Sharp's Travels

We took the bus from the Visitors Center back to Colonial Williamsburg at 10am this morning. We got off the bus at the Capitol so we could finish the buildings at the far end of the complex.
Our first stop was the Apothecary. They sold herbs and spices that could be made into medicine. The costumed interpreter told us all about all the items for sale.
We went to the bakery. We just looked around and didn’t buy anything.
The Golden Ball Jewelry shop had some beautiful items and right next door was the Silversmith. They told us how the silver was melted down and demonstrated how the cups and ladles were made.
We checked out the Milliner and the Tailor Shop. They were busy cutting our pattern and sewing gowns that were ordered
We got tours through the Raleigh and Wetherburn’s Taverns. It was neat to see the different eating spaces and check out the sleeping quarters. The gentlemen could be sharing a room and bed with someone they didn’t even know. They could be quite a number of men in one room.
The Wigmaker shop was closed but we peaked in the window and got to see all those head pieces the gentlemen of that time period wore.
We went into the Tarpley’s Store and I bought a Gimmel Ring. In the 18th century they were used as wedding rings. It consists of 3 bands joined at the base in such a way that when closed, the two hands are clasped one in the other. Traditionally, the conjoined rings were separated at the engagement ceremony: the outer bands were presented to the bride and groom and the middle band to a close friend of the bride. At the wedding ceremony, the bands were reunited on the third finger of the bride’s left hand. It is so neat!
We watched the military band march the streets and the firing demonstration behind the courthouse. They had cannons fire off and the red coats firing their muskets.
We had to go into the Magazine and Guardhouse to see all the weapons that were stored in the Magazine. The walls in the Magazine were lined with hand guns, rifles and swords. It was quite a site.
We toured the court house and listens to a gentleman explain some of the laws back in that time period.
The Blacksmith, Post Office and Printing Shops were next. From there it was on to the Cabinet Maker. The furniture was beautiful. We checked out a couple of desks with hidden compartments. At today’s price, these pieces would go for about $35,000.
We headed back to the Castle to the Palace Scullery, where they brew beer. They had just finished a big pot that was brewed over the fire in a big kettle.
We headed back to our 5th wheel for supper and at 6:30pm headed back to the Visitors Center to catch the bus for the Capitol. We had purchased tickets for “Cry Wolf”. We were to weigh the evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of “The Virginia Witch”. We were 2 of the 12 people who were chosen to sit on either side of the Governor as his High Counsel. The court room was full and the prisoner was brought in and sat on a stool in front of the Governor. The evidence was presented and witnesses were called. At the end of the trial we were all asked if we thought she was innocent or guilty. I voted innocent and Gay voted guilty. As it turned out our vote allowed her to go free. All the characters in the play were great. It was fun to hear how trials were done back in the 18th century. They were able to find evidence that this person really was found innocent back in the day.
Once again we caught the bus and were back home by 9:15pm.
Gay has uploaded pictures of the day. See album: Colonial Williamsburg 10-10-09