Sunday, 5 Sep 2010, Williamsburg, Virginia
We spent the day in Colonial Williamsburg and what a treat it was! Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown form the ‘historical triangle’; an area steeped in history dating back to the early 1600s. An impressive restoration project in Williamsburg, that started in the 1930’s and continues today, has created an historical area that makes you believe you’ve stepped back in time.
We got to the beautiful Visitor Centre and Wayne stood in line to get our entrance tickets. He asked the girl for a 2-day pass for each of us…cost $46 each. There’s always a discount for AAA, seniors, etc. and she asked him if he had military service. He replied that he did and showed her his retirement service card. Her response was, “Thank you for serving Sir—there is no charge for your tickets.” How nice is that!!
A shuttle bus runs through the entire town—yes town—and I have to admit, I had no idea the size and magnitude of it. It has an amazing history—the short version is:
In 1926 a church minister in Williamsburg, who felt strongly about preserving history, talked John D. Rockefeller Jr. into funding the cost of creating an historical community, composed of many existing building and re-building or recreating structures that would fit the towns long history. An anonymous benefactor for two years, Rockefeller spent $3 million (worth 10x that today) buying houses, businesses, etc and setting up a foundation to continue the project. Architects, archeologists, researchers, and restorers were hired to ensure authenticity of building being restored, rebuilt and refurbished.
Many residents sold their 18th Century homes to the Williamsburg Holding Company and were offered special incentives to sell such as allowing them to continue living in the house for the duration of their lives—rent free. Their homes and gardens were repaired, restored, and refurbished to look as they did when originally built. Newer homes were either hauled away or torn down to make room for historic buildings being brought in or re-built on their original location. I thought it was interesting that during the Great Depression, when jobs were non-existent, work continued in Williamsburg and there was no shortage of work. There are still over 100 buildings to be re-built in the town. Of course, there are many costumed people assuming the roles of every profession in the town and I loved the wig maker while Wayne’s favourite was the cabinetmaker. They go in to their roles totally and are very knowledgeable about the profession they portray in the time period.
All that to say, it’s far more than one or two streets—it’s really an entire town (and not a little one either) and it was quite an experience to spend time here. Thanks to Bob & Carol for encouraging us to see it…I’m so glad we didn’t miss it. There’s a wonderful shopping and dining area that we didn’t get to but may stop tomorrow to have a look around. We’ll be heading for Virginia Beach and if we can find an RV site close to the water, we may stay for a couple of days before heading west and then up the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Until next time, hugs and kisses to all.
We got to the beautiful Visitor Centre and Wayne stood in line to get our entrance tickets. He asked the girl for a 2-day pass for each of us…cost $46 each. There’s always a discount for AAA, seniors, etc. and she asked him if he had military service. He replied that he did and showed her his retirement service card. Her response was, “Thank you for serving Sir—there is no charge for your tickets.” How nice is that!!
A shuttle bus runs through the entire town—yes town—and I have to admit, I had no idea the size and magnitude of it. It has an amazing history—the short version is:
In 1926 a church minister in Williamsburg, who felt strongly about preserving history, talked John D. Rockefeller Jr. into funding the cost of creating an historical community, composed of many existing building and re-building or recreating structures that would fit the towns long history. An anonymous benefactor for two years, Rockefeller spent $3 million (worth 10x that today) buying houses, businesses, etc and setting up a foundation to continue the project. Architects, archeologists, researchers, and restorers were hired to ensure authenticity of building being restored, rebuilt and refurbished.
Many residents sold their 18th Century homes to the Williamsburg Holding Company and were offered special incentives to sell such as allowing them to continue living in the house for the duration of their lives—rent free. Their homes and gardens were repaired, restored, and refurbished to look as they did when originally built. Newer homes were either hauled away or torn down to make room for historic buildings being brought in or re-built on their original location. I thought it was interesting that during the Great Depression, when jobs were non-existent, work continued in Williamsburg and there was no shortage of work. There are still over 100 buildings to be re-built in the town. Of course, there are many costumed people assuming the roles of every profession in the town and I loved the wig maker while Wayne’s favourite was the cabinetmaker. They go in to their roles totally and are very knowledgeable about the profession they portray in the time period.
All that to say, it’s far more than one or two streets—it’s really an entire town (and not a little one either) and it was quite an experience to spend time here. Thanks to Bob & Carol for encouraging us to see it…I’m so glad we didn’t miss it. There’s a wonderful shopping and dining area that we didn’t get to but may stop tomorrow to have a look around. We’ll be heading for Virginia Beach and if we can find an RV site close to the water, we may stay for a couple of days before heading west and then up the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Until next time, hugs and kisses to all.
posted by Lynne @ 5:14 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
I knew you would luv it as we did. I did not mention that you can see it at night. It is beautiful with all the candles flickering in the windows of the old homes. They also have a dance at night at the Governor's Palace you can attend and I know you would have enjoyed that also - next time. Rainy and cold at the Lake - sitting by the wood fire. Luv Carol & Bob
Colin and I laughed when we read that Wayner got in free with his service card. I can imagine how excited he was for two reasons: being thanked for his military service and for getting something free. Probably made his trip right there!
Well Lynne, I hate to tell you this but Gillian said her first word yesterday and it wasn't Honey...it was Mama :) (Yay!) She is 'this close' to crawling and she is becoming more vocal and aware of her surroundings every day. She misses her Honey and Poppa though, and can't wait to see you again. It's a bit chilly here and so we're into the fall wardrobe...she wore her first pair of shoes the other day... sniff. She's growing so fast!
Anyway, sounds like you guys are having a blast. Stay out of the tropical storms and have fun. See you when you come home! Love Jen
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