We had a lazy morning – breakfast, tea and computer. Lexi wanted to have some alone time so Michael and I left around 11:00 AM. There are still many things we want to see before our three day pass expires tomorrow. Also, the weather is supposed to be getting colder and we want to see as much now, while the weather is decent.
Pretty woman all out of apples with horses drifting off.
We first went to the joiner building where they make window sashes and things like that (more of a guy place).
An elliptical window in progress.The worker said that you have to know how to carve to make an elliptical window.Some of the work of the Joiners.Bunch of bull!Gnarly tree.
We by chance passed by a place that was just starting a tour – the Wetherburn’s Tavern. Very interesting place and the stories were very fascinating. Also, we were walking on the same floors that were walked on in the 1700’s.
1730 house, turned into a tavern, the Wetherburn tavern. Lots of history.Our guide for the tavern.This was the nice dining room, china, silver, wall clock.Room service.The bed with the curtains was a special bed for a wealthy fellow, the rest were shared.This room had 4 beds, chamber pots under the beds for night time elimination. Guaranteed no more than 2 to a bed.One of the most interesting things I learned was that the floors are original, yellow pine, unbelievable endurance. Top left looks like a pretty woman’s feet.Big rug, linen table cloths, nice dining area.Top half is original marble fireplace face. Marble was used as ballast on the ships and Mr Wetherburn bought it and had it carved for the fireplace.Smoke house, only way of preserving meat in 1750’s. 3 days in salt, days in smoke, let hang for a year and you have preserved meat.The most valuable slave was a good cook. A two fire hearth, must have been hellish in August.
We went across the street and down another street and saw the military encampment (Michael said it brought back Army memories), the cabinet maker shop (sitting over a lovely creek), then behind it to the brick maker area.
Great actual period furniture at the cabinet maker.Great chair with in progress chair in back. Chairs excess to the needs of the foundation are sold at the market.The cabinet makers told me how they make the inlay products. Way cool.Glue different woods together. Cut on the diagonal then glue together. Cut a thin piece and paste it in to a excavated section.Brick making 101. They come to you, form the clay bricks and build a firing oven on site. After construction all the fired bricks are used and just the ash remains.
After that we went to the Randolph House and outbuildings. Fascinating because it was told by the slave’s point of view. Really makes you think and appreciate all the country went through to get where we are today.
Peyton Randolph, our first President, died at 54 of a stroke. We were given a tour from the perspective of a slave. Very depressing.
Two gilded glasses (mirrors) angled towards the fireplace to bounce more light in the room during evening hours.Silver and china of the Randolph’s.As we went from room to room our docent described the events surrounding the escape of several of Mrs. Randolph’s slaves. Again, depressing.Peyton Randolph.Mrs. Randolph’s bed. Her slave slept at the foot of the bed on a pallet of straw.Randolph kitchen.
After that we strolled along. We were hoping to see the shoemaker shop but it was closed. We did get to see the weaver and the colonial gardens on our way to Merchant’s Square. We looked at a few places for lunch in Merchant’s Square, but settled on the Blue Talon Bistro. Michael and I both had salads. It was another really old building with character. The food was good. After lunch we went next door to Baskin Robbins and had a small ice cream.
All the carriage rides were full today.They were all sold out when we walked through.A little Bistro for lunch.I asked the waiter what was historic about their tap water. He said, “Washington, it is the same pipe.” We all had a good laugh.They sell the bottles.
My green salad. It was good.Edie’s chopped salad. I had a bite, it was good.Edie’s penchant.
While eating our cups of ice cream, we walked to the museum. By the time we got to the museum we were done with our ice cream. The museum was huge. We started in the insane asylum part and then worked our way upstairs. Lots and lots to take in. Sensory overload. Could not handle all of it so just went through to try to get the highlights. Also, we were both very tired of walking, up stairs, down stairs, up, down, etc.
This museum is very deceptive looking. It is way bigger inside than it is outside.First mental hospital in America.Safety bed.Giant doll house in the museum.So much of the finest period furniture.A complete breakdown of all the parts of a musket.GunsBeautiful butts.Guns.They put mirrors strategically behind some items to best show both sides.
Another mirror to show the back side.The museum was big.Furniture.All so beautiful and so old.Silver.Portraits.Great quilts.Silver and pewter.Pianos.
After the museum we walked to the bus stop and took the bus around to the Capitol building, where we got out and walked to our “home.” Lexi has gone to the store to get a few things to make a taco dinner for us tonight. That was our day. Hope yours was great!
