Tag: 1950s

The conical building shown was a storehouse for gunpowder used in the firearms of the day. It was crucially important to store large quantities of gunpowder in sealed brick buildings to prevent explosions caused by fires, which were common in an era when heat and light were both generated by open flame.
This building was involved in an important minor event of the Revolution, called the Gunpowder Incident.

The description states:
THE POWDER MAGAZINE at Williamsburg, Va., was erected in 1715 by Governor Alexander Spottswood as a storehouse for Military Supplies sent to Virginia by Queen Anne. It played an important part during the Revolution and was a Confederate arsenal in the Civil War.
–This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This illustration shows the front and main entrance to the Capitol Building. This building served as the home of the Virginia legislature from 1704 until 1779 when the capitol was moved to Richmond.

The description states:
THE CAPITOL. Williamsburg, Va. The Capitol was erected between 1701 and 1705 by Henry Cary, Williamsburg’s master builder. Until the Revolution, the British flag waved proudly over the old-time Capitol.
–The structure is essentially two buildings joined by an arcade. There was a later building constructed after this one, but it was destroyed by fire.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This picture features the front of the old courthouse building in Williamsburg, Virginia. The carriage in front is probably intended for tourist transportation.

The description states:
OLD COURT HOUSE, Williamsburg, Virginia. Built in 1770 to serve both the City of Williamsburg and James City County. Today it houses the Archaeological Exhibition of Colonial Williamsburg.
–This picture was likely taken in the 1950s.

This card shows the exterior of the Raleigh Tavern, which was reconstructed on the site at Williamsburg in the 1930s.

The description states:
THE RALEIGH TAVERN, Williamsburg, Va. The Raleigh Tavern was one of Williamsburg’s best known taverns of the 18th century. It was here Thomas Jefferson danced with his fair Belinda. In 1776 the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity saws founded in the Apollo Room.

This image shows the colonial era residence of George Wythe. While the image seems to feature the small white house in the foreground, the Wythe house is in fact the large brick structure in the background.

THE GEORGE WYTHE HOUSE at Williamsburg, Va., was erected in 1755 by Richarrd Taliaferro, father-in-law of George Wythe. Withe was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and first law professor in America. He was teacher of Thomas Jefferson and Chief Justice John Marshall.
–This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows a re-enactor setting a work table in the main chamber of the House of Burgesses, the main legislative body for Williamsburg during the colonial era.

The description states:
CHAMBER OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES in the reconstructed Capitol of 1705, Williamsburg, Virginia. On this hallowed spot, the young Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Caesar-Brutus” speech agains the Stamp Act in 1765.
–This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the more intimate room for smaller parties and family. It was also used as an adjunct to the ballroom for food service when parties were held.

The description states:
SUPPER ROOM OF THE GOVERNOR’S PALACE. Williamsburg, Virginia. Here guests at the many elaborate balls gathered for refreshments. This building has been reconstructed and completely furnished with 18th century antiques following detailed inventories of the period.
–This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the elaborate geometric gardens from the palace windows. This kind of gardens were modeled on similar designs from England, where geometric designs were the fashion of the time.

The description states:
THE PALACE GARDENS, Williamsburg, Va. The Governor’s Palace and its dependencies, preeminent among notable estates in colonial America. The gardens are considered more typical of formal eighteenth century gardens than any others in America.
–This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

Following on after the last image, inside of the sanctuary is this altar. Written on the altar cloth is the phrase: The noble army of martyrs praise thee.

The description states:
BRUTON PARISH CHURCH, Williamsburg, Virginia. Visitors will find in historic Bruton Parish Church the inspiring echo of Colonial America at prayer. Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall and other famous Virginians worshipped here.
–The postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

This is the exterior of the Bruton Parish Church as seen from the road in the Williamsburg, Virginia historic park.

The description states:
BRUTON PARISH CHURCH, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Built 1710 – 1715, it was the court church of the English Colony. One of the most historic churches in America because of its unparalleled association with the great men of Virginia’s “golden age”.
–The postcard likely dates from the 1950s.