed clams, chicken tortellini, cornbread, hush puppies, fresh bread and rolls, clam chowder, salads, beet, slaw, tossed. Desserts: cheesecake, bread pudding, baklava, chocolate cake, banana pudding, lemon pudding, chocolate pudding, peach cobbler, apple cobbler, carrot cake, fresh fruit, lemon squares, and strawberry shortcake.

 

Dessert buffet

The first time we visited Captain George, the cost was $18.95/person, probably the 90s. The last time we visited, probably 8 years ago, it was $30.00 each. Today the cost was $41.99/person.  https://captaingeorges.com/

 

Another beautiful day. Tomorrow morning we are going to go to Colonial Williamsburg again and get more details about the new archeology “dig.”

 

TK’s Takes: Great weather, Goldilocks weather, he says.  

A WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA GETAWAY!

 Fairfield Inn and Suites

Williamsburg, Virginia

April 5, 2021

75F

Traffic!! I wonder if everyone in the world was going to Williamsburg.  Car packed, coffee cup full, and off we were in the Acura with me at the wheel for a big change at 8:20 a.m.!

It was great traveling weather, 42F and sunny when we left Erie. The roads were smooth sailing until the Pennsylvania Turnpike, where heavy traffic joined us. Breezewood was hectic. We stopped at a PA rest stop/picnic area south of Breezewood for our traditional tuna sandwiches by TK. From there it did not take long to get into the DC area and so much more traffic.  Cars and semis weaving in and out, speed limit changes, and slow downs caused by who knows what. This is the first time I have ever driven I-495, but I have witnessed so much TK angst that I insisted on continuing the drive. After the DC area, and a rest stop, I let TK drive the last 2.5  hours to Williamsburg. 

It has been at least 16 years since we took the Eastertime break to Williamsburg and I was reminded of what I love about this trip—the leaves are bursting out on the trees, the white and pink trees are blossoming, and the warmth emanates from the earth.

By 5:30 p.m. we were checking into the hotel. After leaving our bags in our room, we took a little tour of the area and were happy to see so many favorites still here. Captain George’s restaurant, Chickohominy Inn, and the General Store are calling our name!

We had an ice cream cone at the General Store and headed back to the hotel (by the way, our stay these five nights are at no cost, thanks to our Marriott and Hilton credit card points. We are changing hotels a couple time, but so what! We are still young.

Tomorrow will be full of photos of the flowers and trees and places we love!

 

TK’s Takes: He is glad I drove through the DC area. I was calmer than he.