Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg

One year ago today I went on vacation to Colonial Williamsburg. I had a wonderful time and learned an incredible amount about the Revolutionary War era from the actor/interpreters who portray the citizens of Williamsburg. You can read more about Williamsburg and learn about the real people of the town on their fabulous website at history.org. I am going to blog my journal and some photos in hopes that you will learn something as well.

Night One - May 14th

I went on a tour called Legends, Myths, Mysteries and Ghosts. I missed the first story but arrived in time for the second story.

Our hostess was a fashionable 18th century lady. She teased us about our "most peculiar apparel" and asked if it was the custom where we come from to wear such things. She asked a man about the logo on his hat and he said he didn't know, it was a free hat. She asked another man and he commented on it being a hat commemorating some football game - some College Bowl between something State and Something else and our hostess exclaimed that she didn't understand a word he said. She then asked another young man about his best calf. He said "I don't have any calves - I have sheep, but no calves!" She explained slowly and patiently "Which part of your leg that is not covered by your breeches is your best? Which is your best foot you put forward?" A gentlemen shows off his calves when dancing to attract a lady. She then drew our attention to her hat, which she had borrowed from someone "for as long as she liked." Then she related a story about going out on the river in a shallop with a young lady who wore the very height of fashion. Her hips were so wide they were afraid they'd fall overboard! She also wore a very tall wig. The young lady fell overboard and a gentleman dove in to rescue her. The man grabbed her hair in his teeth and swam to safety. When he arrived at the shore, he let go of her hair and all he had was her wig! He jumped in to save her and all was well. Our hostess told us she wears her hat tied under her chin instead of behind her head because if any gentleman should like her enough to rescue her from downing and pulled her hat, her head would come along with it!

Our last story was a vampire story about a man whose house guest turned out to be a vampire and the man wasted away and died and people believed he was plaguing them. The townspeople dug up the body and he was pouring blood and his hair and nails had grown long. They drove a steak through his heart and then he died for good. Just to be safe, they burned his body and buried his ashes. They felt all was well, but our storyteller wondered then who it is that scratches at her window at night!! The tour was very good and entertaining. I enjoyed hearing the colonial urban legends.