9/22 Colonial Williamsburg

 This was NOT the best day to visit an open-air place such as Colonial Williamsburg, but I had no choice because I was planning to take a quick trip to the Outer Banks, so it was today or nothing!  Basically, it was cloudy and drizzly, so photos did not turn out the best.  But at least being here mid-week meant there were no crowds and almost no families with kids--just us old folks!

A lot of photos, but I will try to reduce the numbers as I make comments.  First is the governors palace.  Unfortunately, it is a reconstruction because the original burned down, but supposedly based on the foundations, plans, and descriptions from the time.

These out buildings contain the kitchen and laundry because it was too hot to have these rooms in the main building.  It also was safer to limit fires inside. 

Reminded me of a similar but much larger collection in Windsor Castle.

Interesting to have the butler's pantry just inside the front door.  This was also the butler's office since he managed the operation of the building.

The ballroom.

A harpsichord provided music for balls and entertaining.

Gardens in the back, reconstructed, obviously.

I mistook this smokehouse for the kitchen, but wondered why the walls were so black.  There was actually meat hanging for this display.

One of the most interesting things was watching the cook and looking at the food he had cooked.  None of it was edible because of the flies--no screens in colonial windows!!

More photos of the kitchen and the cook.

Just some general photos of the Colonial area of Williamsburg.  Many of the homes are private, with access from the rear. 

George Wythe was a law professor and judge.  In this house, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe were tutored by Wythe. 

The wallpaper in this room came in squares, not long rolls, as we are used to seeing. 

This is the parlor table where Jefferson and Monroe, as well as many others, discussed the lar and science.  Note the globe and other scientific instruments displayed.

This was a barrel-maker's shop.  There was a barrel-maker there demonstrating his craft.  Barrels were used for storage and shipping goods and were critical to life in this era.  Note the varied sizes and shapes.

I suspect that this ladder was left on the roof to clean the chimney and put out chimney fires when they might occur. 

The courthouse.

The powder magazine in the middle of town, but surrounded by empty space.

Just some random pictures of the village.

This was the silversmith's shop.