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1193e2a0e0aff1effb5e027937b2f270
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Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of Sept 6 - 12
Apothecary — They are finishing translating 57 pages of Latin prescription records from the Williamsburg
Public Hospital and are working with the Tailors and Milliners on
17th -
centery treatments to prevent and
remove lice.
Armoury:
Blacksmith —
They are working on hand railings for the Market House, hardware for a lathe which is being
made in the cabinet shop, a coin press to be used to exhibit early coin production, and an iron rim lock).
Miscellaneous
work includes small hardware for the Market House and Scale house to include nails, hinges, and
slide bolts for the doors, brackets for hanging tin lanterns ( which were made by the Tin Shop),
shears for the
Tin Shop, repairs to agricultural tooling for Great Hopes, and tooling for the Wheelwright Shop.
Tin Shop — They have been repairing watering cans from the Garden site, as well as a coffeepot and some
broken stemware for the Breeches making program, some new chocolate pots and coffee pots for the Coffee
House, and developing patterns for new projects for the advanced part of our apprentice curriculum. The new
apprentice and intern are working on developing skills in fitting and soldering. They are both working on gill
cups, patterned after a surviving cup found in the archaeology of the Custis Site here in Williamsburg.
On another note -
a gentleman recently donated a significant set of tinsmith tools to the Tin Shop. While
these tools are too late in style to use within the public shop, they include several stakes which are too large for
us to fabricate within the blacksmith shop. We will be able to put the tooling to good use in a backup space
should we need to work on larger objects or should we have the need to work on CW objects like electrified
lighting - which we do not feel is appropriate for work in our public programming
Artificer' s Shop — They will be wrapping up the last of the leather breeches and beginning the transition to
working in firm leather. The interns will be instructed in the techniques of working in firm leather.
Basketmaker —
They are completing the making of an array of baskets for the Market House and making items
for sale at Prentis Store.
Bindery —
They are making books for Great Hopes: The Complete Housewife and Hannah Glasse' s book on
cookery, one quarter -bound and one full -bound calf -skin leather ledger books for Prentis Store, and gold work
on a bound book.
Cabinetmaker —
They will be varnishing a harpsichord stand and completing the refurbishing of a 1994 Hay
shop spinet, continue work on two walnut case pieces, and continue the construction of a Hay shop wing chair.
Work on a replica 18th- century treadle lathe will also be under way.
Carpenters —They
will be building the roofed outdoor market stalls for the Market House as well as putting
the finishing touches on the Scale House, such as hanging doors and shutters. Work continues on the Windmill
with a crane scheduled for September 8 to lift the Windmill back up onto the kingpost.
Coopers —They
are making pieces for use at the Market House, modifying firkins [ 9- gallon casks] into drums
for use by the African American programs at Peyton Randolph House, making kilderkins [ 16- gallon wine
casks] for the Jamestown - Yorktown Foundation, and commencing cooperage for Gen. Washington' s
encampment.
�Historic Garden —The
summer garden is coming out and the winter garden is going in. The cabbage,
cauliflower, and collards are planted, the turnips are seeded and just up. Hope to see the kale above ground next
week. The last pumpkins have been harvested, and the patch is being tilled in preparation for sowing with rye
grass as a winter
Joiners —They
cover crop.
are working on tables, stalls, and crates for the Market House.
They are finishing the second and final form for " A Pretty Story..." and correcting the third of four
for " The Articles of Confederation" ( expecting to have this in production soon).
Printers —
forms
Shoemaker —They
will be working on shoes.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons, Gurney Bowls, a large punch bowl and a " skittle
ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup, trade silver jewelry, and a
12in. Montieth.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors —They
are finishing a worsted coat, a pair of knit cotton breeches, and beginning mattresses and
curtains for Washington' s camp bed.
Wheelwright —
They will be working on hand carts for the Market House: framing up a cart body and working
on the wheels, and repainting existing carts.
Wigmaker —
They are working on constructing a Bob Wig that was seen in Germany ( comprised of human and
horse hair),
a wiglet for one of our AI' s., a wig for Richard Schuman ( aka Patrick Henry), and daily
maintenance on wigs used by our staff to support various programming ( Plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City and
commercials).
Addendum for Sept 6 -12
Carpenters —They
will be installing doors and shutters on the Scale House, building market stalls for the
Market House, and working with electricians to install low- voltage lighting in the buildings and stalls. Work
continues
on the windmill.
Foodways —
They are working on a new beer with Aleworks. They are also working on a series of pre -made
punch mixes based on 18th- century recipes, getting ready for the first brewing program of the fall on September
27th, and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s confections program.
Weavers -
They will be dyeing on Saturday, Sept 12th. They are also finishing fabric for Foodways table
linens and a coverlet for Prentis.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of September 6-12
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-09
-
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c51dccd6fca09c3f24911ae5c1c013f5
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Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of Sept 13 - 19
Apothecary — They have finished collecting info on 17th_ and early 18th -century treatments for lice that a
professor had requested. He wrote that due to the joint effort from Training and Trades, he has not been to
C. W. but now wants to come and visit. They gave Peter their teacher' s manual for internships for pharmacy
students ( a proposed venture with at least one professor and one local pharmacy school.)
Artificer' s Shop — They will be finishing the last of Washington' s camp equipment for the Museum of the
American Revolution, and beginning a run of cartridge pouches and other small jobs as needed.
Basketmaker —
They HOPE to be splitting wood for baskets. They also hope to be going out to the woods to
cut trees.
Bindery —They are working on two quarto bindings in calf skin, a full binding, and a half binding, all for
Prentis Store. They are also starting a fifth music book in folio to be sold, and continuing the rebinding of A
Complete Housewife for Great Hopes.
They are continuing brickmaking with clay in the pit for treading, prepping the kiln for
construction to begin in October and the firing scheduled Nov 18 -22, and working on a lime kiln at Great Hopes
Brickmaker —
located next to the Windmill.
Cabinetmaker —
They will be varnishing a harpsichord stand and completing the refurbishing of a 1994 Hay
shop spinet, continue work on two walnut case pieces, and continue the construction of a Hay shop wing chair.
Work on a replica
18th- century treadle lathe will also be under way.
Carpenters —They
are building Market House sales booths and getting the Scale House ready for the final city
inspection.
Coopers —They
are continuing the manufacture of several large tubs to be used as covers for modern coolers at
the Market House, repair of about twenty casks that will be used for programming by the Actor Interpreters, the
making of a number of small tubs to be used as dog bowls around town, and the production of three beer
�kilderkins ( 18 gallons capacity) as part of a larger order for the Jamestown -Yorktown Foundation. Please see
the picture below:
They are working on a new beer with Aleworks. They are also working on a series of pre -made
punch mixes based on 18th- century recipes, getting ready for the first brewing program of the fall on September
Foodways —
27th, and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s confections program.
Great Hopes Plantation —
Historic Farming —Tobacco has been cut and is curing in the tobacco house. The cotton is growing well
and has plenty of bolls on it. They recently cut the tops out of the corn for fodder and are pulling every blade off
and tying them into hands of fodder. Plowing will begin soon when we get some rain. Please let it rain!
Domestic Arts —This
new group shares the dynamic activities of the plantation mistress including cooking,
gardening, and general housewifery. It has been tremendously well received by the guests as now they can see
the everyday life of most women in the 18th century. The staff is currently planting greens- collards, lettuce,
and cabbage in both the Kitchen garden and the Slave garden.
Gun Shop /Foundry — The Gunsmiths are making a gun lock for a new display rifle for the guests to handle,
and a pair of flint locks for a cased pair of pistols for a custom order. The Foundry is making bronze pipe tamps
and pewter tea spoons for Prentis Store.
Historic Garden —The
summer garden is coming out and the winter garden is going in. The cabbage,
cauliflower, and collards are planted, the turnips are seeded and just up. Hope to see the kale above ground next
week. The last pumpkins have been harvested, and the patch is being tilled in preparation for sowing with rye
grass as a winter cover crop.
Joiners —
They are working on tables, stalls, and crates for the Market House.
Millinery — part of a foundation wide effort, they have just finished making a gown and quilting a
As
changeable red silk petticoat for Mrs. Virginia, Jatana Jackson. They are now catching up with other projects:
the study of a 1780' s jacket and petticoat from the collection with the intention of copying it, a pair of stays and
�a gown for a donor, and a new young lady' s gown for our shop display. Please see the picture of Mrs. Virginia
below:
They are folding and gathering sections of "A Pretty Story... ", readying them for sale as a stitched
book. They are also correcting the third of four forms for " The Articles of Confederation" ( expecting to have
Printers —
this in production soon).
Shoemaker —They
will be making shoes.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons, Gurney Bowls, a large punch bowl and a " skittle
ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup, trade silver jewelry, a 12inch Montieth, and a copper vessel ( which is being raised by the intern).
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors —They
are finishing a worsted coat, a pair of knit cotton breeches, and beginning mattresses and
curtains for Washington' s camp bed.
They are finishing fabric for Foodways, table linens and a coverlet for Prentis. They are doing
homeschool programs at Great Hopes on Tuesday and Thursday Sept 15 and 17. Next projects - linsey Woolsey
Weavers —
blue and white stripes, and George Washington double weave medallion blankets.
They are continuing with the production of carts for Products to use at the Market House and in
fixing and repainting older Products carts.
Wheelwright —
Wigmaker —
horse hair),
They are working on constructing a Bob Wig that was seen in Germany ( comprised of human and
a wiglet for one of our AI' s., a wig for Richard Schuman ( aka Patrick Henry), and daily
maintenance on wigs used by our staff to support various programming ( Plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City and
commercials).
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-09
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of September 13-19
-
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5412e3d06d4a22d18c9f9e6a489c36e6
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of Sept 20 -26
Apothecary — They are compiling and analyzing primary source material on cleaning teeth and working on
organizing info that they have on domestic medicine for the new Domestic Arts program.
Armoury:
Blacksmith —
They are working on hand railings for the Market House, hardware for a lathe which is being
made in the cabinet shop, a coin press to be used to exhibit early coin production, and an iron rim lock).
Miscellaneous
work includes small hardware for the Market House and Scale house to include nails, hinges, and
slide bolts for the doors, brackets for hanging tin lanterns ( which were made by the Tin Shop),
shears for the
Tin Shop, repairs to agricultural tooling for Great Hopes, and tooling for the Wheelwright Shop.
Tin Shop — They have been repairing watering cans from the Garden site, as well as a coffeepot and some
broken stemware for the Breeches making program, some new chocolate pots and coffee pots for the Coffee
House, and developing patterns for new projects for the advanced part of our apprentice curriculum. The new
apprentice and intern are working on developing skills in fitting and soldering. They are both working on gill
cups, patterned after a surviving cup found in the archaeology of the Custis Site here in Williamsburg.
Also, below is an article about the opening of a blacksmith shop in New York that Ken Schwarz participated in!
�Artificer' s Shop — They will begin construction of leather stays for use by the female Armory staff members,
engage in alterations to leather breeches, and numerous odd jobs.
Basketmaker —
They were able to get into the woods and cut some white oak this past week ( HUZZAH!),
they will be splitting trees into basket material since they were down to almost none.
so
�Below is a picture of the complete collection of baskets made by them for the Market House:
They are working on two quarto bindings in calf skin, a full binding, and a half binding, all for
Prentis Store. They are also starting a fifth music book in folio to be sold, and continuing the rebinding of A
Bindery —
Complete Housewife for Great Hopes.
Brickmaker —
They are continuing brickmaking with clay in the pit for treading, prepping the kiln for
construction to begin in October and the firing scheduled Nov 18 -22, and working on a lime kiln at Great Hopes
located next to the Windmill.
Cabinetmaker —
They continue work on the replication of two case pieces and an easy chair, as well as the
upholstery for a half set of side chairs. Work on the treadle lathe is also underway. The harpsichord makers are
preparing materials for two new spinets and their presentation to the 2016 Working Wood Symposium.
Carpenters —They
are completing the stalls for the Market House, helping with lighting installation, and
readying the Market House for the city building inspection. They are also helping the Joiners build fixtures.
Coopers —They
have finished one of two large tubs to be used as covers for modern coolers at the Market
House and have also finished the production of three beer kilderkins ( 18 gallons capacity) as part of a larger
order for the Jamestown - Yorktown Foundation.
They continue the repair of about twenty casks that will be
used for programming by the Actor Interpreters and the making of a number of small tubs to be used as dog
bowls around town.
�Also, a young lady named Stephanie Matthias from the University of Munich, and studying U. S. History,
worked with the Coopers on Wednesday, September 16. Below is a picture of her at the shop:
lso,
They are working with Aleworks on a test batch of porter. They are also working on a series of
pre -made punch mixes based on 18th -century recipes, getting ready for the first brewing program of the fall on
Foodways —
September 27th, and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s confections program.
Great Hopes Plantation —
Historic Farming — The tobacco is still curing but will be struck soon and bulked up into a pile until they
can sort and tie it into hands. A fair amount of the straw from threshing out the wheat has gone into making the
straw - covered tent frame at the Military Encampment. They plowed some this week with Pat and Mike, the
oxen, and will harrow it off soon.
�Domestic Arts —
They
will be working on planting the fall crops of lettuces, cabbages, and root vegetables
in both the Planter and Slave gardens, as well as tending to the seedling peas and coleworts, already planted. In
addition, they are working on preserving the last of the summer beans that are still in the process of being pulled
up.
Gun Shop /Foundry — They are still making a rifle flintlock, which takes about 50 hours, and 2 flintlocks for a
cased pair of pistols. The founders have about finished a hand bell for the opening of the Market House and
pewter spoons and candle sticks for Prentis store.
Historic Garden —The
last of the summer produce is now being harvested. The pepper plants are being pulled
and cleaned to make room for the parsley and radishes. The butter beans require picking nearly daily now, and
the sweet potatoes are being pulled to make room for the onions, garlic, and shallots.
Joiners —
They are continuing to work on the fittings for the Market House. These include 7 large work tables
as well as the Poulter' s stall, which is the last major component. These items will be installed this week. They
will continue to build boxes and crates as well.
Also, they have a lot of shavings and small pieces of wood to use for kindling. If you would like
some, please stop by their shop.**
Millinery —
They are constructing an exact copy of a woman' s Quaker cap from our collection and working on
a new gown for Aislinn Lewis to wear.
Printers —
They are folding and gathering sections of "A Pretty Story... ", readying them for sale as a stitched
book. They are also correcting the third of four forms for " The Articles of Confederation" ( expecting to have
this in production soon).
Shoemaker —
They will be making shoes.
Silversmith —They
are working on various sorts of spoons and salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a fluted bowl, a
skittle ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup,
trade silver jewelry, rings and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, 2 copper vessels ( one being raised by the
intern, the other by an apprentice), and a silver ingot will be cast by the intern and scraped and filed clean.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors —
They are finishing a worsted coat, a pair of knit cotton breeches, and beginning mattresses and
curtains for Washington' s camp bed.
They are doing programs for Home Schoolers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Great Hopes —
spinning and preparing fibers. They are finishing a navy and blue coverlet for Prentis Store, and they have
Weavers —
finished a Logwood leather sample.
They will be finishing the cart body for the Market House and continuing work on the wheels.
Repair of a cart for the Greenhow Store is almost complete. They will start the repair of the ox cart on Tuesday,
Wheelwright —
Sept 22.
�Wigmaker —
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand -knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City, and commercials).
Two Historic
Trades
personnel
notes:
Betty Myers is out for several weeks to recover from her knee- replacement surgery. We all wish her the
best.
Our new Floating Trades Interpreter, Tim Logue, starts on Sunday, Sept
20th.
Welcome,
Tim!
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of September 20-26
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-09
-
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PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of Sept 27- Oct 3
Apothecary— They are compiling and analyzing primary source material on cleaning teeth and working on organizing info that they have on domestic medicine for the
new Domestic Arts program.
Armoury
Blacksmith—
They are completing
the final hardware
for the Market House, working
on hinges and fireplace
furnishings
for The Museum
of the Confederacy
log
house in Appomattox, Virginia, forging a chisel set for theWheelwright Shop, completing the hardware for the Cabinet Shop lathe project, banding a hub for the
Wheelwrights, fabricating hardware for theWindmill tail pole assembly, forging a blade for a straight razor, and forging a froe for private commission.
Tin Shop— They are fabricating two saucepans for Foodways, fabricating a set of kettles for the Shoe Shop, and making gill cups.
Artificer' s Shop— They will begin construction
of leather stays for use by the female Armory
staff members,
engage in alterations
to leather breeches,
and numerous
oddjobs.
Basketmaker— They will be continuing to split white oak logs into material for baskets, and perhaps weave up some baskets for the Prentis Store in between, if time
allows.
Bindery— They are working
on two quarto bindings
in calf skin, a full binding,
and a half binding, all for Prentis
Store.
They are also starting a fifth music book in
folio to be sold, and continuing the rebinding of A Complete Housewife for Great Hopes.
Brickmaker— They are continuing brickmaking with clay in the pit for treading, prepping the kiln for construction to begin in October and the firing scheduled Nov
18- 22, and working
on a lime kiln at Great Hopes located next to the Windmill.
Cabinetmaker— They continue work on the replication of two case pieces and an easy chair, as well as the upholstery for a half set of side chairs. Work on the treadle
lathe is also underway. The harpsichord makers are preparing materials for two new spinets and their presentation to the 2016 Working Wood Symposium.
Carpenters—
for business
by October
The Market House is done!
They have moved workbenches,
pulled down the tent, cleaned up, and packed up the tools. The Market House will open up
next week, while they finish up some crates and boxes to complete
the furnishings.
They started this project in early April 2014 and planned to have it done
Is', 2015. They made it!
Coopers— They have finished all the work contracted for the Market House and are commencing the restoration of casks for an upcoming program involving the
delivery and collection
of goods in Williamsburg.
Below is a picture of all of the items made for the Market House:
e
1
1
Foodways— The first brewing of the Fall season will take place on Sunday the 27th from 10: 00 until 3: 45 in the Palace Scullery.
Great Hopes Plantation—
Historic Farming— Plowing has commenced, with most of the top field finished. Manure has been spread in the low spots. The host of a BBC television show will
finish plowing
it up on Friday. They will plant clover in these areas to replenish
been cut off the plants and bound into bundles
the soil during the late Fall and early Spring. All the tops and blades of the corn have
for fodder. Only the ears need to dry before picking. The first cotton has been picked.
Domestic Arts— Beautiful radishes are being harvested in the gardens and cooked in stews and other dishes. Planning has begun for soap making and laundry this
Fall. Linen napkins
Milling— The
and other items continue to be hemmed.
windmill
now
has SAILS! It is starting
to
look like
a mill
again:
�r
e
P
ry.
1
Gun Shop/ Foundry— They are still making a rifle flintlock, which takes about 50 hours, and 2 flintlocks
for a cased pair of pistols. The founders
have about finished a
hand bell for the opening of the Market House and pewter spoons and candle sticks for Prentis store.
Historic
Garden— The broccoli
goldenrods
are colliding
is transplanted,
in a cacophony
and the spinach and corn salad has just sprouted.
They are digging sweet potatoes this week, and the late asters and
of color in the flower border.
Joiners— They have completed the majority of the furnishings for the Market House. Over the last month, they have completed 6 Baker' s Stalls, 2 Butcher' s Stalls, a
Poulter' s Stall, 12 tables, and 3 benches. This week, they will be working on the 2 sign boards and 10 small crates for the Market House. They will also be fitting the
freshly- forged collars and hooks on to the poles for the Washington
Dining tent.
Milliner— They continue to work on a petticoat and jacket, a silk Sultanna robe, and a reproduction of a late I P-century cap, worn by a Quaker lady, which is in our
CW collection.
Printers— The
presswork
is
complete
for" A
Pretty Story."
The folding continues, soon followed by gathering the signatures, then finally stitching this political
pamphlet/ children' s story. Copies of" A Pretty Story" are for sale to our guests in the Post Office. They are now printing the third form for" The Articles of
Confederation." Once this is completed, they will have one remaining form to bring to the press.
Shoemaker—
They recently
finished a pair of double- soled strong shoes for one of the apprentices
of shoe- boots( aka half- boots) for the other farmers, but their mainstay
remains
men' s common
at Great Hopes.
Over the fall, they will also be working
on few pairs
shoes and dance pumps for staff within trades and other departments.
In April, they brought on a new apprentice. He is progressing well and focusing on developing and refining technique. In the coming weeks, he will be making a few
pairs of slippers for some of the Blacksmiths. Over the summer, they had an intern with them from Bates College in Maine. During her three months in the shop, she
learned to lay up thread and to close basic uppers. Her final project was to produce a pair of slippers for herself.
Silversmith—
They are working
on various
sorts of spoons and salt shovels,
Gurney Bowls and a fluted bowl, a" skittle ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, a small dram
cup, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup, trade silver jewelry, rings and letter charms, a 12- inch Montieth, 2 copper vessels( one being raised by the intern,
the other by an apprentice),
and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors— They are finishing
a worsted
coat, a pair of knit cotton breeches,
and beginning
mattresses
and curtains
for Washington'
s camp bed.
Wheelwright— A hand cart body is finished and being painted, the wheels and running gear are still in progress. Work on the repair of the ox cart will commence this
week. A new tongue for the bike carriage will be sawn out as well.
Wigmaker—
They are constructing
a Bob Wig, comprised
base for a new wig for Richard Schuman(
plays,
Ghost Tours, Rev
City,
and
Patrick Henry).
commercials).
of human and horsehair,
which Debbie saw in Germany,
They also continue to do daily maintenance
a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand- knotted
on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of September 27 - October 3
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-10
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/ce541ea235b08b3ddd74697be9047da3.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=mtCmzMAUU0FgvHKcqAonO0Xkuy%7EgIYd4kq9%7EEa7ve9H33DlMFDLaVBfjK76jZiHHbCU-yKoQMyia%7EnoIupmwIWubs8HBd%7Eo1QRekGKgiFfhSw6a8lFLFlTrS%7ElKF5Va44hBV0AvZ47RMpXv1ORD9UcwpxiEikv%7ELhrUUggmCHeEOtVDBcAY-TAwIwi5kn6%7E7a7wsWtDsQ8QNeKlkA7KK5Pk4MPgdD1XGosR6QDsMvlphnyUklo1o974TjmgbIV5RRWFXDQR17iVlAtSwYBDsQjB0hKRU-Ljloxj31h%7E%7ESPSIa5TQZJiN-58IeOvsX1vZ1FiRajalaA2tyWCNfQirOg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
22d056258c8e3404dfa7a4b83027c7ca
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK'
S ADVISER
for the week of October
4 - 10
Apothecary — They edited and updated the teacher' s guide for their electronic field trip, "
Tales ".
The curators hung their large reproduction anatomical prints in the office.
Potions, Ails, and Smallpox
They continue to work on dentistry,
and there is a significant amount of primary sources that have been added. They are working on information on domestic
medicine
for Great Hopes.
Armoury:
Blacksmith — They
are making repairs to the ox cart for Coach and Livestock, completing parts for the Cabinetmaker
lathe, forging a fireplace crane for the Museum of the Confederacy log building in Appomattox, working on a coin press
for the Curator of Numismatics, making andirons for Collections for Raleigh Tavern, forging smoker' s tongs for
Anderson display, forging a froe for a customer, and repairing a door lock spindle for a customer.
Tin Shop — They are fabricating two saucepans for Foodways, fabricating a set of kettles for the Shoe Shop, and
making gill cups.
Artificer' s Shop —They will be finishing leather stays for the Armory apprentices and completing a run of cartridge
pouches for Military Programs. Depending on light and progress, they may commence work on a pair of officer' s field
cases. They will continue with the usual odd jobs and repairs.
Basketmaker —They
will be splitting white oak and/ or working on a long overdue wheelbarrow basket. They have
moved back into the Wythe Laundry.
Bindery — They are working on two quarto bindings in calf skin, a full binding, and a half binding, all for Prentis Store.
They are also starting a fifth music book in folio to be sold, and continuing the rebinding of A Complete Housewife for
Great Hopes.
Brickmaker — They
are busy constructing their clamp, or kiln, where the bricks made this summer will be fired Nov 18-
22. Work will include stacking the 27, 000 or so bricks, encasing the green bricks first with previously fired bricks and
then a layer of clay, and of course, stacking firewood.
Cabinetmaker —
They continue work on the replication of two case pieces and an easy chair, as well as the upholstery for
a half set of side chairs. The harpsichord makers are preparing materials for two new spinets and their presentation to the
2016 Working Wood Symposium. The treadle lathe will hopefully be completed this week.
Carpenters —
They have finished building hinged and lockable crates for the Market House. They are now working
down the final punch list for the buildings there and preparing to return the Carpentry program to Great Hopes, opening to
the public on October
Coopers —
inroads
1 3th.
They have started making a larger -size cask for the Jamestown -Yorktown Foundation. They are making some
of casks ( mentioned last week). They are also making a few buckets.
into the restoration
Foodways —
They are working with Aleworks on a test batch of porter. They are also working on a series of pre -made
punch mixes based on 1 8th- century recipes and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s confections program.
Secrets of the Chocolate Maker" will be held on Tuesday, Oct 6th
Great Hopes Plantation —
Farming: They have struck the curing tobacco and stripped all the leaves off the stalks. It is now bulked into a pile to
sweat. This process often improves the color of the leaf and will result in better tobacco. They are grubbing out the corn
stalks in the bottom field in preparation for plowing, and they continue to plow according to soil conditions.
�Domestic: The greens are doing well in the garden; and sometime this month, they will make a delivery of them to the
Williamsburg Lodge restaurant. As the garden slows down, other domestic work will include drop spinning, making
yeast, etc... They let a hen brood, and they now have some freshly- hatched chicks. The mother hen and the chicks are a
big treat for the guests.
They now have a Facebook page: "
Colonial Williamsburg' s Great Hopes Plantation ".
Check them out!
Checking the tobacco to see if it is ` in case'."
Gun Shop /Foundry —
They are busy altering a bell pattern and casting a bell for a neat gift for an important donor of the
Market House Project. They also continue to make flintlocks, spoons, candle sticks, and other items.
Historic
Garden —
The broccoli is transplanted, and the spinach and corn salad has just sprouted. They are digging sweet
potatoes this week, and the late asters and goldenrods are colliding in a cacophony of color in the flower border.
Joiners —
They will finish the last of the crates for the Market House. They are also fitting collars on the Washington
Dining tent poles, building a box for the reproduction of Washington' s folding camp bed, and working up a sign board for
the William
Pitt Store.
18th-
Millinery —They continue to work on a petticoat and jacket, a silk Sultanna robe, and a reproduction of a late
century
cap, worn by a Quaker lady, which is in our CW collection.
Printers —
The pressmen are working off copies of "The Articles of Confederation," and they are in the bindery gathering
and stitching " A Pretty Story."
�Shoemaker —
They wanted to share some pictures of one of their recently - completed projects:
a pair of French - style
riding boots to be used by Mark Schneider as Lafayette. This was the shop' s first attempt at a boot like this, and they
presented Journeyman Brett Walker with a number of design and fitting challenges Unlike English style boots, these have
no " rearward inclination."
The usual challenges of the foot dropping past the long heel and short heel measure points
were exacerbated by the ramrod- straight vertical leg of the boot. However, after some careful stretching an ideal fit was
achieved.
Please see the picture below:
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons and salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a fluted bowl, a " skittle
ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup, trade silver jewelry,
rings and letter charms, a 1 2- inch Montieth, 2 copper vessels ( one being raised by the intern, the other by an apprentice),
and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors —
They are working on the mattresses and curtains for Washington' s camp bed and finishing details on the
Marquees.
Weaver — They
double cloth:
just completed a blue and white overshot throw for Prentis. In addition, they have completed a test of
woven at 30 inches but unfolds to 60 inches.
This is in practice for Mt. Vernon and for us here to create an
80+ wide, no seam blanket for sewing medallions in the corners.
Wheelwright —
They are also producing towels for Prentis.
They are currently repairing the ox cart, fmishing a hand cart for the Market House, repairing an ox
wagon, and starting a new ox cart.
Wigmaker — They
are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in Germany, a
wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand -knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick Henry). They also
continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming ( plays, Ghost Tours, Rev
City, and commercials).
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of October 4-10
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-10
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/9032930d8adceecb3513cb1be9438bac.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=csFMKn8zkivHgIwwAIrbog8N-lrZEk1rJQ0T5FVtADTUMfWad9Hpue0%7EySSeLVSmoXUww496ZMmm033W9-DZT2nRt5Bz44pBie5gT6RfMAmtGU1c4DmrmjMQB-ID0mpKs1U8qQsybqF2xYp1gp7E%7EGdlunL41YnkjAyHUhdpaowkab0AYzm5WNrZYTWObv4EVLf4cCNsealjDQMSHveNpfhRNHszBoS63TstlVFxEN65fzvxd%7EZHCO70JjpYSmv4Nf%7EWCC%7E2yTCxDrhcI6jlPpeg2CDArvk1XkfDgr28E0Z30BjRQjHPoVgEp60uD5D30o41p06ogOEAMxLN-%7EXTQw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
947ad816531149c5f15b877457d4c3b0
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for
Apothecary— They
trip "
Potions,
Ails,
the week of October
11 -
17
are finishing up info requested by PPLV for the teacher' s manual for the electronic field
Smallpox Tales".
They are starting work on info for winter training and meeting with
and
staff from Great Hopes about their domestic medicine program. The first meeting for the Task Force on guest
surveys about the trades, chaired by Robin Kipps, met on Oct 8th.
Armoury:
They are making repairs to the ox cart for Coach and Livestock, completing parts for the
Blacksmith—
Cabinetmaker lathe, working on a coin press for the Curator of Numismatics, making andirons for Collections
for Raleigh Tavern, forging smoker' s tongs for Anderson display, forging a froe for a customer, repairing a door
lock spindle for a customer, making firesteels for tinder boxes for Prentis, and starting on other materials for
Prentis. They have completed a fireplace crane for the Museum of the Confederacy log building in
Appomattox.
Tin
Shop— They are fabricating two saucepans for Foodways, fabricating a set of kettles for the Shoe Shop,
making gill cups, completing tinder boxes for Prentis, and making oil cans and mugs for the Carpenters.
Artificer'
s
Shop—
They will begin a number of pieces of officers' camp baggage, as well as handling the usual
repairs and incidental leather items for use in the Historic Area.
They continue to split white oak and will begin to weave up some baskets for Christmas sales
Please have a look at your baskets, and if they need repair, please bring them to the Basketmakers.
Basketmaker—
at
Prentis.
Fraying rims need to be fixed ASAP. Thanks!
Brickmaker—
They are busy constructing their clamp, or kiln, where the bricks made this summer will be fired
Nov 18- 22. Work will include stacking the 27, 000 or so bricks, encasing the green bricks first with previously
fired bricks and then a layer of clay, and of course, stacking firewood.
Cabinetmaker—
for
They continue work on the replication of two case pieces and an easy chair, as well as the
half
The harpsichord makers are preparing materials for two new spinets and
their presentation to the 2016 Working Wood Symposium. The treadle lathe is nearing completion and will be
upholstery
a
set of side
chairs.
in operation.
Carpenters—
They are returning to Great Hopes and will open to the public on October 13th. They will be
building a work shelter, setting up planing benches, building a tool house, and making shingles.
Coopers—
Due to low staffing, they have placed the restoration of casks mentioned previously on hold. They
are continuing work on the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation order. They have a J. I. working with them once a
week, and they have been training A.L' s to work in the Cooperage as interpreters.
Foodways—
They are working with Aleworks on a test batch of porter. They are also working on a series of
pre- made punch mixes based on 18th- century recipes and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s
confections program.
The next Brewing program will be October 14th.
Great Hopes Plantation—
�Farming: Now that the soil is drying out, they will commence plowing the bottom field. They then will
break up the clods with an iron- toothed harrow, going over it 2- 3 times. After sowing the clover, they will
lightly harrow it in with a wood- toothed harrow. They also continue to pick some cotton.
Domestic:
They will plant fall vegetables in the Slave Garden and will cook African- American foodways. As
well, they will prepare a seasonal apple and winter squash pudding, and stews from their harvested produce.
They have a great patch of radishes and turnips. Some of them were taken by ox cart to the photo shoot at the
Market House. Other root vegetables will be used in the CW Taste Studio presentation on Nov. 28th, when Stef
Dunn will be cooking with Chef Anthony Frank. They will be making brooms on Thursday.
Gun Shop/ Foundry—
They have finished the casting of the small bell that they were working on last week. It
has now been passed to the Toolmaker for her to turn into a miniature bell cote like the one on the Market
House. They are continuing to work on 2 flint locks for a pair of pistols and 1 for a rifle. The Foundry is
finishing some Pewter taper sticks that they cast earlier, which will go to Prentis.
Historic
Garden— Fortunately,
the six inches of rain and much wind did not seem to displace or flood out their
plants, but only kept the soil nice and damp for this week which lightens the watering workload. Sweet potatoes
were pulled this week, yielding a bountiful harvest. Garlic, shallots, and onions have been planted in their place.
This completes the fall garden with the exception of the broad beans, which will be planted in November. They
and their plants are now enjoying the cooler weather and the moist soil left from the rain. Re- covering of the
melon hoops is to happen soon, and sweet potatoes will be done curing in about two weeks, ready for tasting!
They will be working on fitting the remaining collars on the ridge pole for General Washington's
dining tent, building a small musket crate for the Market House, building a box for one of the reproductions of
Joiners—
General Washington' s folding field bed that the shop built last year, and the sign board for the Pitt store will be
completed.
Millinery—
They are still working on a gown, a cap, and a silk Sultanna robe to be used in an upcoming lecture.
Miss Lily Riggenbach will be joining them for the next couple of weeks as a volunteer.
Printers—
They
are
continuing
the presswork
for" The Articles
of
Confederation;"
and when away from the
press, they are assembling stitched books.
Shoemaker—
Research and study is an ongoing process at the shoemakers. A major achievement in August was
the detailed assessment of the Assadorian Shoe Collection. Acquired by the Foundation in the mid- 1990s, the
collection is made up of pieces recovered from various sites around New York City. Over four weeks, 940
shoes, boots, and fragments dating from c1670- 1820 were catalogued and drawn by Master Al Saguto.
Also in August, Journeyman Val Povinelli visited the Maine State Museum to examine shoes recovered from
the wreck of the Defense, an American privateer that was scuttled during the Penobscot Expedition of 1779.
When time permits, he will return to draw and pattern the shoes, expanding our range of documented styles.
This month, Journeyman Brett Walker will be going up to Fort Ligonier in PA to assess the condition of that
site' s extensive
Silversmith—
collection
of French
and Indian War- era shoes.
They are working on various sorts of spoons and salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a fluted bowl, a
skittle ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup,
trade
silver
jewelry, rings
and
letter
charms,
a
12- inch Montieth,
2
copper
vessels ( one
being
raised
by
the
�intern,
17'-
by
the other
an apprentice),
and
ladles.
The intern is scraping an ingot she cast and will be making a
century bodkin.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors— They
are working on the mattresses and curtains for Washington' s camp bed and finishing details on
the Marquees.
Weaver—
They
are
working
on
the
last
of
the
double
cloth—
see picture below.
This is a first to double the
width of a piece of cloth. They are finishing Diaper (diamond shaped) fabric and preparing the specs for Linsey
Wolsey. They are prepping for Dye day around Halloween.
They are also preparing for the
anniversary
25th-
celebration in November for the Leicester Longwool. Stay tuned.
F
l
Wheelwright—
The shop
will
be
closed
for
maintenance
Oct
12th- 24th.
During this time, Andrew De Lisle and
Paul Zelesnikar are traveling to the UK on for two weeks. They will study original vehicles in Warwick and
Cardiff
and
visit
several
shops.
The main purpose of their trip is to be inducted into The Worshipful Company
of Wheelwrights for the City of London as Yeoman of the Company. There are only 15 positions, and they will
be the only American working wheelwrights in the company. Congratulations to them both!!
Wigmaker—
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand- knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
plays,
Ghost Tours, Rev
City,
and
commercials).
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-10
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of October 11-17
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
-
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THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for
the week of October
18 -
24
Apothecary— They had their second task force meeting on a visitor satisfaction survey. The new skeleton is
now assembled and will be arriving soon. More info is to come.
The magazine " House and Home" has a great article about the Apothecary Shop and Sharon and Robin in
their Fall 2015 issue.
The pages have been scanned and are attached.
I' m afraid the pictures came out rather
dark.
Armoury:
Blacksmith—
They continue working on a coin press for the Curator of Numismatics, making andirons for
Collections for Raleigh Tavern, forging smoker' s tongs for Anderson display, forging a froe for a customer,
making firesteels for tinder boxes for Prentis.
Tin
Shop— They are fabricating two saucepans for Foodways, making gill cups, completing tinder boxes for
Prentis, and beginning to work on lanterns to light the new workshops.
Artificer'
s
Shop—
They are engaged in production of saddle valises as well as handling the usual repairs and
incidental leather items for use in the Historic Area.
Jay Howlett and Emma Cross, as well as Aislinn Lewis and Jenny Lynn, were mentioned in a web article about
the leather stays that were recently made for Aislinn and Jenny. Please go to the following link for the article
and pictures:
http:// twonerdyhistorygirls.blogspot.com/2015/ 1 0/ leather- stays- for- l 8thc-working- women.html.
Basketmaker—
at
Prentis.
They continue to split white oak and will begin to weave up some baskets for Christmas sales
Please have a look at your baskets, and if they need repair, please bring them to the Basketmakers.
Fraying rims need to be fixed ASAP. Thanks!
Bindery—
They are working on a rule book for the Cabinetmaker and making books for Prentis ( done in full
calf skin).
They continue working on the music book.
They are busy constructing their clamp, or kiln, where the bricks made this summer will be fired
Nov 18- 22. Work will include stacking the 27, 000 or so bricks, encasing the green bricks first with previously
Brickmaker—
fired bricks and then a layer of clay, and of course, stacking firewood.
Cabinetmaker—
They continue work on the replication of two case pieces and an easy chair, as well as the
upholstery for a half set of side chairs. The harpsichord makers are preparing materials for two new spinets and
their presentation to the 2016 Working Wood Symposium. The treadle lathe is nearing completion and will be
in operation.
Carpenters—
They have returned to Great Hopes and are building a small building for storing tools at the
Carpenter' s Yard.
Coopers—
They
are
repairing
casks
for
the transport
program.
�Foodways —
They are working with Aleworks on a test batch of porter. They are also working on a series of
pre- made punch mixes based on 18th- century recipes and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s
confections
program.
Great Hopes Plantation—
Some of the Farming and Domestic Arts staff will learn and practice broom making this week.
Farming: Half of the fields are plowed, harrowed, and sown with clover. On the remaining half, the
cornstalks have been harrowed and grubbed off, and the remaining hills need to be harrowed flat. After which,
they will begin to plow. They continue to pick cotton as it opens, and work on small woodworking projects.
Domestic Arts: They will be harvesting the rest of the red scarlet radishes and planting another batch. In
addition, they will be thinning out the turnips and planting a few more to ensure a big crop, and tending the
mustard greens and kale planted last week in the slave garden. They will also use up their large lettuce patch by
making a dish called salmagundi made with cold chicken, anchovies, egg yolk, and dressed with a vinaigrette.
Guests had a unique experience last week when Chef Anthony Frank from the Lodge cooked for a short while
with Domestic Arts Intern Nicole Justice in their Kitchen.
Gun
Shop/ Foundry— They continue to work on gun locks for a rifle and a cased pair of pistols. The Founders
just finished a bronze hand bell for the opening of the Market House. They also are polishing a number of
pewter taper sticks for Prentis Store.
Historic
Garden —
The weather is looking beautiful, and the fall plants are flourishing. The cheese cloth covers
have been taken off of the cabbages as they have observed that the cabbage moth has moved on for the season.
Strawberry greens are looking great; and to help the strawberry harvest, they are transplanting more plants in
the bed. Spinach is now starting to bear true leaves; the onions are not yet up. The pole beans are to be pulled
soon, and spring bulbs and flowers are on their way in, as well. The sweet potatoes are still curing. Kale is
getting bigger, almost to the size of harvesting, and they can see the first tops of the turnips.
Joiners— Musket Crate'(
the only thing they will be working on is making 3 Musket Crates).
The pictures below: this is a box built by Mr. Howlett that was based on the English officer' s chest that was
recently acquired by Colonial Williamsburg. The handles and hinges were forged in the Blacksmith shop based
on the surviving hardware on the original. The size of the box was modified to accommodate the reproduction
of General Washington' s folding camp bed that was built in the Joiner' s shop last year by Mr. Salisbury. The
bed and box will make a brief stop at Mount Vernon next month and then on to Philadelphia to become an
integral part of the Museum of the American Revolution' s collection.
I
n
A
�A bed in a box."
Millinery— Sarah Woodyard
is
now
Journeywoman
a
Milliner
and
Mantua-
maker!!!
Congratulations!!!
She finished her last Apprenticeship project Thursday, Oct 14th at 4: 05pm.
Friday and Saturday, October 16th and 17th, will see the making of a gold silk damask sacque in the late
1760' s style. A professor from the University of New Hampshire is coming down to see the process of 18thmantua-
century
She is writing
making.
book
a
that
is referring
to several
18th-
century gowns in Charleston, SC.
The gown they will be making will be technologically copied from a gown which has no lining, which is also in
the same museum collection. Sarah and Abby are preparing for a paper that they will be presenting at a day
Symposium in Maryland the first of November.
Printers—
They
are
the presswork
continuing
for" The Articles
of
Confederation;"
and when away from the
press, they are assembling stitched books.
Shoemaker—
Whenever possible, they like to demonstrate other parts of the shoemaking trade in
Williamsburg. Over the past several years, Val Povinelli has been focusing his research on the wartime
production of shoes for Virginia' s military forces. Since the early summer, he has been spending time each
week at the Anderson Armory discussing the work of Williamsburg' s Publick Shoemakers. Using a
rudimentary tool kit, he has been repairing shoes for the staff and explaining the difficulties faced by local
shoemakers during the War for Independence. Val can usually be found at the Armory on Thursday mornings
and the occasional Wednesday.
Silversmith—
They are working on various sorts of spoons and salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a fluted bowl, a
skittle ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup,
trade silver jewelry, rings and letter charms, a 12- inch Montieth, 2 copper vessels ( one being raised by the
intern,
by an apprentice), and ladles. The intern is scraping an ingot she cast and will be making a
century bodkin.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
the
other
17th-
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors —
They are working on the mattresses and curtains for Washington' s camp bed and finishing details on
the Marquees.
Weaver—
Also
on
They
the
will
dye list
be
are
dyeing
with
Madder
the
native
only
root ( orange),
dye
stuff,
Indigo ( blue),
black
and
walnut—
they fought the squirrels and won!
Fustic ( Yellow).
Good autumnal colors.
Much of the items to be dyed will be for the Milliners, who will be using the dyed yarn for a workshop in
November. The volunteer from the Wheelwright, Al, is helping them out while his shop is traveling in England
and Poland. He helped them build a new warp for blankets.
Wheelwright—
The shop
will
be
closed
for
maintenance
Oct
12th- 24th.
During this time, Andrew De Lisle and
Paul Zelesnikar are traveling to the UK on for two weeks. They will study original vehicles in Warwick and
Cardiff
and
visit
several
shops.
The main purpose of their trip is to be inducted into The Worshipful Company
of Wheelwrights for the City of London as Yeoman of the Company. There are only 15 positions, and they will
be
the
only American
working
wheelwrights
in
the
company.
Congratulations
to them
both!!
�Wigmaker—
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand- knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
plays,
Ghost Tours, Rev
City,
and
commercials).
�left)
used
for
At
late September
had
the
morning
herbs
to
dispel
unguent
through
By
Deb Weissler
heralds
clears
arrival
the
the
1700s,
often
a---
_
7_
—,
been
ve
they'
in
increase
rheumatism
of
supply
stuffs,
the
often
practitioners
surgeons,
Colonial
served
all
an
apprenticeship,
to
referred
Health
venture
care
doctor, to
folks
need
often
Why
was
pay for
medicine
ask
for
a
enough
the
request
doctor'
when
this
regarded
yourself
Americans.
prescription
to
and
education,
highly
do -it-
medicine
knew
pharmacology
a
colonial
a
obtain
of
matters
surgery;
his
was
practicing
in
doctor ".
as "
was
for many
One didn' t
the
functions.
through
and
of
professional
They
medical
s
and
from
their
many
rudimentary
specific
consultation
drugs.
plus
all one needed to
drugs
do
desired?
tartar
over-
A
inbound
or
sugar
or
years
Raw
carefully
shelves,
is
the
more
well-
are
still
The House &
the
Home
of a well of
collection
and
and
stocked
be
in labeled
in
than
Pasteur &
s
epitome
Its
materials
or
s
business
a
ago.
will
stored
Today'
to
claim
Williamsburg'
which
soap, food
successful
proved
or
cure,
cones.
lay
cannot
with centuries - old
of
seeking
anyone
in imported
delft jars
many
21st c.
18th century
of
advice
Apothecary
labeled
2015
surgeons
support
Regardless
dentistry
medical
a
and
them
guide
pharmacology,
medicine,
attending
not.
observations,
chemistry books,
to
of
did
most
hands - on
apothecary
late
university
medical
druggists.
than
to
but
local apothecary
l8thc pharmacy.
antique
Fall/
of
have
world
the
latest
hundred
Colonial
the
to the
candles,
model that
12
were
mid
to
physicians,
specialized—
working
necessary"
fortune
good
Come
holiday feasting.
where
pharmacies
run
that
and
the
unable
was
if
had fewer
in
residents
In England,
often
varied,
holidays
Williamsburg
like Pasteur
and
the
doubt
no
who
remedies,
craving
Galt
another,
in
were
18thc pharmacy books.
school,
on
relied
Various ingre-
extractions. ( right)
likely bring
cream
and
for
stop shop
one -
medical
two
these
may not have
historian and
and
key
London.
medicine,
is
the
the
the town
apothecary-
now
explains
few had
medical
tablet,
tooth
a
suffering from
both is already
Welcome
a
or
night
Trained
will
will
those
indulged in
but
they
a
capitol
surgeons
Sharon Cotner. 'Some
apothecaries,
cases
influenza.
and
chalk
to
aplenty
from
fever
those
December, they
dispense
the
reduce
treating;
weather
changing
an
will
of malarial
number
1
it
as
welcomed,
but
of,
physicians
trained.
Colonial
old
apothecary-
shops,"
Because
many
Autumn is
of cooler weather.
all owned
two thousand
open window
the
air and
the
breeze
cool
know
we
into
compounded
evening before. A
the
eight
partnership with one
Galt. Their hours
and
odor of a
lingering
the
camphor
that
the
peak,
least
interpreter
does little
spices
and
blend
aromatic
shop' s
of
apothecary
its
at
liquid,
in
In front lies
form.
dients from
On a
drugs
Finished
ointment
compounds,
used
in
the
botanicals
are
bins beneath
shop' s
attic.
Magazine
13
�Fall / 2015
14
AND
CHEMISTRY,
CINE,
MEDI-
PHYSICIANS
AND
OFTEN
and
purging
and
were
were
poorly
medicine,
to make
yet
and
physicians
symptoms
rather
splint.
ague,
Photo courtesy of CWF
gripes,
dry
OFFICE
1
AUTO
1
BOAT
BOB' S
UPHOLSTERY
fascinating
a
fact
would
have
could
business
Sharon
a
male
the
are
located
on
Duke
historical interpretations in
a
their
contributing
volunteers
a
year
psychology
major,
1981
comparison
They
history
and chemicals.
assist
in
days
are
who
pharmacists
new ways.
are
Robin
as a
to
moved
and
her favorite
of
are
volunteers
later. As a
the
on
building
love for
medicine in
in
Street.
willing
five
joined the trades department
employee
employees
is
that
to
shop
and
physicians
hire
shop
18thc
three
week. Several
retired
Apothecary
two story
restored
have
the
business
and Sharon
Robin
Gloucester
of
she
but
to
her."
summer intern
a
and
practice
to manage
the
of
to
fortunate
husband,
Galt
the Pasteur &
a
in
the
full -time
only
original site
the
the
women
the
have
for
business
at
would
apothecary
the
occupation, despite
her
from
She
explains. "
been
from
run
not
alone,"
and
woman could inherit
A
an apothecary
For
of
study
the 18thc
excluded
been
medicine. "
of
the
today:
king'
satisfying
and
in
that
in
foreign
like Sharon
supervisor Robin Kipps, the
colonial diseases and medicine has
1
the
quinsy.
interpreters
and
treated
A
causes.
sound
that
dropsy,
the
so apothecaries
symptoms
describes
flux,
bloody
on
physician' s
Wil iamsburg
diseases
of
The
had
often
the
s evil,and
historians
HOME
for
treatments
biology
impacts
alike
mid 1700s
knee
common
diseases,
through a
index
and
significant
than
look
and
bloodletting
of
understood.
chemistry,
of
theory
leg splint,
powerless,
was
practice
still
of
sciences
infectious
which
maladies
sling,
18thc medicine
face
the
and
the
SYMPTOMS
THE
CAUSES. In
virulent
however,
diseases
ALIKE
TREATED
•
THE
THAN
RATHER
of
APOTHECARIES
SO
DISEASES,
arm
OF
THEORY
THE
TO
ON
IMPACTS
SIGNIFICANT
BIOLOGY
YET
HAD
MAKE
L to R:
OF
SCIENCES
THE
area
of
of
18thc
plant
-
the
apothecary
former
is
study
pharmacy,
summer
including
based
Sharon, who
the
drugs
the
tin
oxide
House &
Home Magazine
glazed ceramic
Apothecary
supervisor
Robin
Kipps
points out
the
various
antique
storage jars.
Photo
�the
in
specializes
cancer,
surgery,
bloodletting,
of
study
AND
LEECHES
AND
OPIATES
Photo
the
forensics
to
the
study
have
and
medical
her
made
apothecary.
Both women
have
it
made
visit
some
enabled
us
in
London," Robin
of
Apothecaries in London
in
course
taught
was
on - site
they
where
history
the
of
US.
not'
to
opportunity
museums
London
together
be
can
Pepperers,
of
for
the
formed
an
odd
prehistoric
a
highly
black
times,
trade
prized
after the
Middle
Peppercorns
taxes,
and
by
top)
serves
various
ments. (
A jar of leeches
as
backdrop to
bleeding instru-
As
right)
wines,
A brass
India
and
pestle
used
compound
How
arm
it
hard
leather
in
dispensed
from
Because
drugs.
muscle
life-
serious
Grocer's
the
of
lay
Physicians.
battle
against the
Lords,
both
who
today'
s
and
leg
your
these
of
to
let
have
would
you
to
lie in
bone
the
until
weeks
that
inactivity,
atrophy
turned
blood
or
back
Leeches
dragon'
and
s
were
all
the
apothecaries
dispense
which
clots,
a
sober.
risk
bone
won
legal
a
House
were
gathered
Colonial
opiates
spermaceti
part
from
of
all
apothecaries
and
apothecary's
an
plant
over
were
materials
the
world,
required
of
by law
could
to
import everything they
compounded
from England. When
medicines.
the
the
equivalent
of
Revolutionary
apothecaries
pharmacies.
French
Fall /
2015
War broke
tumed
was
then."
lancets,
blood,
at
were
you
of
Society
had become
faces
as
pharmacopeia. Although
College
the
College in
ruled
prescribe
Apothecaries
16
1704
designed
practice,
medical
with the
In
they
have
buckled into
were
said,
business
camphor
however,
broke
one
threatening. Breaking
royal
and
over
to
six
Courtney
Apothecaries.
Authority
t
Courtney
you
wear
eight
The Worshipful
become
to
t
You
was
Company
Society of
would
wasn'
perfumes,
compounded
to secede
boots,"
splints that
and
as
guffawing
Instead, if
you
your
mishaps.
18thc they didn'
walk around.
set,"
Company,
confectionery,
and
air -
broken
ever
visitors,
the
summer
question:
a
up, particularly
go
various
or
casts
ankle,
medicines.
Photos courtesy of CWF
younger
continues. "
dealing
have
leg ?" Hands
their
recall
raises
medicinal purposes.
were granted a
they
of
to the
West Indies for
shop come
a historical
Colonial
and
specialty
only
but
medicine,
to the
contribution
our
experience."
guest
for how far
appreciation
has
medicine
day. " The
shop is
give
history
Williamsburg
apothecary
Hurt
of you
many
or
among
was
of
herbs,
1617
washed
of spicer-
Grocers'
the
of
to the
not
The
to the
progressed
days
a
is
Apothecary Shop
to CFW
week
five
open
holders. Robin
ticket
that
visitors
thing
unique
Sharon
an
and
I
about
are
and
able
in depth look into
Sharon, along
have
employees,
the
entitled
in
of
two
with
written
a
other
former
fascinating
book
Physick: The Professional Practice
sterilized,
often
were
today's
inside
Courtney
bed for
for
spices,
sold
charter
to
drugs
their
the
gold ".
dowries,
trade
present
were often
not
not
to Colonial
visitors
gather
Pepperers
The
with
Colonial
As
them
appropriate
period -
renewed
re -used.
were
from
who ground and
members
they
linen bandages
lace,
and
were
and
Robin
area,"
ll supply
to
regards
since
a
In
mortar
find
Well, in
the
we'
painful,
to
well
that
to the emergence
apothecaries,
herbs
by
all pepper
black
in
symptoms,
Instruments
intern
Until
wholesale merchants
led
their
be
working
germ" and
words "
infection. Diseases
and
causes.
you
mind that
in
away
in
a
The
unknown
re
bandage."
this
Spicers, subsequently
the
and groceries.
spices
spices
disease
standards
If
valuable
money
crude,
often
a
must
on the
medicine
training,
was
and
as "
lectures
and
or
becoming
times
rent.
joined
were
so
of
early 14thc,
By the
in
were
lieu
in
accepted
Guild
to the
came
to
a
modern
peppercorns
Europe
and was often referred
their
were
sterile'
for setting
good.
midwifery
and
Ages, virtually
throughout
used
in
studied
so
medicine.
expensive.
and
they'
restored
Visitors
of
theory
originally
maintaining
keep
name,
the
laughs, "
perspective
certain weights and measures.
this
also
medical
attended
and
Colonial
in 1180,
spices and
of
purity
Hospital
s
at
classified
for
was responsible
Galt
London.
in
the
that
aid
education
with
Guild,
s
while
in
their
of
band-
covered
an
be wearing
practiced
Galt
and
St. Thomas'
at
gardens.
back
traced
who
part
trained
also
and
Despite
Grocer'
the
for
apprenticed
the - scenes
apothecaries were
of
and
surgeries,
Doctors Pasteur
midwifery.
medical and science
botanical
and
members
behind -
visit
known
well -
will
employee
modern
performed
issues,
a
which
1600s." While in London, they had
several
health
consulted on
medicines,
local millinery
at
Occasionally
surgeons
fashion
and
from linen
made
trained
university-
apothecary-
dispensed
the
since
medicines
display,
on
shops. "
headquarters
their
at
have been
and Sharon
the
all
purchased
Although
Society
medicine,
Robin
Today,
bandages
offering
was
Weissler.
PART
S
that are
conferences
The
explains. "
Deb
compound
donors
two
attend
ALL
various
the
gracious
very
to
by
Apothecary.
PHARMACOPEIA.
physicians,
who
to the
original
AND
APOTHECARY'
AN
OF
medicine,
throughout
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We' ve had
to
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to London
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of
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S
DRAGON'
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working at the apothecary
1984. Her background in psychology
started
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This
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theory,
medical
and
out, the
Dutch
medicine.
and
and
science
of
Williamsburg
colonies,"
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medicine
and
adds. "
here
Medicine
be
in
throughout
that
That's
Williamsburg
our
can
Williamsburg,
purchased
from
Foundation.
1740 - 1775
the
Colonial
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of October 18-24
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-10
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/ac4be2b90573f67ac4fc8fdb0bd3e834.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=SR03hhNBpAPHnxMz%7ExdmPRGSEZLSE581qjBuuamec-G7QHXYEDefi3znyUxRyrk9jzy9DGtiEEumSfpfbdFq43O5Io6kSUYhwt78L91gh5r8PKsqGkiskdMrxXsHhu-hlzoHFaqE9WWqd13pZ1BAmCGbzxCkGih7BrjvSEpbKir3CTNdGaX22tVHrI3fx3h3dYuDLE%7ERv6n6t%7E7ssU21Zdy5AqkhQlfafRlA1CthRMUOE32usaqIyyfUgqTpzvH5iOCr2Z5Dnjpz5rnvUtrxTqmfEsIKM%7EOeMY3bCOfvFVRN6KcyblyrJpdWZ2Vd-lT0W1Q4LxwfAoWEL-xmIzOd-w__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
ddf994843997366aa93fdbb7ad4769b1
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the
PLEASE
NOTE:
week of
October 25 - 31
SILVERSMITH, APOTHECARY ( on Oct 31), AND WIG
THE MILLINERY,
SHOP ( on Oct 30) WILL CLOSE AT 2: OOPM ON OCT 30- 31**
The survey team met for the third time, and the survey draft is coming along. The new skeleton
is here, and it looks great. They want to thank everyone that was involved including Joanne Bowen, Ellen
Apothecary—
Heidi Quant, Amanda Keller,
Chapman,
and
James Zilius. You
all
are
absolutely
great—
this was a huge
project. The Apothecary says THANK YOU!!!!
Armoury:
Blacksmith—
They continue working on a coin press for the Curator of Numismatics, making andirons for
Collections for Raleigh Tavern, and forging smoker' s tongs for Anderson display. They have begun work on
window hooks for Monticello, hinges for the Carpenters, and marking knives and cooking spoons for Prentis.
Tin
Shop— They are making baking molds for Foodways, a canister for the Coffeehouse, patterns for a wig
box for the Wig Shop, and continuing to work on lanterns to light the new workshops.
Artificer'
Shop—
They will be continuing work on a pair of saddle valises and filling a request from a donor
for closure straps for " History Boxes."
In light of the recent cold snap, plans are underway to move the shop to
its winter quarters at the Magazine. They would also like to thank volunteer Jan Tilley for the many times he
has rearranged his schedule to help provide coverage for the shop.
s
Basketmaker—
Bindery—
They are repurposing old baskets and making a couple of new baskets for static street displays.
They continue to work on a rule book for the Cabinetmaker and a music book. They have begun
working on two cookbooks for Great Hopes.
They are busy constructing their clamp, or kiln, where the bricks made this summer will be fired
Nov 18- 22. Work will include stacking the 27, 000 or so bricks, encasing the green bricks first with previously
Brickmaker—
fired bricks and then a layer of clay, and of course, stacking firewood.
Cabinetmaker—
They continue work on the replication of two case pieces and an easy chair, as well as the
upholstery for a half set of side chairs. The harpsichord makers are preparing materials for two new spinets and
their presentation to the 2016 Working Wood Symposium. The treadle lathe is now in operation.
Carpenters —They
Coopers—
are building a small building for storing tools at the Carpenter's Yard.
They are repairing casks for the transport program.
Foodways —
They are working with Aleworks on a test batch of porter. They are also working on a series of
pre- made punch mixes based on 18th- century recipes and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s
confections
program.
The
next
Brewing
program
is
Sunday,
November
1St
�Great Hopes Plantation—
Farming: Much plowing and sowing and harrowing. Duke and Dan, the farm' s oxen, are doing an excellent
job pulling the plow and harrows to put their fields to bed for the winter. The hogs are getting fatter by the day.
Domestic
Arts:
Much gardening and cooking this week. They will be starting to plant onions and garlic, as
well as collards as need be for a continuous harvest. They are also digging really nice sweet potatoes and will
prepare them next week. They are cooking apple fritters and will be roasting a chine of mutton with root
veggies like turnips and radishes.
Below is a picture of Ed' s " young helper" plowing the field:
Gun Shop/ Foundry—The Gunsmiths are beginning to engrave a rifle lock and continue to make 2 pistol
locks. The Founders are working on polishing a large stuffing spoon of pewter and some pewter taper sticks
for Prentis
Store. Historic
Garden—The Fall garden is still under way. Now all of the tulip bulbs and spring daisies and
flowers are going in.The last of their pole beans were
harvested. The beans were pulled out, and the trellis taken
down. The profile of the garden is quickly changing to their winter motif.Sweet potatoes are just about done
curing, and the Armory Kitchen will receive some for cooking very soon! The covering of the paper frames is still
yet to be
done. They are hoping it happens soon after the bulbs are in so that they are ready when the second
round of endive is planted out of the cold frame and into the garden. The endives are still blanching; and
hopefully, with the aid of upside down pots instead of the straw bells, they will really be able to get them to turn
white. The cardo n is also ready for blanching and will be wrapped shortly. Onions and garlic are finally starting
to come up, and the spinach is really starting to
Joiners — are working on a musket crate for the Market House, a toolbox for the Artificer, and a
They
flourish.
small chest for the
Carpenters.
Maryland. Their
in
in
Millinery—Sarah and Abby are working on their presentation for a conference at Belair Mansion in
topic
private
is
18th-century clothing suitable for the
spaces,
the shop is
and later
making a
in the
silk
Sultana
century
became
robe,
petticoat, and
a
appropriate
bedchamber ( those pieces of clothing that first were worn
for
public
quarter
third-
spaces). For this
presentation, everyone
18th-century cap to protect the hair
while sleeping. Janea is working on back-ground planning/ research for their 2017 paper for the Textiles
Symposium, their December gown-making program, and a" We Know What We Know"program for November.
How
This
and
program
will
be
jointly
presented
with Robin
Kipps
on
the
18th-century connections between Fashion
�Printers— They
are
continuing
the presswork
for" The Articles
of
Confederation;"
and when away from the
press, they are assembling stitched books.
Shoemaker—
A custom pair of size 13 common shoes was recently completed for one of the Nation Builders.
Work is underway on a pair of half boots, and a number of staff have come by to try on stock shoes. This past
week, they also delivered two pairs of shoes to Great Hopes for use in their site interpretation:
one pair of
russet ( i.e. un- dyed) strong shoes for the slave cabin and a pair of heavily- cobbled common shoes.
Silversmith—
They are working on various sorts of spoons and salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a fluted bowl, a
skittle ball" teapot, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup,
trade silver jewelry, rings and letter charms, a 12- inch Montieth, 2 copper vessels ( one being raised by the
intern,
by an apprentice), and ladles. The intern is scraping an ingot she cast and will be making a
century bodkin.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
the other
17th-
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors—
They are working on the mattresses and curtains for Washington' s camp bed and finishing details on
the Marquees.
They finished dyeing with indigo, fustic, madder root, and black walnut. Gorgeous colors ( see
Weaver—
picture
below).
threading
They dyed silk ribbon for CDC for Native American dress accents.
a new
celebration
on
blanket
14
Nov
Wheelwright— The
They
will continue
project
and
and
coordinating
15. " Fleece to Fabric"
with
C& L for
the
25th-
They are working on
anniversary Leicester Longwool
will take place on the 14th in their back yard.
shop will re- open on Tuesday, Oct 27th, so they will be putting everything back in place.
fixing
the ox cart and will
be
finishing
cart
wheels.
�Wigmaker—
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand- knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
plays,
Ghost Tours, Rev
City,
and
commercials).
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser, for the week of October 25-31
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-10
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/498c588dd54e275e5884afb3c00a43ae.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=a8RbJQWmtSJfFeuc-YrF5PKk5kGsH9dHKAu7vwqCNq2HgeBbaWOr5iBMWVJ0Aj7123zmKQbSXsJVbiPKHdTA32D5RJu%7E-VRnVezUhkz0fzgjWo9CLH6Pqmpj1dm5hkfn7ZEGFxYErN00nONlFQo8lh5FXZTwdgTc%7EuBY0aSyifCxGe2kseyPZSq%7E4IkTRTm8JmZ-EXfz7fya1RyfpGeWx3SnGRhNo8eOg7qk6RpTECM4nj7knYWXIcplGvUe-si1AqBjkwB5El7PXFXXo5uEPYcZro53NQ5FzMRnnoK%7EhuG564c2UDCeSj5XaWp9muDSbEZWqbXAp3xmFYsunjJEig__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
9c0062c375a094024358eb5b7fec9810
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of November 1 -
7
Apothecary — Two members of Hampton University' s faculty from the College of Pharmacy came to visit.
Both the Director of Experiential Education and her Assistant Director talked with us about future opportunities
to work with their students. Plans were discussed to have a pharmacy class visit the site and for a few to study
at the Apothecary as part of their experiential learning requirements for graduation.
The survey team met for the 4th time, and we are going to test our new survey with participants for clarity
and the length of time it takes for individuals to complete.
Armoury:
Blacksmith —
They continue working on a coin press for the Curator of Numismatics. They are reworking
the tent poles for the Washington Tent Project, repairing a Wheeler' s axe, and making a slide bolt for the Scale
House door, cooking tools for Prentis Store, and an iron Rim lock ( an apprentice project).
Tin Shop — They are making a kettle for the Carpenters, tinder boxes for Prentis Store, and soldiers drinking
cups. They continue to work on lanterns to light the new workshops.
Artificer' s Shop — They will be moving to winter quarters at the Magazine on Sunday, Nov.
1St.
They expect to
be ready to reopen to the public at 9: OOam on Monday, Nov. 2nd. Days of operation will continue to be Sunday
Thursday. They wish to thank their brother and sister Tradesmen and Tradeswomen from Foodways, the Tin
Shop, and the Armoury for their frequent assistance and many kindnesses over the season. They look forward to
their return in Spring 2016.
Bindery —They continue to work on a rule book for the Cabinetmaker and a music book. They have begun
working on two cookbooks for Great Hopes.
Brickmaker —
They are busy constructing their clamp, or kiln, where the bricks made this summer will be fired
Nov 18 - 22. Work will include stacking the 27, 000 or so bricks, encasing the green bricks first with previously
fired bricks and then a layer of clay, and of course, stacking firewood.
Cabinetmaker —
They continue work on the replication of two case pieces and an easy chair. Upholstery on the
six side chairs has been completed. The harpsichord makers are preparing materials for two new spinets and
their presentation to the 2016 Working Wood Symposium.
Candle -maker —
Candle
The treadle lathe is now in operation.
-making is now in the planning stages. Tom Redd is gathering up interpretive source
materials, reviewing interpretive objectives, and has briefly discussed concept opportunities with the Weavers,
Joiners, Farmers, Gardeners, and Foodways. The Candle -makers will be fairly mobile, meaning ( with animal
support), the shop might be able to set up and operate in any open area for a few hours or a few days. This kind
of mobility brings to mind the trade fairs that Historic Trades occasionally put on, back in the 1970' s and
1980' s, often behind the Courthouse.
Several trades are helping to gather up and prepare equipment and materials. The Toolmaker has started
repairing and renovating some of the wooden and steel candle- dipping machinery. The Coopers assisted Tom in
moving the said equipment to the Toolmaker Shop. The Farmers have turned over a quantity of beeswax from
�previous activities at Great Hopes. Short objectives include assessing, listing, and sourcing the full inventory of
needed materials and equipment, and acquiring the same in time for the 2016 shop opening.
Carpenters —They
are framing a small storehouse, making shingles, and making laundry / ash poles for
w
installation in the Historic Area.
Coopers — They
are repairing casks for the transport program.
They are working with Aleworks on a test batch of porter. They are also working on a series of
pre -made punch mixes based on 18th -century recipes and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s
Foodways —
confections program.
The next Brewing program is Sunday, November 1St
Great Hopes Plantation —
Farming: They will be cross -plowing a large area in the bottom field to loosen the soil for planting flax next
Spring. The cotton is opening fast in the field over the last week. They will plow with the bloggers from Mars,
Inc. this Friday.
Domestic Arts:
This week, mustard greens, spinach, and corn salad are coming up in the slave garden! They
will be making brooms and cooking things such as corn cakes and a deer leg. Culinary externs from the
Williamsburg Inn will be visiting to see how they cook. On Saturday, they will wash fleece to begin to card and
spin. Also, the baby chicks are starting to free range for the first time.
Windmill:
There has been lots of activity at the mill this week. Work is being done by a contractor to grade
the site and prepare for the installation of temporary hurricane struts. These modern adjustable poles will help
protect the mill during a hurricane.
Steve has been preparing new copper flashing to stop rain water from
running down the windshaft and entering the mill. He is also preparing to move the old handmill that is located
behind the Deane house to a location where it also can be restored. He is very pleased with the progress at the
mill site. It will not be long until we have a functional mill again.
Gun Shop /Foundry —The Founders cast 15 pewter candlesticks and are now filing, polishing, and assembling
them for Prentis Store. The Gunsmiths are engraving a flintlock and making springs for the pair of pistol locks.
Historic Garden —All
bulbs and spring biennial flowers are planted and mulched. The fall vegetables are
continuing to grow nicely; and with the aide of pots instead of the straw bells, the endive - blanching has been
proving more successful. Sweet potatoes are done curing and ready to be used by the kitchen! The Mushroom
Cultivation Seminar that Jen attended was very informative, and plans are being made to get mushroom
cultivation implemented in the garden. Wesley' s blue book is completed and in the works of getting a copy for
the Garden Shop and the Rockefeller library.
They will be finishing the polls for the George Washington dining tent. They will be making drawers
for the Blacksmiths, a work still for the kitchens, and completing a posting board for the porch of the Anderson
Joiners —
House that will be used for broadsides.
Millinery —They are helping the Tailors with stitching on the bed furniture for George Washington' s campaign
bed and will be cutting up ermine pelts ( they look like furry lizards, but oh so soft) for a custom ordered
wedding muff. They also enjoy the contributions of three volunteers. Jeanne Asphundh comes once a month to
support our Branches of the Trade program, Fiona Fimmel was a NAIDH intern last semester, and she
�continues to volunteer with us. Last week, Donna Brock joined the mischief and mayhem of "Margaret' s Merry
Milliners" ( as Janea calls her staff). Her career was in corporate and employee communications with the
pharmaceutical industry. Her love of history opened up a new career in communications,
designing websites for
historical societies, supporting social media, writing historical scripts, etc. Donna and her husband Jason just
finished moving from Massachusetts. They are now at home with their two dogs Ajax and Chancellor, in
Toano. When not volunteering, or doing genealogy research, Donna and Jason see the USA using one of their
favorite modes of travel — Harley
- Davidson' s horse -power.
They are continuing the presswork for "The Articles of Confederation;" and when away from the
press, they are assembling stitched books.
Printers —
Shoemaker —This past week, Rob delivered two pairs of slippers to the Blacksmiths. These were his first
completed projects for other staff and were based on images of blacksmiths working in slippers during the
period. Over the weekend of October 24th and 25th, Al and Brett were in Savannah giving presentations at the
annual meeting of the Honourable Cordwainers' Company.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), baby cups, Gurney Bowls
and a fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, Revere Beakers and raised beakers, a thistle cup, trade
silver jewelry and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, 1 copper vessel ( being raised by the intern), and ladles.
The intern will be making a 17'- century bodkin.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors —They
are working on the mattresses and curtains for Washington' s camp bed and finishing details on
the Marquees.
Weaver — Karen accompanied
other trades' women in a brief presentation
on Women in Trades for the OI staff
on Tuesday and Thursday. The shop is finishing up dyed embroidery yarns for the Millinery and Prentis Store.
Other goodies sent to Prentis include tow for fire starter, cochineal insects, coasters, yarn, and a blanket
They
will be dyeing with indigo on Friday in order to get a deeper color on linen for an upcoming project. They are
managing to work another double -cloth blanket using up leftover yarn from previous projects. They have begun
getting organized for the big move.
Wheelwright —
They continue finishing up cart wheels and ox cart repair.
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand -knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
Wigmaker —
plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City, and commercials).
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of November 1-7
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-11
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/0232232974198e24b2debc1473704de6.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=Wg5julkvNfe0OkuLuY83XIoOeSEs4nhTPyqKPnmeDGvT6Z-Y6O4OjHL2mcKTZ4JgNE8ltVHZviEOBX1p04w1%7Ed3J8Km1G-GZNhvz5GdPOI5nr-m0OWmhIk0rGeoOMTvVK%7EeYs92ZyIw1egV4i1zIFriYFCRSms0z0z8yjcTuiRc6qfjRMkdJn41WnvkK0NFKJeb9w7MEnX8gy5DOw6cWj0sE7SAgC0Di%7EYUfITETsitYcbx%7EEshvYc0vZaaUen-uo4lqxpPt%7EMDbEiGig3M0DD4I8v2UY8dkvtO34xyocKFsIE1yPcNUhbrDJGiDI7i3x3ejXhuYOZogFKNGsLFekw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
a9f874a761538f392ad01db61af75caf
PDF Text
Text
73T1 E J1 EC3-L4 VICX' S ADTISTR
for the week of November 8 -
14
On November 13- 15, CW' will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Rare Breeds Program. As part of that
weekend, certain Trade Shops will be interpreting how they use animals and/ or animal products in their trade.
Please see the attachment
for the specific information.***
Apothecary - They helped a donor with details about their antique drug jar. Sharon is working on a winter
training presentation. The survey team is trying out their survey this week.
Artificer' s Shop - They have completed the move to the Magazine shop. At this time, they have completed all
outstanding work and are beginning on new projects. If you know that your shop or work unit has needs from
them in 2016, it is not too soon to contact them so that it can be put on the list. In the meantime, the shop is
working on a few small items bound for products.
Basketmaker - The shop is closed due to the Wythe property maintenance.
Bindery - They continue to work on a rule book for the Cabinetmaker and a music book. They have begun
working on two cookbooks for Great Hopes.
Brickmaker - They are busy constructing their clamp, or kiln, where the bricks made this summer will be fired
Nov 18- 22. Work will include stacking the 27, 000 or so bricks, encasing the green bricks first with previously
fired bricks and then a layer of clay, and of course, stacking firewood.
Candlemaker —
This week, they looked at items needed and their prices, and prepared a brief for the Director,
Peter Seibert. Tom Redd talked with Ted Boscana and Karen Clancy about possibly using some buildings
adjacent to the planned Candlemaker site and their best potential uses. Peter Stinely reported that he has some
candlemaking equipment in his shop, from the old program. Tom will pick that up next week. Karen Clancy
offered the use of a large, slightly damaged, copper pot, if they can get it fixed. It will, of course, be available
for the Weavers if they need it back, with a little advance notice. By the end of the week, they will have sent a
short) list of needed iron and steel tools to the Blacksmiths, mostly stands and grates. They have the beginnings
of a job description written for the shop interpreters and need to schedule a time to work with HR to get that into
conformity with current CW standards.
Foodways - They are working with Aleworks on a test batch of porter. They are also working on a series of pre made punch mixes based on 18th- century recipes and practicing on some sugar work for next year' s confections
program.
i
�Great Hopes Plantation -
rhey will be working with the Brickmakers to re -daub all of the chinking in the
Slave House this and next week.
Farming: After an inch of rain, they have to wait to plow again. Hopefully, the ground will be dry enough on
Saturday. Meanwhile, they continue to build rail fences on the east side of the site, pick cotton, and pick the
seeds out. Woodworking projects include a soap mold for soap making later this month and troughs.
Domestic Arts: They are hosting Chef Travis Brust' s apprentices at the site on Thursday and sharing with
them middling -class foodways. They continue to wash Hog Island sheep wool in preparation for spinning The
fall greens look really well in the garden.
Historic Garden - A donor had donated money for and requested that a bench be put in the Garden as a
memorial for a late husband' s favorite spot in CW. This new bench is finished and ready to be put in the Garden
once the brick pad that it will sit on is finished, which they are now working on. Bricks were delivered
yesterday by Lisa and the oxen from the Brickyard for the new brick pad that will be located under their cherry
laurel tree. They have cleared and dug the spot for the bench, and now they are making the wooden frames for
the brick pad and should be laying bricks soon. They have also collected seeds from a stand of wild
Senna ( Senna inarilandica), a native yellow flower that would have been seen in the botanically -minded garden
in the eighteenth century, that they would like to incorporate into their perennial flower portion of the Garden.
They have planted these in small clay pots sunk down into the soil in their propagation beds under the grape
arbor. They also collected acorns from a Georgia oak ( Quercus georgiana) and have planted those as well, in
hopes that they will have these up and ready to transplant by spring. As always, because of the nice weather and
much moisture, small weeds are ever present around the new onion and garlic shoots. They will be working to
stay on top of keeping those area cleared.
Joiners - They will be building tables for the new Weaver Shop. They will be building two crates for Products
to use at the Market House, and they are continuing to work on boxes for the Native -American programs.
Printers -
They are continuing the presswork for " The Articles of Confederation;" and when away from the
press, they are assembling stitched books.
They will be exhibiting the following during Mount Vernon' s annual George Washington Symposium:
the reproductions of the Office and Sleeping Marquee along with its interior tents, the Dining Marquee, and the
Baggage Tent. The tents are furnished with reproductions of some of GW' s campaign furniture, including the
18 camp stools, 3 tables, 3 chests, 2 valises, 2 canteens, and the folding field bed. The bed is furnished with a
wool mattress, horsehair mattress, feather bed, bolster, pillow, 4 sheets, 2 pillowcases, and counterpane. These
Tailors -
objects are the collective work of the Tailors, Tentmakers, Joiners, Blacksmiths, Wheelwrights, Weavers,
Milliners, and Toolmaker. The completed camp will be owned and used by the forthcoming Museum of the
American Revolution ( Philadelphia) for educational programming and as a traveling exhibit at other historic
sites.
Wigmaker -
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand -knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City, and commercials).
2
�ANIMALS
Tn
AND
the
1 8th- century Williamsburg,
transportation
and
the
meat
TRAD N; S
HISTORIC
that
use
of animals
appeared
on
extended
the
table.
far
Visit
beyond
our
Historic Trades shops to learn more about the wide variety of animal
products used to manufacture goods as well as items made for use in
livestock husbandry.
Learn
How:
The Artificer uses leather, horn,
bone and hair.
The Blacksmith makes ox shoes,
crooks and curry combs.
The
Brick
Yard
uses
The Cabinetmaker
oyster
animal hair,
shell,
uses hide glue,
and draft power.
tallow and leather.
The Cooper makes water tubs and feed buckets.
The Garden
uses manure.
The Gunsmith &
Foundry uses horn, leather and sheep fat.
The
Maker
Harpsichord
The Kitchen
uses
uses
crow ¶
boar bristles and leather.
uills,
milk, eggs and fat.
meat,
The Milliner & Tailor use wool, silk, horn, bone and feathers.
The Printing
Bindery use skin,
Office &
wool, glue,
and
bone.
The Shoemaker uses leather and boar bristles.
The Silversmith
uses wool and horn.
The Tin Shop uses horn and makes dairying tools.
The Weaver
uses
The Wheelwright
The Wigmaker
wool
and
makes
insects.
carts
and wagons.
uses animal hair and feathers.
Great Hopes Plantation uses draft animals,
colonia1wi11iamsburg.
3
com
meat,
leather and wool.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of November 8-14
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-11
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/e1a6ad55587d53edb33f96d1792a9438.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=LogjO70ta7UhfHNLq0npC8HVymlkjqUdU2LTws%7EClpFHR6Yn%7EK4t0Ys3TozlBUaLogxla1AWxsaM0g6pE6cc1GuKJ7YUAKoBsPDiFzHG-9y3yFbz%7EEjKrw3Lx5-lmzAbLnCZmk-H4sHVnd4yQr7yrYxdoSTiuTLvk5GtKBqRNg1ef94-3Z1FNu8%7EFx2JFUoloROLfj8ZcPwV4d4BjrQdHCzCSRs4AueidHEk8FmnwZAJjAsLPfq-JctaHCAo14dwj8I2r4KtFmKLqHlYtc%7ENA%7Edwg%7EXurKVJ%7EgL-NgeVhB5l6ZZPiGRT-LVcSbttmENf1RuO-iSOXVunzOXQUndhjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
5bab5d129e043de55613ada3a0b0228d
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of November 15 - 21
Apothecary —Sharon continues to work on winter training. They have been working with the newest Trades floating
interpreter, Tim Logue, on learning details about the shop. They also met with one of the new script writers for the
Actor / Interpreters
about background
for a new program.
Artificer' s Shop — At present, they are caught up with all outstanding projects. Now would be a good time to let them
know of any upcoming needs for your work units, so that they can be budgeted and prioritized. Any images or citations
that you are able to provide are most helpful as research time is at a premium
Basketmaker —
for them.
They are closed for the Wythe Property maintenance and will re -open on Sunday, Nov 22nd
Bindery — They continue to work on a rule book for the Cabinetmaker and a music book. They have begun working on a
custom order ( a full - ound ledger), making books for the Prentis, and restoring a " Book of Common Prayer" for one of
b
the Actor /Interpreters.
Brickmaker — The bricks made this summer will be fired this week. "
18th through Sunday, Nov
22nd.
Firing the Brick Kiln" will occur Wednesday, Nov
The site will be open to the public from 9: OOam to 10: OOpm on Nov 18 - 21.
On Nov 22,
the hours will be 9: OOam to 5: OOpm.
Cabinetmaker —
The six side chairs have been delivered to Prentis Store, and they are in the initial stages of work on two
pedestal music stands and a decorated tea caddy. Work continues on the wing chair and spinet.
Candlemaker —
Staff worked on finding furnishings for the shop and writing job descriptions for the candlemakers.
Nothing conclusive yet; both projects are in process.
They also worked on finding authentic source products for
candlemaking materials, as acquiring materials is part of the trade.
Carpenters —
Coopers —
They are building a shed and making shingles.
They are back to working on the Jamestown -Yorktown Foundation order for
1 8- gal kilderkins ( kils).
Foodways —
Great Hopes
The next Brewing program is Wednesday, November 1 8th.
Plantation —
They knocked out all of the old chinking in the Slave House and will be re- daubing this and next week.
Farming: They are building nine -foot high split - ail fences and hauling in new rails with oxen. They are also picking
r
seeds out of cotton and doing various woodworking projects.
Domestic Arts: They are cooking beef roast with vegetables out of their own garden and making pies with
blackberries gathered this summer.
Windmill:
They continue to wash wool for spinning
The final site grading will be done by a contractor this week. Terry Thon and Steve Chabra spent time
looking through the Grissel Hay stable looking for mill -related items. They found a brand -new set of handmill stones that
Steve plans on using to create a geared handmill/ quern. Ben Hasset, the millwright, returns in a week to finish repairs to
the mill.
Gun Shop / Foundry —The Founders are polishing 15 pewter candlesticks and working on spoons for Prentis Store. The
Gunsmiths are engraving a flintlock and making springs for the pair of pistol locks.
�Historic
Garden —
The brick pad is finished and is now ready for the bench. They are pruning flowers in the perennial
bed to get ready for winter. All of the tomatoes are finally pulled and now the bed is being prepared to plant broad beans
in the next week or so. They have finally started the re- covering of the paper melon frames. They have cleaned off last
year' s paper and glue and replaced rotted staves. They will be re- papering and painting the frames with linseed oil this
weekend. The broccoli has gotten larger and thus needed to be mounded up. They continue to blanch endive, and that is
working very well. They will be bringing some of that and an abundance of kale to the kitchen soon. They also have been
blanching the cardoon which has been covered for a fortnight. It will likely be uncovered soon and harvested. All of the
cabbages are developing nicely and will be lovely once a frost has come.
Joiners — They
will be working on the Market House punch list and register crates.
Millinery — They are going to finally get started on the ermine muff and continue working on the repair of two pairs of
stays and a gown for customers.
Printers —
They are printing The Beggar' s Opera theatre bill in red this next week.
Shoemaker —
Hopes.
Work is progressing on a pair of common shoes for one of the Tinsmiths and on the half boots for Great
They have begun making blackball and will be presenting this at the Armory later in the month.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a
fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, a pair of raised beakers, a small punch cup, trade silver jewelry, rings,
and letter charms,
a 12 - inch Montieth,
and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed
with anyone who is interested.
Tailors — They
are patterning and constructing knit fabric breeches and working with visiting fellow Anne Bissonnette on
new research regarding Macaroni dress.
Weaver — They
have completed 3 more double weave blankets. They have switched to putting handspun cotton in the
weft for toweling. They are getting ready for "Fleece to Fabric" on Saturday morning, where all the steps in creating
fabric will be shown, using our Leicester Longwool.
Wheelwright — They
Wigmaker —They
continue to repair the ox cart.
are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in Germany, a
wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand - knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick Henry).
They also
continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming ( plays, Ghost Tours, Rev
City, and commercials).
On Thursday, November 12th, several members of the Trades Department helped to move a large quantity of our wood
from the warehouse
to various locations
in the Historic Area.
From Karen Clancy: " I worked with a great bunch of colleagues today in moving A LOT of wood that will serve us all.
Thanks for letting me tag along! Pictures to prove it."
Pictures
are below:
���
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of November 15-21
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-11
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/e813a37bda7c6fa606a96280dd6e775e.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=FSzYT95rYFAvV7iJZ3LBObHGXl38F8m9HYismfqqyJJ3kg4K2VuwUssDjC6oWL9bw88DzyorUllveV%7Ef8-tVioqMT8lMTCnKaNPztvV8yDYBNtReXw4Nw1ljXiwMXOn4aR7Qqg61NxmGUEbbs3AXKF1RVmZaOVFv1BdEIuWATDiBF3TYS9eBETARTNSrxh2flcKGMVBVemcVHDnJTLXm3sofr2jlWsnaz-cE5RVepFsCUIsvgFMPOxpD32g579qM-93pyEy18wWniahIsKuJIyGlLmfeQHyl%7Eght5cvn2GRQQt77yfCaWvfXtuf9TxS4dbQTwOVx0H-vY8whvZdnig__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
e8082fdc0438df20bc69eddf3c564285
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the
week of
November 22 - 28
Apothecary— Several Hampton University pharmacy students visited the shop to earn extra credit for their
history of pharmacy class. Sharon continues to work on winter training. Robin and the survey team met to
critique the survey after it had been tested. Robin and Janea are collaborating on a" How We Know What We
Know" program on Tues. Nov. 24th. It will be an interdisciplinary look at research on Dress History and
Medical History.
Armoury:
Blacksmith—
They are working on an iron rim lock for an apprenticeship project, They are making chain for
Great hopes, forging shears, making two hand railings for an Historic Area building, working on fireplace tools
for use in town, and making items for Prentis Store. Work continues on the iron rim lock as an apprenticeship
project.
Tin
Shop— Work continues on soldiers camp cups. They are making a horn-paned tin lanthorn for Fort
Ticonderoga, and creating a pattern for a tin watering can.
Artificer'
At present, they are caught up with all outstanding projects. Now would be a good time to
let them know of any upcoming needs for your work units, so that they can be budgeted and prioritized. Any
s
Shop—
images or citations that you are able to provide are most helpful as research time is at a premium for them.
Basketmaker—
They are making baskets for Prentis Store for Christmas sales.
Bindery—
continue
They
to work on a custom
order ( a
full- bound ledger), a music book, and books for Prentis
Store.
The last day of" Firing the Brick Kiln" is Sunday, Nov 22nd, 9: 00am- 5: 00pm. The brickyard
will close for the season on Monday, Nov 23rd
Brickmaker—
Cabinetmaker—
They are in the initial stages of work on two pedestal music stands and a decorated tea caddy.
Work continues on the wing chair and spinet.
Candlemaker—
The Maintenance
Blacksmith Carl Hirner reports that he has completed repairs to a large,
copper pot. Tom Redd intends to pick it up next week and deliver it to the Taliaferro- Cole site. Work continues
on finalizing job descriptions and meeting other HR requirements. Tom has also started work on Safety
documentation for the new shop.
Carpenters —They
Coopers—
They are making casks for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and buckets for the Prentis Store.
Foodways—
and
for
the
are building a shed and making shingles.
They are preparing for the next" Secrets of the Chocolate Maker" program on Tuesday, Dec 1st
butchering
program
on
Saturday,
Dec
12th.
�Great Hopes Plantation—
They continue to daub between the logs of the Slave House. Thank you to the Brickyard staff for a period
recipe for the daub and for getting them started!
They have welcomed Victoria Tolsen to the Domestic Arts staff. Intern Nicole Justice will be leaving soon to
return to the OI department. Thanks Justice!
Farming:
They " cross- plowed" the land where they will put in flax. Cross- plowing is a second plowing in
the opposite direction of the first to break up the ground more finely. A 100- yard rail fence has been finished;
and they are starting the movement of rails, which will allow the expansion of the apple orchard. Various
woodworking
projects
Domestic Arts:
continue.
They are making soap for the first time at Great Hopes, and for the first time in quite a long
time at CW. They continue to experiment with seasonal mid- day cooking using their vegetables.
Windmill:
The site grading is complete, and the area has been seeded. Leftover straw from Halloween hay
bales has been used as a cover for the freshly- seeded ground. Ben Hasset, the millwright, will be on site
starting Monday.
Gun Shop/ Foundry—
The Founders are polishing pewter candlesticks and setting molds to cast coins for
Prentis Store. The Gunsmiths have almost finished engraving a gun lock and are also making springs for a pair
of flintlocks.
Historic
Garden—
This week, the paper frames have been covered, and broad beans are planted. They have
finally been able to put in their second crop of endive and transplant the lettuce which will stay in the cold
frame all winter. With the cold weather coming up, they are needing to rebuild their fireplace. They will start to
have fires next week with the accompaniment of frost. Starting Tuesday, the nursery shop will be in high gear
for all Christmas sales with the fresh wreaths and arrangements made by volunteers and the Landscaping staff
Joiners—
They will be making a table for the Weaver' s new shop and a table for the Candlemakers.
Millinery—
They are making an ermine muff and continue working on the repair of two pairs of stays and a
gown for customers.
Printers—
They are printing The Beggar' s Opera theatre bill in red.
Yesterday, Rob presented a very successful program on blackball making at the Armoury. Photos
Shoemaker—
are now posted on their shop' s Facebook page
https://
www.
facebook. com/
media/ set/? set= a.
10153684406315132.
1073741880.
265271515131&
type= 3.
Some
of the balls have already been given out to staff with handmade shoes to help keep them in good condition.
Work is progressing on several pairs of common shoes, and there are a number of cobbling jobs being done as
time
allows.
Silversmith—
They
are
working
on various
sorts
of spoons (
including
mote
spoons),
salt shovels, Gurney
Bowls and a fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, a small dram cup, a pair of raised beakers, a small punch cup,
trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12- inch Montieth, and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors—
They are patterning and constructing knit fabric breeches and working with visiting fellow Anne
Bissonnette
on new research
regarding
Macaroni
dress.
�Weaver—
They entertained the Williamsburg Co- op preschool kids, who were so adorable.
They provided a
dye workshop and" Fleece to Fabric" program this past weekend for the Leicester Longwool Association.
They
have started a linsey Woolsey project to get them to the end of the year, and they may be dyeing on Monday if
Mother Nature
Wheelwright—
cooperates.
They continue to repair the ox cart.
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand-knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
Wigmaker—
plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City, and commercials).
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE !
�Making Black Ball At The Armoury
Taken at The Anderson
Blacksmith
Shop and Public Armoury
Rob spent Thursday afternoon at the Armoury making black ball, which is used for maintaining the black
coloring on a man' s leather shoe. The blacking formula comes from a period recipe found in the journal
of a Presbyterian minister, who was preaching to Native Americans in Pennsylvania during the 1760' s.
The blacking recipe consists of two parts tallow, one part beeswax and one part bone or ivory blacking.
7
Three
sets of
double
boilers,
one of
tallow,
one of
beeswax
and one a combination
of
both.
�Three
sets of
double
boilers,
one
of
tallow,
one
of
beeswax
and
one
a combination
of
both.
�Three
sets
of
double
�Tallow
and
bone
black,
along
with
beeswax,
make
up the
blacking
formula.
�Rob
getting
ready
to pour
the
blacking into
�Rob
pouring the blacking
into ceramic
cups
to set.
�The
blacking
will set
for twelve
hours,
then
it will slide out and
be wrapped
in paper.
�A pair of shoe to be blacked.
�The
blacking
is applied.
�After
the
blacking
is applied,
the shoe
is then
brushed.
��The
end
result, a
cake
of
black
ball ready
for
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of November 22-28
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-11
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/2cf63c6bd55dd1cefe644116afbba08b.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=ZX0ZYdCJQQIqoAlPi2rp3%7EVn1grMee4LMocF1NZs1ADus0Eby93Fhdn4u70DTV5YDhaiXV4tKQ-kbjuTeIFzAk6kcURoGqlnGyQxBFoYuZMFwD7a4zf1m5Gdumu2FsleBksPDO-d7qxtW5oPM7kzORck899zOo85LHB38vaeIbLIBAdgvJbSKBWIFlxDCyrklMOscZ50IpA6uzUc8R-LOAxHpHNPQF8c6bxEsbOx%7EtJn%7E-tBr2az3Ft3iWvB3kDpRvmkS0ejz4-p12%7EYcmxrtHeX2SijSA0E3zDaRW0NWwEO%7EcNDwzcEFE%7EvIX6GpPDG%7EZGL8itaofjB2maRettASw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
5082bbaabc81a72695fde9d7cc5be9c9
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of November 29 - December 5
Armoury:
Blacksmith —
They are making a sign bracket for Pitt Store, tools for the Wheelwright Shop, kitchen
equipment for Prentis Store, tires for a hand cart, door and shutter hardware for Prentis, an iron rim lock, a small
box iron, and miscellaneous
repair work.
Tin Shop — Work continues on soldier' s camp cups. They are making a horn- paned tin lanthorn for Fort
Ticonderoga, and creating a pattern for a tin watering can.
Artificer' s Shop — At present, they are caught up with all outstanding projects. Now would be a good time to
let them know of any upcoming needs for your work units, so that they can be budgeted and prioritized. Any
images or citations that you are able to provide are most helpful as research time is at a premium for them.
Basketmaker —
They are making baskets for Prentis Store for Christmas sales.
Bindery —They continue to work on a custom order ( a full -bound ledger),
a music book, and books for Prentis
Store.
Brickmaker —
The Brickyard is now closed for the season. They will let the clamp cool for a week as they
collect their wits. They will be back in December unstacking the brick clamp Monday thru Friday when weather
allows.
Cabinetmaker —
They are in the initial stages of work on two pedestal music stands and a decorated tea caddy.
Work continues on the wing chair and spinet.
Carpenters —They
Coopers — They
Foodways —
are building a shed and making shingles.
are making casks for the Jamestown -Yorktown Foundation and buckets for the Prentis Store.
They are preparing for the next " Secrets of the Chocolate Maker" program on Tuesday, Dec 1st
and for the butchering program on Saturday, Dec 12th.
Great Hopes Plantation —
The new daubing in the Slave House using a period recipe is completed.
Farming: This is the best yield of cotton in the six years that they have experimented with different
varieties. Last year, they crossed 3 varieties: Mexican, Ballard, and Sea Island, and chose the bolls that opened
the earliest. They will continue to do this in the forthcoming years.
They are removing the tobacco from the pile called a " bulk" and sorting through it to ascertain the quality of the
leaf.
Domestic Arts:
Stef Dunn will be cooking with Chef Anthony Frank at the Taste Studio this Saturday using
vegetables grown in their garden delivered by ox cart. They are hauling in compost and manure to replenish the
garden
soil.
�They continue to work with other Trades Department sites ( Foodways, Weavers, Millinery, Tailors,
Apothecary, and Gardeners) to develop this special hybrid trade involving the complex skills of the average
woman in 18th- century Virginia.
Gun Shop /Foundry — The Gun Shop casehardened the rifle lock this week and made springs for the 2 pistol
locks. The Foundry delivered about 8 - 10 pewter taper candle sticks to Prentis Store and cast 30 counterfeit
coins, but don' t tell anyone.
They will continue working on tables, stools, and work stands for the Candlemakers, Weavers, and
Tailors in preparation for the shop moves.
Joiners —
Print(
s—
They continue printing The Beggar' s Opera theatre bill in red.
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney
Bowls and a fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, a pair of raised beakers, a small punch cup, trade silver jewelry,
Silversmith —
rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be
seen and discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors —They
are patterning and constructing knit fabric breeches and working with visiting fellow Anne
Bissonnette on new research regarding Macaroni dress.
They are working on a new project for a puppet stage curtain. Linsey Wolsey stripe is shuttling
They are also getting ready to move into their new
along. They will by dyeing indigo on Saturday the
Weaver —
28th.
location.
Wheelwright —
Wigmaker —
They are still working on rebuilding the ox cart and planning a new ox wagon.
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand -knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City, and commercials).
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser for the week of November 29-December 5
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-12
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/fc9cb55c879037dc89cc063c6f4a8bc2.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=NItc1J70EyrumHblgl-esHpTRLmWH8v4RzgAUI8CbbnQHmDdaTeOBegljdYbS3N6h%7E6eUOLXL5d33Jaw0KJIWpnkEaUB1QTZiiqkp3okdjqoVkrOIurMOuSdSNCQOYcRLEj55sZuRg37peuT5uw40mOko9uDBTxcQtLTkyw5cNWBvBYbP45tSr3MrMAODwm99Cb9xXcfDMFhFwO%7EZpczdl5UBIv1GAoBNAMzLpsc4SeWHOH447agXGjSQotRZIYY4VNDnh0wMrERyH2-myOdU024fM4T0GMggnSuxJ7wgkyyHmAFYBrPgG9JOquqsgFPp7eXqQqaLZ3LHDEsXQblqg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
40c3c36fb260c2086171f44bdaecb876
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of December 14 - 20
Apothecary — Steve
Delisle made them a new reproduction strainer. It looks great
Thank you, Steve!!
They are starting a new project for a podcast for PPLV. Sharon is polishing details on winter training on
medicine, and Robin is continuing with research support for an A. I. program on midwifery.
Armoury:
They are working on tools for the Farmers and Wheelwrights, including claw hammers,
mattocks, and log dogs. They are also making a sign bracket for the Pitt Store, a small box iron, and are about to
Blacksmith —
start
on sickles.
Tin Shop — They continue to make glazed lanterns for use in the new Trades shops, and a punched lantern
for its own interpretation. They are also making teapots and cups, and just finished a small colander for the
Apothecary.
Artificer' s Shop — They are filling a variety of work orders from various Colonial Williamsburg departments.
Please be advised that work requests must be summited by email to jhowlett@cwf.org and copied to
smonaco@cwf.org.
Basketmaker —
They are making baskets for Prentis Store for Christmas sales.
Bindery —They continue to work on a music book and binding law books.
Brickmaker —
The Brickyard is closed for the season. However, on days when the weather is favorable, they
will open the Brickyard and work on dismantling the clamp. Just look for the flag.
Cabinetmaker —Work
continues on two pedestal music stands, a decorated tea caddy, a wing chair, and a
spinet.
Candlemaker —
Preparations continue for the new shop. Paperwork for the Candlemaker job description was
advanced again. After discussions with Trish Barner, volunteer and Junior Interpreter job descriptions are being
created.
Robert Watson of AAI agreed to help train the new candlemakers in the art of dipping candles. Robert
has great skill in candlemaking, and his input will be valuable.
Tom Redd arranged to meet with Joe Beatty in Training to discuss the shop interpretation and training of
the new interpreters. Tom also made contact with several people involved in media relations, in preparation for
creating
a media plan.
Artificer Jay Howlett agreed he could make leather aprons for the candlemakers but felt fabric was
probably a better choice. This request was put on hold and the Milliners were called. Janea Whitacre agreed to
look into making authentic, fabric aprons for the shop. Tom sent her the 1981 Candlemaking Research Report,
Volume
1, issue
15
�showing various images from Gentleman' s Magazine. Janea said the Milliners love making period correct work
clothes, and everyone will be interested in the solutions the Milliners find.
Ted Boscana reported that the Joiners completed the tables for the shop, and they are now working on
stools.
7.
4
Carpenters —They
Coopers — They
Foodways —As
III/ ter, -et: Alarm"-
nits TA7. 7AVP
are building a shed and making shingles.
are making casks for the Jamestown - Yorktown Foundation.
a nod to the Scottish heritage of Lord Dunmore, Foodways staff has been experimenting with
making haggis. Though it is highly doubtful a high -born Lord would have eaten this working - class sausage, it
gives the staff the chance to work with the offal produced in the butchering process.
Additionally, the staff has made ginger wine in addition to their brewing program. The drink, which
takes almost two months to produce, tastes like a mildly alcoholic ginger ale. Plans are in the works to make
both ginger and molasses beer in the coming months.
Kimberly Costa, as part of the requirements of her Apprenticeship, will be providing a new program
entitled " A Cook' s Walking Tour ", which
will take place on April 3rd and 18th, 2016, and will cover both sides
of the Historic Area. Guests will have a chance to learn about the messy side of
while visiting original buildings such as dairies, smoke houses, and kitchens.
18th-
century food production
It is hoped that the program will
be included as a permanent part of their special programs
Great Hopes Plantation —
Volume
1, issue
15
�Farming: The cotton season is finished, and they have grubbed out all the cotton plants and plowed the land.
They continue to haul in compost for the gardens and work on various farm repair and woodworking projects.
They have said farewell to the hogs, who have left the site and will be butchered at the " Hogs to Ham" program
at the Palace this Saturday. Matt Sanbury will be assisting Foodways in the butchering.
Domestic Arts: They are cooking tart of spinach, sweet potato pudding, and oysters in the Kitchen,
spreading compost and dirt in the gardens, and carding Hog Island sheep wool. Stef Dunn will cook a dish of
tart of spinach with Chef Travis Brust for a Chefs Association meeting at the Inn this Saturday.
Windmill:
December
The windmill was operated for the first time since 2003 last Thursday,
3, 2015!!
They made about 10 pounds of cracked corn that was delivered to Coach and Livestock to
be used as chicken scratch.
This past week, Steve Chabra completed installation of the mill' s collar. The new collar arrangement
will help steady the mill by acting as a lower berring when the mill is rotated on the great post. He has also
moved fence rails closer to where they will be needed on the new mill site. Next week, he will be working on
the new railings for the ladder.
Gun Shop /Foundry — George Suiter successfully proof tested his rifle barrel on Dec
10th
by loading it with 4
normal charges of powder and a bullet and lighting it with a LLLLong fuse. This was done twice. This is the
same test as used in the 18th century. Stocking the rifle begins today. The work on the cased pair of pistols
continues. The Founders continue work on the pewter stuffing spoons and counterfeit coins.
Historic Garden —Winter
-izing has begun. They are cutting sticks to make hoops and structures to put canvas
over the broccoli and the artichokes when it gets cold. They are also starting to think about the hotbeds and
what might go in them when they start them the second week of January. Lots of tidying up and making sure the
garden
stays
clean.
Design work continues on the gazebo for the Woodworking Conference, and a new cutting bench for
the Artificer' s Shop is underway.
Joiners —
Printers — The pressmen continue to print the black for the Beggar' s Opera playbill.
This two color playbill
was printed by William Rind for the old theatre near the Capitol in 1768.
Tailors —They
are continuing work on various cuts of knit breeches and working on a
pea -green broadcloth suit lined in pink silk.
Wheelwright —
Wigmaker —
They continue to repair the ox cart.
They are constructing a Bob Wig, comprised of human and horse hair, which Debbie saw in
Germany, a wiglet for one of the AI' s, and a hand -knotted base for a new wig for Richard Schuman ( Patrick
Henry). They also continue to do daily maintenance on wigs used by CW staff to support various programming
plays, Ghost Tours, Rev City, and commercials).
Volume
1, issue
15
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 1, issue 15, for the week of December 14-20
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-12
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/689a4ee36139539d2517ee2a15f7b9fc.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=AShM8ECUoztta8jFTYBd2s1PxgGLdb-Y652yJE2OLhGz%7EpaUPFJ2DU2BNfAN103FXLmTLai2tUB1%7EHyBicDW0u8rGNtTQaY0GQwMDKS0yr7-nTcO691NTOCulkPKFyn-XPip7nL%7E7L13DzfU0eW7zIVLTYTOiFccccFkA6wu7hr-oWy6b7rp47ddiKHBSkCV%7EKjaIixzTG%7EK9MKkAXCp20qQcXBeoKV6X5DcH5kgmEOUhO8XU2hiHMMoYE7TXDal1YDeSCzP1rfD7SRdy4nmBv0tUsxHeTJNmngmKaSS7Z6XSYlTnjFIIrcYuWRYtzvEDaZfbBv9q%7ErgMPnGmpL9zg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
0c214ca68b67b96dd1641bfd20f723ee
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of December 20 - 26
Apothecary —Background
research
for a podcast for PPLV is in progress,
as is the
Winter Training class preparation.
Armoury:
Blacksmith —
They are making claw hammers and chisels for the Carpenters, and mattocks for a Great Hopes
Agricultural program. The sign bracket for the Pitt Store is being complete, and cooking forks for Prentis Store are being
forged. The apprentice is working on an iron rim lock and box iron as fmal projects.
Tin Shop —They are completing lanterns for lighting in the new Trades shops, and a lanthorn for the Museum of the
American Revolution. They are also making funnels and soldier' s tin cups.
A Christmas
Note —
coal in their Christmas
Ken Schwarz pointed out that a lump of coal IS a gift to a Blacksmith, so they HOPE to find
stockings!
Artificer' s Shop —They are filling a variety of work orders from various Colonial Williamsburg departments.
Please be advised that work requests must be summited by email to jhowlett@cwf. org and copied to smonaco @cwf.org.
Basketmaker —
They are making baskets for Prentis Store for Christmas sales.
Bindery — They continue to work on a music book and binding law books for the Capitol.
Brickmaker — The Brickyard
is closed for the season.
However, on days when the weather is favorable,
they will open the Brickyard and work on dismantling the clamp. Just look for the flag.
Cabinetmaker —
Work continues on two pedestal music stands, a decorated tea caddy, a wing chair, and a spinet.
Candlemaker —
Work continues on creating job descriptions for Junior Interpreter and Volunteer positions, and on
shop interpretation and training. Several people have expressed interest in the new program, and ideas for voluntary cross
training and temporary duty assignments are being floated across departmental lines.
Joe Beatty provided documentary evidence of the career of Morto Brien in Williamsburg, including the location
of his workshop. The evidence only raises more questions, such as whether Mr. Brien was a Patriot or some kind of
Loyalist spy. More on that as the investigation proceeds....
Carpenters —
They are building a shed and making shingles.
Coopers —
Here is a picture of a current project Jon Hallman is working on for the Woodworking Symposium this
January. This is a collaborative piece with the Cabinetmakers. The Cabinetmakers are making the stand as Jon is making
the mahogany oval wine cooler. This is a replica of the original that is on display in the dining room at the Governor' s
Palace. You will also notice Jon had two little friends helping him.
Volume
1, issue
16
�Foodways —
They will be working on some more decorative foods to represent the kinds of things found at a
holiday ball.
Great Hopes
Plantation —
Farming: Cotton picking is over, and they have grubbed out all of the plants and plowed the ground. Given the warm
weather, they decided to plant clover as a cover crop. Remarkably, it came up well, and they look forward to the nitrogenbuilding benefit of this plant. They are bringing in soil and compost to fill low spots in the fields. Woodworking projects
continue including benches and a chicken brooder. They have sweated the tobacco and will tie the leaves into " hands" in
the next two weeks.
Domestic Arts:
Stef Dunn, Great Hopes'
Domestic
Arts Specialist,
cooked with chef Travis Brust for the Committee
100 composed of the top 100 CEOs in the country. She used a period recipe in contrast to modern versions of CW' s chefs.
This and other initiatives
are
part of their link to the " Farm to Table"
Movement
that provides
relevance
to guests'
modern lives and experiences.
After
all, what Great Hopes does in farming and gardening
is the original farm to table! They look forward to more collaborations with CW' s restaurants and taverns in the coming
year. They are working hard to bring loads of compost and manure into both the Kitchen and Slave gardens in the coming
weeks to enhance the soil and prepare the ground for early planting of greens and other vegetables in March.
Gun Shop /Foundry —
The Gunsmiths continue stocking the rifle. The work on the cased pair of pistols continues.
The Founders continue work on the pewter stuffing spoons and counterfeit coins.
Historic
Garden —
Winterizing has begun. They have begun to make hoops and structures to put canvas over the
broccoli and the artichokes when it gets cold. They are also starting to think about the hotbeds and what might go in them
when they start them the second week of January. Lots of tidying up and making sure the garden stays clean.
Joiners — Design
work continues on the gazebo for the Woodworking Conference, and a new cutting bench for the
Artificer' s Shop is underway.
Volume
1, issue
16
�Millinery — Here is a picture of the completed wedding gown that was
made during the program " Dressing the Fashionable Bride: A Gown in
Three Days ", held Dec 8th through
the 10th.
Printers — The pressmen will finish the Beggar' s Opera playbill, to be
followed by blank Tobacco Crop notes and Transfer notes to be sold in the
Post Office.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowls
and a fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, a pair of raised beakers, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 1 2- inch
Montieth (particularly, raising the body and the base), and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors — As
is the tradition of the trade, they are taking a Christmas Holiday. Otherwise, when here, they will be
sewing on breeches.
Wheelwright — They
continue to repair the ox cart. Two new Apprentices began work at the shop on December
14th:
Victoria Tolson —
She formerly worked in the Brickyard and was an intern at Great Hopes.
Biology and Anthropology from the University of Ohio.
She has degrees in
She enjoys weaving as a hobby.
Aaron Walker —
He formerly worked on the Washington Tent project. He has a degree in History from St.
Mary' s College in Maryland. He is an avid rock climber.
Welcome
to them both!!
Wigmaker — Debbie
was in Germany.
is still working on her reproduction of an
18th-
century bob wig that she had studied while she
It has a hand - knotted base, ( which is pretty impressive - only a handful of the wigs that are currently in
circulation or on display have this particular base.) She currently has the base covered and is working on weaving the hair
to then be sewn on to the base, row by row. Pictures are below:
Volume
1, issue
16
�Terry is still working on a handmade wig to be worn by Richard Schumann ( Patrick Henry).
She has completed
the base and the outlining. This week and next week, she will be working on weaving the hair and sewing the wefts to the
base. Betty will be creating a " half wig" for Katharine Pittman, who will be portraying a " young Martha Washington."
All Wig Shop Staff will be working on taking care of the ( elevated) traffic flow of production and street wigs.
With the Holiday programs running, and all of the Fall programs closing and associated wigs being returned, they are
pretty busy at the back up shop. Their big production- at the moment- is the " Harlequin' s Holiday" that will start this
week! Tom Hammond and Jessica have drawn up sketches for the characters wigs, so that the Wigmakers would have
designs to work from.
Here are their " Styles of the Week"
Windmill — Steve
railings for the ladder.
for you!
is working on hand
General maintenance
including cleaning, tarring the exterior parts of
the windshaft, and greasing moving parts will also be done.
Volume
1, issue
16
�We
wish everyone
a
very
Merry
Christmas! !
Volume
1, issue
16
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 1, issue 16, for the week of December 20-26
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-12
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/464cdca5a444075c6d3fc55563197686.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=uIX3%7EsvcdA7S6VXJ6WqPlmGXQz5tXvCRiluQFGOlpf5lJUcA03GseiWZa6SR63JLpj3ocyD1onMKI-Nzkk7QSm4AeSmbPshiX9yAPeQJDN2Dk4KS0MjFryif%7E5lc6F9qoPIAtHB0WkuLsDyVEosSNMuvpn59bbJeVp%7E%7EATBqmpdvARlVc1WxwPyxO8%7E1Zkzb6ewlHvoZDZe1IA3daP0hulbMqyV9VVoflM89HKkk4BuLz2-WTBkENkM1h-1OX4gaV1Zt1MSfyI%7EOiG94DsB1ypa9Y81TCbzsLSo4aboxKFM4l1OP0IWMn4FY8stQ6Na8ybpb31xpzWemb7Vd8eJ29g__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
320faa197e05f5121c75c54e2dc0eff3
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for the week of December 28 — January
3
Apothecary — Sharon finished the curriculum for the winter training class on health.
One of the Apothecary' s volunteers, Dr. Bob Jaffe, designed and created a rough draft audio podcast for PPLV,
which was proposed by Colleen in PPLV. When it is completed, the podcast will feature an analysis of a medical
condition that is described in both 18th —
century and modern medical text books. During the podcast, an 18th -century
doctor and a modern doctor will discuss
symptoms
and treatment
with a patient.
Listeners
will be invited to diagnose
the
medical problem.
Artificer' s Shop — They are finishing a number of pieces that are bound for Collections and organizing the work
load for 2016. They are bidding a fond adieu to Emma, who will complete her bond Dec. 31st. However, we expect her to
continue
to be a presence
Basketmaker —
in the Historic
Area.
As the week between Christmas and New Year' s tends to be fairly busy, they just hope to get
ANY work done. They will be doing general basket work ( possibly splitting or weaving).
Bindery — They continue to work on a music book and binding law books for the Capitol.
Brickmaker — 2015 in review:
This year, the Brickyard produced 27, 000 bricks. This culminated in the
firing of the clamp just before Thanksgiving.
This past summer, they also introduced a new interactive program
called " Level and Plumb" where guests, mostly kids, got their chance to lay bricks and build a wall. They also
began construction of a lime kiln which is right next to the Windmill across from the Visitor' s Center. Work on
this will continue in 2016. Currently, the site is closed for the season; but when the weather allows, they will
open up for folks to come see them dismantle the clamp and sort the bricks for storage.
Cabinetmaker —Work
continues on two pedestal music stands, a decorated tea caddy, a wing chair, and
a spinet.
Candlemaker —
Wesley Greene shared much information on the elements of a proposed Candlemaking Materials
walking tour. Materials came from the animal, plant, and insect worlds. He suggested that they set up an authentic display
of bee hives near the shop. They intend to coordinate with existing walking tours to avoid conflicts.
As the shop is outdoors and some equipment will be kept outside, they contacted Security for advice on securing
the shop when it is not attended.
Volume
1, issue
17
�At the request of Group Services, Tom Redd will give classes or lectures on the new shop for Group Interpreters
in January. This is for leaders with school groups. Tom also offered to share information with Christine Detwiler, who is
collecting information on STEM use in interpretation. The Candlemaking Shop formerly used a bit of modern science in
the standard interpretation.
Carpenters —
They are building a shed and making shingles.
Coopers — Bonnie Roane, who has been an occasional
Apprentice.
Welcome,
Foodways —
casual at the Cooper for a few years, is now their new
Bonnie!
They will be working on some more decorative foods to represent the kinds of things found at a
holiday ball.
Great Hopes
Plantation —
Farming: Much of the small -farm maintenance work takes a back seat when the crops are in the field. So these small
tasks end up on the " to -do list ". That' s the list that they have been working off of for the past month or so. Jobs such as
small woodworking projects, fixing gates, building fences, hauling dirt and manure, moving firewood, ditching, picking
seeds out of cotton, and so forth. These are pretty mundane tasks compared to plowing with oxen and hoeing weeds out of
the cotton field, but it all must be done. All of it is real, and the guests are invited to help whenever possible. They have
heard some of the loudest squeals of delight from children hauling manure into the garden!!
Domestic
Arts:
The warm weather
has caused the worms to eat the red cabbage
in a more vigorous
manner
The staff
is eating the cabbage as fast as they can to get it before the worms do. The soap made last month is cured enough and has
been removed from the mold. They continue to card wool, darn socks, and patch shifts.
Gun Shop / Foundry — The Gunsmiths are in- letting a barrel into a maple stock for the rifle they are making Work
on the cased pair of pistols continues.
Historic
Garden —
The Founders are making pewter stuffmg spoons for the Prentis Store.
With the warm and rainy weather, they are able to relax and take their time getting ready for
when the cold weather eventually comes. Everything is mulched, and frames have been made over the artichokes. They
are starting to think about the hotbeds that they will start in January.
Joiners —
Work will continue on the gazebo for the Woodworking Conference presentation. The cutting bench for
the Artificer' s Shop should be wrapping up, as well.
Printers —
The pressmen are printing off blank Tobacco Crop notes and Transfer notes that will eventually be sold
in the Post Office.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowls
and a fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, a pair of raised beakers, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 1 2- inch
Montieth ( particularly, raising the body and the base), and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed
with anyone who is interested.
Tailors — They
will be sewing on breeches.
Volume
1, issue
17
�Wheelwright — They
continue to repair the ox cart.
Wigmaker — Debbie
is still working on her reproduction of an 18"'- century bob wig that she had studied while she
was in Germany. Terry is still working on a handmade wig to be worn by Richard Schumann ( Patrick Henry). She has
completed the base and the outlining Betty will be creating a " half wig" for Katharine Pittman, who will be portraying a
young Martha Washington."
Note from the Editor: "
The Mechanick' s Adviser" will be going on hiatus during the January pause in
programming and will return for January 30` h.
Have
a
Happy
and
Healthy
New
Year!!
Volume
1, issue
17
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 1, issue 17 for the week of December 28 - January 3, 2016
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/34de3e4c781519d33a2a4e4e4026cff5.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=N5QTXLyonF0oh0gkTsFsQnZ0ejZxZAH7SkansxjrepuUbeq4Lj1BKnkQZUwsJUAL9zNlVlM3n8PYDnF2Es9OyxKfSoM3lEkceTyUCst5g53n5yzgRnktmkuJbwu7cmL4%7EPzfIswuJVVdNgFlPyUd57OMI5ZwJIGfP7UQUuH-Bqo4CMjyUYm5zuUxcwD2QNleSi0VKGNFYpXTucuehSvF5OMuSpgRAETrkRv6mklfKpiZkXkupaHM4Qdvzo6m-7fZDRlHvMVPD3opbvL2Tr%7Ep6cN34oBkXjOKXyQ4cOotWxkgPLzLWuY4tdMJY6Pf2npA4IopRoQQAlzLAoUcNeqJFw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
b4da3032f88a45621703536c677d3211
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for January 30 — February 6
WE WOULD LIKE TO OFFICIALY WELCOME THE NEW STAFF OF
HISTORIC TRADES AND SKILLS:
FIFES AND DRUMS, DANCE, MUSIC, AND MILITARY
PROGRAMS ! !
LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON THEIR SITES IN THE NEXT ISSUE.
Apothecary —They will be supporting Foodways with their upcoming program on Confections, " Sugar,
That' s Nice ". Both Robin and Sharon will be working on their programs for Women' s History Month.
Spice and All
The
Armoury —
of Art this past
Blacksmiths
and Tinsmiths
studied
iron and tin collections
at the Philadelphia
Museum
week.
Artificer' s Shop — They will be dressing leadership hats for Fife and Drum and a number of cartridge pouches for the
new musket range. It is with genuine pleasure that we welcome our old friends in Military Programs, Music, and Dance as
well as the Fifes and Drums to the Trades family.
Basketmaker —
They will continue to work on in house requests: baskets for Great Hopes, the Foundry, and the A.I.s.
They are also always trying to keep items in the Prentis.
Bindery — They have completed four books for Prentis Store. They are now working on two small pocket journals, stitch
books, and continuing to bind law books for the Capitol.
Cabinetmaker —
Having just concluded their annual " Working Wood in the 1 8th Century" Symposium, the Anthony Hay
Shop staff is back in the shop. Work will resume to complete the presentation pieces: a brass -banded mahogany tea caddy,
a tripod music stand, and an easy chair frame. The harpsichord makers will continue work on components for a spinet.
Candlemaker —
A meeting was held with Laura Viancour and Joanne Chapman from the Landscape Department to
discuss various walking tour options. Landscape operates a garden tour in the warmer months and shared a wealth of
knowledge about operations and content. Joyce Moon in Purchasing continues the effort to acquire equipment needed for
the shop. Discussions continue with Beth Kelly on bringing Orientation Interpreters into the shop as Candlemaking
Interpreters.
Carpenters —
repairs
They are repairing and reroofing the cowshed behind the Randolph house. The Gunsmith forge building
are complete.
Foodways —
Join Historic Foodways as they venture into the world of "Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice" at the
Governor' s Palace Kitchen. Learn the secrets of the confectioner as they demonstrate making confections throughout the
day. Marvel at the beauty of an 1 8th- century dessert table. The high point is when the guests get to help make an 1 8thDepartment
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
1
�century confection! There will be two hands -on classes taking place in the Scullery. The Apothecary will also be
featuring confections in the medical world throughout the day.
Melissa Blank will be participating in the 2016 iForum to be hosted at the Jamestown -Yorktown Foundation on
March 3 - 5. She will be presenting her paper on Mary Randolph and her influence in Virginia' s culinary history.
Gunsmith — The
shop has moved to the Ayscough House and will be ready to receive guests on Sunday, January 31st.
They have been very busy packing and then unpacking the shop and the office and getting the shop ready for guests and
work. The forge has a new roof thanks to the Carpenters. They helped the Gunsmiths hang the bellows and move heavy
stuff, too. All of the trades helped them move lots of stuff and get the shop back into shape. THANKS FOR
EVERYONE'
S HELP.
Foundry — They have finished a plaque and bell for the First Baptist Church and " Let Freedom Ring."
Historic
Garden —
The garden is a little worse for wear after all of the cold temperatures this month. They have lost
almost all of the turnips,
the Portuguese
kale, endive,
mustard,
and garden cress. However,
the spinach,
winter cress, and
savoy cabbage are all tasty as ever! Wesley reports that after taking home a frozen savoy cabbage, letting it thaw and
cooking it, it rivaled to be the tastiest savoy he has ever had! The artichokes and cardoon are struggling along; but with the
help of snow for insulation, they are making it through. The same is true of the broccoli, kales, and parsley. Their big
January project, the hotbed, has been started. Manure was gathered and heaped, heated to 150 degrees, and loaded into the
frame on Monday. The heat in the frame will steadily rise until they are ready to put composted manure in it and start their
spring seeds.
Artichoke insulated by snow. The crown poking through is still
alive.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
1
�Bell jars will protect the surviving parsley plants. To the left are
dead Portuguese
kale.
Joinery — The new Joinery will open on Sunday, February 7th in the Taliafero -Cole Shop.
Milliners
and Mantua - makers —
They are making some new interpretative objects for the Spring Season and a few
things for Products. They are also working on the proposals for one mid- 1780' s gown to be made for exhibition at the
DAR museum
Printers —
and two Quaker gowns for the Museum
of the American
Revolution.
The pressmen are printing off blank Tobacco Crop notes and Transfer notes that will eventually be sold in the
Post Office.
Shoemakers —
It has been a busy January. In addition to divisional training, they have been hard at work on production,
repair, and research. Two pairs of common shoes are currently in production for staff and should be finished up early in
February. Their apprentice is also looking to have his first pair of turn shoes completed in the next two weeks. Earlier in
the month, the " Making History Now" blog featured the black -ball making done in November. You can read the post
here http : / makinghistorynow. com/ 2016 / 01 /making- the -curious - black -ball/.
/
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a
fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Wheelwright — The
Wigmaker —Debbie
Germany
ox cart is all but fmished. This week, they will start on ox wagon for children' s rides.
is still working on her reproduction of an 18th century bob wig that she had studied while she was in
Maintenance continues on the wigs that the actors /actresses, dancers, and musicians have been dropping off
since early January.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
1
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 1 for January 30 - February 6
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/b8abc01b272561c61000e5d85fbd2f79.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=Eaz84aYP6Nb5aQshoSHyyzQRKct-lfLYweq0qHYfev5O%7ECCpbtAnN5pexnijkhkkN0ACaTEn2F7kWpmfszqvBPdmhGV1u89L63DS9rWvOfgZHt20csoit4ZHJKAZ1zT%7EdiiNFfr9ovsTFSfBoO%7EkrDqjtKvm6Ofa%7EkG5y2lGJZK0PhZ2aM1-3QhrLQOhiqOheuFK0nZvmdF1iPnBjcbC8jLCQNhObz8lZ5oVM0c-HHrxi0RODQCrKx2zKEszmAhgUmJl57TfyJR1xlF5jg%7Eps4do7SMC%7EqFoVSiablhsuhd7dOvCFkpmT0du5muqf7xEWUZd0SjAUe1UQ67KKX2DOg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
ced3257c1a6c693fc08fdb4255ca8f6d
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for February 7 -
13
Apothecary —They will be supporting Foodways with their upcoming program on Confections, " Sugar,
That' s Nice ". Both Robin and Sharon will be working on their programs for Women' s History Month.
Spice and All
Armoury —
Blacksmith —
They are making hand railings for the Wheelwright Shop and the Joinery.
They are working on an iron
rimlock for a journeyman project, and forging nails for the ox wagon.
Tin Shop —They are working on lanterns for lighting in the new shops and making a coffeepot and gill cups.
Basketmaker —
They will continue to work on in -house requests: baskets for Great Hopes, the Foundry, and the A. I.s.
They are also always trying to keep items in the Prentis.
Bindery — They are working on two small pocket journals, stitch books, and continuing to bind law books for the Capitol.
Candlemaker — They are pleased to see the interpreter jobs have been posted and look forward to seeing potential
candlemakers in the coming weeks.
After meeting with experts in safety and hands -on programming, they are working to acquire some small
equipment
for use in visitor - participation
events.
Ramona Vogel Hill produced an interactive site map that will be very helpful in activity planning. Barbara Scherer will
assist with the Junior Interpreter Fair this coming weekend.
Ed Schultz has added an iron pot full of beeswax from Great
Hopes to the Candlemaking inventory. The Candlemakers appreciate all the help they have received from all over town:
most especially from Ramona and Barbara. Thank you, ladies! Thank you, one and all!
Carpenters —
They are fitting new rafters to the cowshed behind the Randolph house.
Cooper — They
will begin work on two large cisterns for the renewed Fire Engine Program this week. They are always
busy keeping the Historic Area functioning with the many different forms of cooperage, but this program is particularly
dear to Ramona. "
The memories I have of participating in such an interactive, educational, and fun program will be
forever implanted in my mind I am so happy to see its return, and the joy it will bring to our guests again."
Dance — " Thank
you for the words of welcome to the newly- expanded Historic Trades and Skills family. Since I'm the
only one submitting for dancing activities in the Historic Area, I apologize for future installments that will likely become
tunnel- visioned'." —
Marci
She is gearing up for the JI Volunteer Expo on February 6th to bring on about 10 new JV Dancers.
Also,
preparations are under way for some of the daytime Youth- Dancer Employees to slowly start joining the Adult Dancers
in Evening School Group Dance Programs.
Most importantly, the newest 'Corps of Dancers', the daytime Dance Support Interpreters ( DSIs) from Sites,
Orientation, and Groups have just started participating in the " Pleasures of the Dance" programs at the Raleigh on
Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. She is very grateful for the coordination and effort from those different units
to enhance a light- hearted and interactive entertainment offering to our CW guests. By the way, it may appear on paper as
if Dance is on its own track, but she assures us that the powers
to coordinate joint endeavors
Department
of Historic
Trades
that be in Dance,
Music,
and Fifes &
Drums will continue
to present in the Historic Area.
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
2
�Foodways —
Join Historic Foodways as they venture into the world of "Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice" at the
Governor' s Palace Kitchen. Learn the secrets of the confectioner as they demonstrate making confections throughout the
day. Marvel at the beauty of an 1 8th- century dessert table. The high point is when the guests get to help make an 1 8thcentury confection!
There will be two hands - on classes taking place in the Scullery. The Apothecary will also be
featuring confections in the medical world throughout the day.
Foundry — The plaque and bell were presented to the First Baptist Church for " Let Freedom Ring." They are now
working on products for the Prentis Store.
Great Hopes - The site is closed until March 18th, so they are busy with training, site projects, and research. They have
attended classes about slavery and will attend another on religion. Michael Twitty cooked with them so that they can learn
more about the foodways of slaves. The Junior Interpreter Expo is this Saturday as a recruiting tool for new JI' s for both
the Farming and Domestic Arts trades.
Stef Dunn is working in the Millinery this week as part of her apprentice training.
Matt Sanbury and Cameron Green are building a 1 500- rail fence as part of their apprentice program.
They are working on
three " full circle projects" meaning they go through the complete historical process. They are: growing flax to making a
garment; growing an apple orchard to making cider, and what they call the original Farm to Table movement- from the
garden to the pot. These are multi - year projects
interpretive
that go through
the full historical
processes.
Work continues
on a revised
plan for the site.
Gunsmith — They
are mostly moved into the new — Gun Shop. They are still doing some repair to the forge, but it
old
should be up and running soon. The apprentice is starting to make some of the tools he will use in the shop. They are
stocking a rifle: the barrel is being inlet into a stock of curly maple now. Work on the cased pair of pistols continues.
Historic
Garden —
Germination in the hotbed! Little green sprouts from the cabbages and lettuces are starting the show.
The ground temperature has remained a steady 80 degrees, which is perfect for a good germination.
With the warm weather, they have been able to get a lot of cleaning done in the garden: using a besom to remove all
the rubbish that has collected between rows during the past month and the pruning of several deciduous trees and shrubs.
Things are starting to look all tidy and ready for spring!
Joinery — The new Joinery will open on Sunday, February 7t1i in the Taliaferro - Cole Shop.
Milliners
and Mantua - makers —
They will be continuing their project proposals for Martha Washington' s wedding
gown and Quaker clothing for the Museum of the American Revolution. This week, the shop will be making a white
Italian -style gown. Additionally, they are excited to host Stephanie Dunn, Domestic Arts Specialist from Great Hopes.
Stephanie will be spending the week at the Millinery sharpening her sewing skills. They look forward to having her there.
Printers — The
pressmen are printing off blank Tobacco Crop notes and Transfer notes that will eventually be sold in the
Post Office.
Shoemaker —
A recently -completed pair of men' s common shoes. The heel is copied from one found on the 1781 wreck
of the Betsy, a supply ship sunk by the British to block the York River before the Siege of Yorktown. ( See the pictures on
the next page.)
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
2
�Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and a
fluted bowl, a pair of patty pans, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 1 2- inch Montieth, ladles, and a pair of
chased copper architectural elements.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Wheelwright —
They are working on an ox wagon for children' s rides.
Wigmaker — They
recently returned from a Hair Workshop that they hosted for the staff at Tryon Palace in North
Carolina. Debbie is working on weaving and attaching the wefts of hair to her German reproduction wig. Cleaning,
repairing, and restyling continues on the over 52 wigs that the actors /actresses, dancers, and musicians dropped off in
January. They are getting hair lined up and ready to accommodate the new programs and AI' s in February.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
2
�ADDENDUM TO
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for February 7 -
13
Cabinetmaker —
Having just concluded their annual " Working Wood in the 1 8th Century" Symposium, the Anthony Hay
Shop staff is back in the shop. Work will resume to complete the presentation pieces: a brass -banded mahogany tea caddy,
a tripod music stand, and an easy chair frame. The harpsichord makers will continue work on components for a spinet.
Fifes and Drums —
The Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
Virginia International
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
The Junior Corps and recruits are back in classes after a month-
long break and are preparing for their return to the Restored Area and weekly performances later this month.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
2
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 2 for February 7-13
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-02
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/13c67212255c6347310254bc17b9bafd.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=AkuUnc5d%7E%7E1%7EnZ-3yI1LJtinpgVYn8vEnIj5cjmVM9DefyDGuBEnQqosAihLbIhujZQrD1WwpDbzkZnL0aFZdyZxhw1TCywMSNi6AwmWzZi0EhL-vjw7ivQvEQ2UYSS45UeM-uu6-6dPMNjsSHXKF53CFXd0kph-vmQqUg-lbJoQzlv%7E2x8EEEeqkO1VZ2rjz5L13khGo3jybyHjUw1qnhuHWlRBh731gaIj8yZjNvb9TrpUWoZC41wlwXT2S5Mp7PjHVFEOdriP24ZoQENPAbxiL5BFpuL3DGSv5bRSZvcbdkG5AX36Wcw4VpfqdnAkMsPq5An9AkkHSrr4490FYg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
a900c4d9c1dad463cb9f3ac7cb91d7c3
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for February 14 WYDaily. com ran an article concerning the Trade Shop moves.
20
Here is the link: http: / /wydaily. com/ 2016 / 01/ 31 / local-
news- colonial - williamsburg- historic -tr
Apothecary —Both Robin and Sharon will be working on their programs for Women' s History Month.
Armoury —
Blacksmith —
They are making about 10 hand railings for the various new trade shops to bring them up to code,
producing handles and hinges for a chest being built by the Joiners, finishing tools for Great Hopes and the Carpenters,
and making nails, rivets, etc. for an ox wagon being built by the Wheelwrights.
Tin Shop — They are working on lanterns for the new trade shops and Coach and Livestock.
Some of the apprentices
are making gill cups, boxes, and coffee pots.
Artificer — They
are finishing cartridge boxes for the target range and will be making a few fire buckets for the fire
engine. A vast pile of repairs is expected from Fife and Drum. Recruitment for this year' s interns goes on.
Basketmaker —
They will continue to work on in -house requests: baskets for Great Hopes, the Foundry, and the A. I.s.
They are also always trying to keep items in the Prentis.
Bindery — They are working on the design for a book entitled, Four Centuries of Quilting, making books for the Prentis
Store, folding paper for ledgers, and continuing to bind law books for the Capitol.
Cabinetmaker —
On Monday, they will continue working on the brass -banded mahogany tea caddy, a tripod music stand,
and an easy chair frame. The harpsichord makers will continue work on components for a spinet. The shop will then be
closed for maintenance February 1
6th —
Candlemaker —They
26th.
are acquiring tools, studying the layout of the site, and writing procedures. Applications
have been received and the review process started.
Heidi from the Tool Shop will provide knives in addition to refurbishing the
dipping equipment.
Janea from the Milliner produced a prototype apron, protective equipment which promises to work well.
Chris from the Blacksmith will produce or modify a ladle and strainer for cleaning the wax.
Kaare from the Cabinetmaker advised on authentic whetstones, uncommon tools in the 21st century.
Steve from the Tin Shop will produce two tin buckets suitable for small dipping operations.
Ed from Great Hopes has added a tripod to the iron pot he is tendering to the Candlemaking Shop,
greatly
enhancing
shop capabilities.
And the list goes on and on. The Candlemakers are pleased to take opportunity to shed a little light on
the industry and generosity of the men and women of Trades and Skills. Rarely has a single Candle Shop owed
so much to so many
Carpenters —
They are finishing repairs on the cowshed behind the Randolph House. They will be installing a new floor
at the Armoury workshop next.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
3
�Cooper —
They recently fmished converting and repairing an old barrel for the Animal Husbanders to use in hatching
some eggs. The Husbanders would be able to explain this period process of using animal manure as the heat source. It
sounds very interesting, and it should be quite the conversation piece. The completed barrel is represented in the picture
below, and you may also notice that the large cistern for the Fire Engine Program is underway in the background.
Dance —
The JI Expo was a big " Smash Hit!" The young applicants will be coming to Dance Classes to see if they are
truly interested. The JI Dance Training is spread out through the remainder of Winter and Spring to prepare for Summer
programming
The Dance SIs at the Raleigh are having a great time with Guests. It is feast or famine in terms of the Guest
attendance ( a few couples or large school groups), so these extra Colonial Dancers are helping to bring things to life in the
Apollo Room!
The Guests really enjoy " Dancing with the Colonials!"
Fifes and Drums —
Virginia
The Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
International
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
The Junior Corps and recruits
are back in classes
after a month-
long break and are preparing for their return to the Restored Area and weekly performances later this month.
Foodways —
Join Historic Foodways as they venture into the world of "Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice" at the
Governor' s Palace Kitchen on Saturday, February 1 3th. Learn the
secrets of the confectioner as they demonstrate making confections throughout the day. Marvel at the beauty of an 1 8thcentury dessert table. The high point is when the guests get to help make an 1 8th- century confection!
There will be two
hands - on classes taking place in the Scullery. The Apothecary will also be featuring confections in the medical world
throughout the day.
Great Hopes - Work continues on the new rail fence, improvements to the hog lot, and spreading compost in the gardens.
Stef Dunn is working with the Millinery staff this week.
Gunsmith —
They are all moved in and open for business. They are getting the forge repaired and ready for the first fire in
8 years. Work continues on the pair of pistols and a rifle Thank you to the Tin Shop for making pipe for the bellows and
Lisa and her oxen for delivering their load of coal.
Historic
Garden —
The garden is getting ready for spring! The hotbed and the spring seedlings are coming along,
although the temperature in the bed is cooling down. The ground is being prepared for planting peas before Valentine' s
Day. They are also getting ready for the second hotbed, which will start the summer plants, by clearing it out and getting
ready to collect the manure again.
Military Programs — They are currently preparing for a very busy season!
With programming at the Military
Encampment, Armoury, Acting Programs, and the Magazine, preparations are ongoing.
Military Programs is preparing to
offer a fond farewell to John Hill, Kent Brinkley, and Dale Smoot, and looking forward to taking on more staff to help
with the coming programming Military Programs is also joining the new Target Range staff for much of their
preparation, to step into their new role as extra instructors for the range, as needed. There are also talks going on currently
on a variety of subjects in the Guard House at 11: OOam Thursday through Monday. Military Retreats began Friday the
1 2th. They are also commencing clearings for all current Militia members for both musket and cannon, and preparing to
take on new members in the coming months.
Milliners and Mantua - makers — They
will be continuing their project proposals for Martha Washington' s wedding
gown and Quaker clothing for the Museum of the American Revolution.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
3
�Printers —
The pressmen are printing off blank Tobacco Crop notes and Transfer notes that will eventually be sold in the
Post Office.
Target Range — The Target Range has undergone
completed
rapid development
for 3 range master and 3 firearms instructor
they are hopeful about some very strong candidates.
positions,
in the last few weeks.
Interviews
have been
and
The grounds are nearly completed, and all equipment has either been
acquired or is in the process of being built. Range safety courses are coming up for all new range staff, along with the
staff of Military Programs. They are on track to be ready to open by the March deadlines!
Wheelwright —
They are working on an ox wagon for children' s rides.
Wigmaker —Debbie
is still working on weaving and attaching the wefts of hair to her German reproduction wig. Regina
is continuing to clean, repair, and restyle wigs for actors / actresses, dancers, and musicians
designing 2 falls ( half wigs) for the new program starting in late February, "
Betty is beginning work on
Affairs of the Heart".
Terry is blending and
weaving hair for a hairpiece ( ladies curls) that will be assigned to Whitney Thornberry, one of our actresses.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
3
�2/ 12/ 2016
Colonial Williamsburg' s Historic Trade Shops to Expand Along DoG Street I Williamsburg Yorktown Daily
noco
0
WYDAILY.com
WILLIAMSBURG YORKTOWN DAILY
Colonial
Williamsburg' s Historic
Expand Along DoG Street
NVYDaily.
com
is
your
source
for free
news
and
information
in Williamsburg,
James
City&
Trade Shops to
York Counties.
The Windmill of Colonial Williamsburg once stood
behind the Peyton Randolph House, but is scheduled to
make
a new
home
at
Great Hopes Plantation. ( Photo
courtesy Colonial Williamsburg)
Colonial Williamsburg is kicking off an expansion of the Historic Trades department with the relocation
of four of the historic area' s most popular shops.
In the coming months, all four of the shops— the gunsmith, joiner, weaver and tailor— will be moving
into their own independent structures as part of an effort to offer more demonstrations and hands- on
programming throughout the Historic Area.
These moves will create an increased density of trades and other activity along Duke of Gloucester
Street
so
that
exiting one site is not more than a
Director of Historic Trades Peter Seibert
a guest
doors from
couple
said. "
Williamsburg
welcome opportunity to expand and to grow in new ways."
another
active
site,"
Colonial
The moves also provide the shops a
The announcement comes about a week after Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announced it would cut
about
60 jobs — most of which occurred " higher up in the chain of command" and in hospitality services,
according to
a
letter to
employees
from foundation
President Mitchell Reiss— in its mission to refocus on
the Historic Area, particularly the costumed interpreters and other educational initiatives.
The Gunsmith Shop and the Foundry, which until recently were both located at the James Geddy
hftp:// wydai I y. com/ 2016/ 01/
31/ 1 oval-
news- col oni al- w i
I I i am
s
burg- hi stori c- trade-
shops-
to- expand-
al
ong-
dog-
street/
1/ 5
�2/ 12/ 2016
Colonial Williamsburg' s Historic Trade Shops to Expand Along DoG Street I Williamsburg Yorktown Daily
Foundry, are separating with the relocation of the gunsmith to the Ayscough House on Blair Street. The
new location opens today, while the Foundry will remain at its previous location.
A week later the Joiner Shop, previously located at the Ayscough House, will reopen at the TaliaferroCole Shop on Duke of Gloucester Street at the former site of the weaver. It will also separate
administratively from the carpenter under recently promoted Master of the Shop Ted Boscana, according
to a recent news release from Colonial Williamsburg.
The series of moves will be rounded out in April with the relocation of the weaver and the tailor. The
weaver will move to the Greenhow Tenement on Duke of Gloucester Street at Market Square; the tailor
will vacate the Margaret Hunter Shop in the millinery to the Durfey Tailor Shop near Merchants Square.
The series of switch- ups is the beginning of big changes for the Historic Trades over the course of 2016,
the release states. Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can expect to see the return of candle- making
over Easter weekend and the reopening of the Windmill of Colonial Williamsburg later in the year.
Work continues on the restored Windmill near Great Hopes Plantation.
After completion
of the structure
and site, milling of corn and interpretation are expected to begin when the site opens late in 2016.
Our world-renowned Historic Trades are experiencing a renaissance, which reflects our renewed
commitment to bring the Historic Area to life in engaging, multisensory ways that make the past relevant
and immediate,"
said Ted Maris- Wolf, Colonial Williamsburg vice president of research and historical
interpretation. " Each trade shop conveys distinctive aspects of l8th- century science, technology, and
artistry through opportunities to see, hear, smell, and touch bespoke items that represent everyday life
during a critical period in American history."
Colonial Williamsburg
n
Colonial Williamsburg' s Historic Trade Shops to Expand Along DoG Street added by Elizabeth
Hornsby on January 31, 2016
View all posts by Elizabeth Hornsby
Comments
http:// wydaiIy.
com/
2016/ 01/ 31/ 1ocal-
news- colonial- will i am s
burg- hi stori c- trade-
shops-
to- expand-
al
ong-
dog-
street/
2/ 5
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 3 for February 14-20
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-02
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/d6465c2a83ae1731661b8f5de65d6365.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=L05zAUsPxdU4fDjBUprY2GeQB2C73XjabbQZQuW7bmq13Gdy2sv-BTL3nCoOnlyc8qWW5V3MFkHpt7qqqiG70ZNOO06LBMsn1%7Enkya5-i4NBrHlWulvKqLbIZurZ5F%7ErKqVg7vfeRaH-NGKNW3XIodtGj2P0XgvPWEFIQtDdzZV4mwuB6pYZi-k5P7NZzoBgRB9koFcm%7EBa94yeOfAsic9xAMrJANgI67iITnU%7EjWP09IPXQAx5c0ZQ9%7EqfmjxOkYv5ZsKSZc9YJ0pGOaYq%7Ed03HukBZtsJQJ7lQ97%7EUMly-fSJafcVBkfKXOkofOZM3CgcrEu2Hf24KvatNY7jwcw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
41678ccd7c570c76a6b6afdffd2f2133
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for February 21 -
27
Apothecary — The pictures below feature the " Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice" Foodways Program held on February
13"':
Here, the Floating Trades Interpreters, Sarah and Tim, are compounding a medicine.
This is part of the display featuring the interdisciplinary applications of products in
medicine and cooking.
As for this week:
Sharon and Robin are
working on their programs for Women' s
History month and helping with info for
Lucinda' s midwifery program. Sharon is working on a medical fact sheet for training manuals.
Artificer —They
are finishing cartridge boxes for the target range and will be making a few fire buckets for the fire
engine. A vast pile of repairs is expected from Fife and Drum. Recruitment
for this year' s interns goes on.
Basketmaker —
They will continue to work on in house requests: baskets for Great Hopes, the Foundry, and the A.I.s.
They are also always trying to keep items in the Prentis.
Bindery — They are working on the design for a book entitled, Four Centuries of Quilting, making books for the Prentis
Store, folding paper for ledgers, and continuing to bind law books for the Capitol.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
4
�Brickmaker — They
Cabinetmaker —
are paving the Armoury Workshop ( Artificer Shop) with the Carpenters.
The shop is closed for maintenance through Feb 26th
Candlemaker —They
continue to tool up. They are also reviewing applications and making ready to conduct
interviews.
Carpenters —
Cooper —
They are installing a floor in the Armoury Workshop (the Artificer' s Shop).
They continue to work on the tub for the Fire Engine program. Once that is complete, they will be repairing
some more casks for the streetscape.
Dance —
The JI Expo was a big " Smash Hit!"
The young applicants will be coming to Dance Classes to see if they are
truly interested. The JI Dance Training is spread out through the remainder of Winter and Spring to prepare for Summer
programming
The Dance SIs at the Raleigh are having a great time with Guests. It is feast or famine in terms of the Guest
attendance ( a few couples or large school groups), so these extra Colonial Dancers are helping to bring things to life in the
Apollo Room! The Guests really enjoy " Dancing with the Colonials!"
Fifes and Drums — The
Virginia International
Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
The Junior Corps and recruits are back in classes after a month-
long break and are preparing for their return to the Restored Area and weekly performances later this month.
Great Hopes - They worked with the Orientation Department last Fall on a new collaborative project for an Interpreter' s
professional
development.
Nicole Justice Green interned
with Domestic
Arts and developed
her knowledge
and skills in
the work of a Plantation Mistress and the multi- faceted workings of an 1 8th- century farm. This was a big success, and
Nicole shared this knowledge through a hands -on workshop last week with her colleagues in the department.
A 1 000- rail split -rail fence is finished, and apple and peach trees are being pruned. Work continues on improving
the hoglot and other site projects.
Gunsmith —
They did a live stream for the Facebook page on February 17th. This was the first time the forge has been
fired up in 8 years! Richard and Eric handled the live stream very well, and they received thousands of hits. Work
continues on the pistols and the rifle. They are preparing for the Winterthur students visit soon.
Historic
Garden —
Lots of mud in the garden this week! They are planning to fix the locust pole edging around the beds
that has shrunk and become unsightly. Also, they are planning by the end of the week to gather manure for the second
hotbed and start that process again. Hoping for clearer weather this week!
Military Programs — They are currently preparing for a very busy season! With programming at the Military
Encampment, Armoury, Acting Programs, and the Magazine, preparations are ongoing. Military Programs is preparing to
offer a fond farewell to John Hill, Kent Brinkley, and Dale Smoot, and looking forward to taking on more staff to help
with the coming programming Military Programs is also joining the new Musket Range staff for much of their
preparation, to step into their new role as extra instructors for the range, as needed. There are also talks going on currently
on a variety of subjects in the Guard House at 11: OOam Thursday through Monday.
They are also commencing clearings
for all current Militia members for both musket and cannon, and preparing to take on new members in the coming months.
Milliners
8th-
and Mantua - makers —
Kathrin Brown, Costume Coordinator for Mt. Vernon, will be studying 1
century
clothing construction and fitting techniques with them Wednesday- Friday. Several of the Weavers will be in the shop
Department
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
4
�with them on Friday as they continue their textile collaboration in the areas of making, selling, and competing with
imports.
Music — The
staff continue to perform in programming at the Raleigh Tavern during the day. Last week, the Raleigh
Friday night Concerts began, and the annual " From Coronation to Inauguration"
Palace Concert was held. Amy Miller
and Jenny Edenborn will be performing in " Unbecoming Her Sex" at the Raleigh as part of Women' s History Month.
The program highlights female musicians in Europe who took on roles usually only held by men. Gabri Williams is
getting her feet wet as the first of several itinerant musicians and is helping out at the Raleigh and doing research. The
musicians are preparing for the continuing Palace series that will begin in the spring.
Musket Range — The Range has undergone
rapid development
in the last few weeks.
Three Range Masters
and three
Range Instructors have been hired. They begin work here on February 21st. The grounds are nearly completed, and all
equipment has either been acquired or is in the process of being built. Range safety courses are coming up for all new
range staff, along with the staff of Military Programs.
They are on track to be ready to open by the March deadlines!
Printers —
The pressmen are printing off a 1760' s Bill of Sale for a slave and apprenticeship forms. They are also making
corrections for Arrest Warrants for the Hustings Court of Williamsburg.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowls and
some fluted bowls, a pair of patty pans, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, ladles, and
chasing two copper panels to be used as architectural elements on a local restored colonial home.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailors — Buttonholes,
breeches,
buttonholes, buttonholes. They are working on a pea green broadcloth coat, a pair of black
and a new coat pattern.
Wheelwright — They
Wigmaker — Debbie
are working on an ox wagon for children' s rides.
is still working on weaving and attaching the wefts of hair to her German reproduction wig. Regina
is continuing to clean, repair, and restyle wigs for actors / actresses, dancers, and musicians
Betty is beginning work on
designing 2 falls (half wigs) for the new program starting in late February, " Affairs of the Heart". Terry is blending and
weaving hair for a hairpiece ( ladies curls) that will be assigned to Whitney Thornberry, one of the actresses.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
4
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 4 for February 21-27
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-02
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/5babae2b389ba68f49600c9cb9f2b049.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=To--siW%7EoUVhRusUesQjT559EHcyYnA-6J5G-xsvoGohnY2G22FwAiTTsMfskQUrWWWin1vzajGuB0t134gBFA46b69EI%7EIyZQDfIdeRGeh7oS-nL2OIJA0A5oyGg%7EUiNuIAG73we1aIyqyZ0%7EV1T%7ExB9uzoxZ67cbhkFA-8SShc0XW7%7Ebg54qWOSq8qrc3i1nTqFWYGaFYyEHRAZ-p5fI6EnLZ5Ril-QWgrnP61fsQbgNVbtQxWU9in9ubQ1xnjT5A7Gb8BxgLAHAI1-5IBVXpTwBLhCTj66RXsX8l%7EdzG3x2LZ11ErwgqpBltl6DAP46oT-w3UWMj%7EB51BWHm68g__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
db1137f756199dc76ab68aea1a054e1e
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for February 28 — March
5
Apothecary — Sharon and Robin are working on their programs for Women' s History month. Robin is working on some
training material for the shop, and Sharon is working on a medical fact sheet for training manuals.
Armoury —
Blacksmith —
They are ironing a dumpcart for the Wheelwrights. Items being made are socket chisels, a key to a three
bolt door lock, curtain rods, nails, claw hammers,
10 handrails
for historic buildings,
and a ladle and skimmer ( for the
Candlemakers).
Tin Shop —
They are working on lanterns for the Museum of the American Revolution, gill cups, coffee pots, and
lanterns.
Artificer —They
wish to extend their thanks to the Brick Masons and the Carpenters for their efforts on re- flooring the
Artificer' s Shop, and to the Joiners for the fabulous new cutting table. They are ramping up for an exciting Spring and
Summer.
Miss Emma Cross will be rejoining the crew Sunday, February 28t'', followed by Mr. Jan Tilley on March 6th.
Basketmaker —
They will be finishing up a wool drying basket for the Prentis Store and continuing to work on a variety
of in -house basket requests. As material is getting low at the moment, some much - needed splitting also needs to take
place.
Bindery — The shop is closed for maintenance Monday, February 29 —March
Brickmaker — They
Cabinetmaker —
11.
are paving the Armoury Workshop ( Artificer Shop) with the Carpenters.
Work continues on a brass -banded mahogany tea caddy, a tripod music stand, and an easy chair frame.
The harpsichord
makers will continue work on components
for a spinet.
Candlemaker —
They are proceeding at a steady pace. They are still conducting interviews and working on
plans. Firewood has been purchased and new tools acquired. In time, all will be made shipshape.
Carpenters —
They are installing a floor in the Armoury Workshop ( the Artificer' s Shop).
Cooper — Below
Department
is a picture of an oval sea chest that they produced:
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
5
�Dance —
The Dance SIs at the Raleigh are having a great time with Guests. It is feast or famine in terms of the Guest
attendance ( a few couples or large school groups), so these extra Colonial Dancers are helping to bring things to life in the
Apollo Room! The Guests really enjoy " Dancing with the Colonials!"
Fifes and Drums — The
Virginia International
Foodways — "
the Ages"
Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
1St.
Secrets of the Chocolate Maker" will be held on Tuesday, March
conference
on March
They are preparing for the " Ales for
18 - 20.
Foundry — They are making a pair of bronze candlesticks for a custom order, drawer pulls for the Weaver, and items for
Prentis
Store.
Great Hopes - The staff are busy getting ready for the re- opening of the site on March 1 8th. Apple and peach trees are
being pruned, the kitchen and slave house cleaned top to bottom, farm implements cleaned and repaired, the Tobacco
House is being rearranged for better interpretation, and massive amounts of compost is being spread in the gardens. Stef
Dunn finishes a week with the Weavers. They are also assisting the Historic Gardeners this week.
Gunsmith —
They are in tool- making mode right now. They are making a new ramrod drill, as the old one is worn out.
They are also making a spur center for the treadle lathe. A new leather drive belt has been put on the lathe, and it works
great. They are also making some new patterns for a pocket knife, ram rod thimbles, and muzzle cap. The apprentice is
working on new pliers and other tools that he will need in the future. Work on a pair of pistols and a rifle continues.
Historic
Garden —
This week has been a big one for the garden. Despite the weather, they have been able to collect and
start mounding up dung for the second hotbed that will be started in March. The sycamore trees along Francis Street were
pollarded, and the gardeners were able to collect sticks for future use in the garden, such as trellising and making waddle
fences. Also, Thursday, February 25th, was Wesley's last day. They had an awesome goodbye lunch for him and are
wishing him well on his retirement. He will be missed here.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
5
�Military Programs — They are currently preparing for a very busy season! With programming at the Military
Encampment, Armoury, Acting Programs, and the Magazine, preparations are ongoing. Military Programs is preparing to
offer a fond farewell to John Hill, Kent Brinkley, and Dale Smoot, and looking forward to taking on more staff to help
with the coming programming
Military Programs is also joining the new Musket Range staff for much of their
preparation, to step into their new role as extra instructors for the range, as needed.
There are also talks going on currently
on a variety of subjects in the Guard House at 11: OOam Thursday through Monday.
They are also commencing clearings
for all current Militia members for both musket and cannon, and preparing to take on new members in the coming months.
Music — The
staff continue to perform in programming at the Raleigh Tavern during the day. Amy Miller and Jenny
Edenborn will be performing in " Unbecoming Her Sex" at the Raleigh as part of Women' s History Month. The program
highlights female musicians in Europe who took on roles usually only held by men. Gabriela Williams is getting her feet
wet as the first of several itinerant musicians and is helping out at the Raleigh and doing research.
The musicians are
preparing for the continuing Palace series that will begin in the spring.
Musket Range — The Range has undergone
rapid development
in the last few weeks.
Three Range Masters
and three
Range Instructors have been hired. The grounds are nearly completed, and all equipment has either been acquired or is in
the process of being built. Range safety courses are coming up for all new range staff, along with the staff of Military
Programs. They are on track to be ready to open by the March deadlines!
Printers — The
Shoemaker —
shop is closed for maintenance Monday, February 29 — March
11.
Val just fmished a pair of size 5 " boys" common shoes, the smallest size that they can produce, for Jenny in
the Tin Shop. This means that all of the full -ime staff in that shop now have a pair of handmade shoes! On the other end
t
of the size spectrum,
Rob has completed
his first pair of pumps,
size 15.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowl and some
fluted bowls, a pair of patty pans, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Weaver — The
new Weaving Shop at the Greenhow Tenement is almost ready! They will have a " soft" opening
beginning on March
Please come by and let them know what you think The shop will not be advertised in the
7t'`.
Program
Guide until March
Wheelwright — They
Wigmaker — Debbie
14th.
continue working on an ox wagon for children' s rides.
is still working on weaving and attaching the wefts of hair to her German reproduction wig. Regina
is continuing to clean, repair, and restyle wigs for actors / actresses, dancers, and musicians
Betty finished 2 new falls ( half
wigs) for the new program " Affairs of the Heart" ( which opens this weekend!)
Terry is blending and weaving hair for a
hairpiece ( ladies curls) that will be assigned to Whitney Thornberry, one of the actresses.
The Wig Shop has also been conducting interviews this week for our JI position and preparing to wish our
longtime friend and Journeyman, Ms. Terry Lyons a happy retirement. She will be extremely missed!!
Windmill —
A
big thanks to the tree crew and the Landscape Department for clearing the trees growing along the
pedestrian bridge and path to the Historic Area. There is now a clear view of the mill for our guests as they cross the
bridge. Matt Webster and Steve Chabra ran the mill for a bit on Thursday, February 25th. Over the next week, a contractor
should be on site to finish installing the lightning protection for the mill.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
5
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 5, for February 28 - March 5
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-03
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/6cd5b49fb89a6ef26954a108abe8e9bd.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=vSvMjQ5FL2O5zEij0YKKLVyxXhFQQpVGEdJV3uQczSzQ8vsI%7E-a7y4vkYvhIdKaXZA-Ehnym%7ENlTiJVTuexvj%7E6uZRMyCaaxO23uGJ0ydzNnhhbE6863VkHw31xepNQT73O5lKHc8nzozipL1lzuoOGXJ9pfKUVAqZxboaaH7knOE6Jdgv3dWfC-hbIHU419RXPt8Sr2FVx4568BPwi7UwMpxVHP%7E0VeTAQLCZbxY3IDWUYTQvzQv4tVtu3AbRCmLhovT1OkG0-PKBIMSrREv-cThBd2SulFHMVWlFcBBrfM-n%7EcIDjRi6AZHssE%7EdWUmIlxVFaKHTuUaW9WTIEGSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
8b7c8cdf98a66fb4a4ca21ae145fbf66
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for March 6 - 12
THE HISTORIC TRADES AND SKILLS OFFICE WILL BE RE- LOCATING FROM THE
MARGARET HUNTER WORKSHOP TO THE 2ND FLOOR OF GREENHOW WEST ( THIS IS
PETER
AND
SHARI).
WE HOPE TO BE COMPLETELY MOVED OVER BY FRIDAY, MARCH
11TH. TOM REDD AND THE SILVERSMITHS WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP THEIR OFFICES ON
THE 2ND FLOOR
OF THE MARGARET
HUNTER
WORKSHOP.
Artificer — They
are working on a variety of jobs: fire buckets, a cartridge box, and small items for programming
They wish to welcome Jan Tilley, who will be joining the Artificer beginning on Sunday, March 6th1!
Bindery — The shop is closed for maintenance Monday, February 29 — March
Cabinetmaker —
The harpsichord
11.
Work continues on a brass - banded mahogany tea caddy, a tripod music stand, and an easy chair frame.
makers will continue work on components
for a spinet.
Candlemaker —
They have been filling positions and preparing for site training, with a soft opening scheduled for March
20. The Candlemakers invite all those who are interested to drop in and visit in the week of March 20 -26, to see the sights
and smell the smells. They think you will find Candlemaking a very interesting trade.
Cooper — "Rub -a -dub dub, three coopers in a tub."
The tub for the Fire Engine Program, that is.
It was completed this
week. See the picture below. Now, they are fixing up a few casks for the streetscape.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
6
�Fifes and Drums —
Virginia
The Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
International
Foodways —
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
They are preparing for the " Ales for the Ages" conference on March 18 - 20.
Foundry — They are making a pair of bronze candlesticks for a custom order and items for Prentis Store.
Great Hopes - They are continuing to assist the Gardeners this week, as well as preparing Great Hopes gardens for
planting. They are also cutting another sweep for the well, laying out a new fence for the apple orchard, improving
chicken pens, preparing the tobacco seed bed, and other farm work.
Gunsmith — They
are making a spur center for the treadle lathe. The apprentice is working on new pliers and other tools
that he will need in the future. Work on a pair of pistols and a rifle continues.
Historic
Garden —
This week, they have filled the hotbed! The compost will go on top once it has heated up in the bed
again, and the summer seeds will be planted by the end of this week. For the summer, they will be planting things such as:
cucumbers, melons, peppers, and tomatoes. Things are moving fast in the garden, and they have to keep thinking ahead.
They are also getting ready for spring: preparing and cleaning up the beds, getting ready to move the spring lettuces,
cabbages, leeks, and artichokes in the garden in the coming weeks. They are hoping that the weather will continue to
improve.
Joinery — Please
welcome their three new apprentices:
Amanda Doggett ( from Products),
Scott Krogh ( from Public
Sites), and Peter Hudson (from the Masonry Trades)!
Milliner —They
the American
Department
are beginning to work on the clothing for the two mannequins that will be on exhibit at the Museum of
Revolution.
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
6
�Music — The
staff continue to perform in programming at the Raleigh Tavern during the day. Amy Miller and Jenny
Edenborn will be performing in " Unbecoming Her Sex" at the Raleigh as part of Women' s History Month. The program
highlights female musicians in Europe who took on roles usually only held by men.
Printers —
The shop is closed for maintenance Monday, February 29 — March
11.
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowl and some
fluted bowls, a pair of patty pans, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed
with anyone who is interested.
Tailor —
They
are working on a worsted coat lined in glazed linen and a painted valance for General Washington' s
marquee.
Weaver — The
new Weaving Shop at the Greenhow Tenement is almost ready! They will have a " soft" opening
beginning on March
Please come by and let them know what you think The shop will not be advertised in the
7t'`.
Program
Guide until March
Wheelwright — They
14th.
continue working on an ox wagon for children' s rides. They are working on the body framing and
the wheels.
Wigmaker — Debbie
pictures
is still working on weaving and attaching the wefts of hair to her German reproduction wig. See
below:
Regina is continuing to clean, repair, and restyle wigs for actors /actresses, dancers, and musicians
clean, repair, and restyle wigs for actors / actresses,
dancers,
and musicians "
Regina continues to
Affairs of the Heart" is up and running and
you can see our new work on the very talented heads of Miss Whitney Thornberry and Michelle Smith!
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
6
�Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
6
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 6 for March 6-12
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-03
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/b22c292163f91b793253d939cda5286e.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=CcCnH9jQGqpWrhPaXIPQs69kzyqBzs7TM2Bd94YBoSCuXojxWVr1uZxD8cfS6NCmGTPoF5aW4RJMAOVx5Gd%7EYiC4XU8VPAZvnu%7EZZb-4tN77hVKSS4DJl9b0SRYSUo21-%7EyA-imcBnjTX0VGkpvqNQ%7EYri1Y1A7CkuSsUfVvrgsyyfCL3VywZEQhodGBGzXePf-t66Is-JrTpYxCXlLNcsrySaEbzQ%7E1ZI6ULGTklhyCpBXEM3iZNy8fzJ7N43zR6kUiN4gt7RIo9hJ5Yl3JS5QUdOgJsy059mFzZVTK-ym8wpvNxhvJpjKmWQH9ksx12vzSqNRJ1%7EZ-kwuw5PYdhw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
f0e7a2aa1cb41a037bae228130d43c1c
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for March 20 - 26
Apothecary — The picture features participants at a recent Women' s History Month program about 18th -century women
in business.
They discussed business issues in first person, answered questions from the audience, and then changed
formats to address the extant references and how they studied these 18th - century individuals.
In the picture left to right, Robin Kipps ( Galt
Apothecary), Katharine Pittman (Nation
Builder), Chris Strum ( Silversmith),
and Dr.
Lindsay Keiter ( Research Dept.).
In the picture below, notice the blue sleeve protectors
on the surgeon portrayed on the left. This was one of several
primary sources collected by Robin and Sharon and shared with Tom Hammond at the Costume Design Center. Tom is
going to make reproductions for one of the characters in the new midwifery play later this month. You may remember
that the first set of reproduction sleeves were made by Janea from the Millinery, for the 2011 Costume Accessories
conference at the DeWitt. They were modeled by Mark Huffer from the Tailor's Shop, and featured during Robin's lecture
on 18th -century clothing as it related to patients and doctors. They enjoyed looking up all that info again.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
7
�The final picture is from Sharon' s Women' s History Program, " Growing Up, Growing Older ".
Held at the Raleigh
Tavern, it is a unique program on women' s health care. Every seat was taken, and they had to turn people away.
Armoury —
Blacksmith —
They are still working on several hand rails for various stairs about town, ironing copper kettles for
Candlemaking, making tools for the Brickmakers and for the Military Artificers, ironwork for the Wheelwrights, and nails
they are always making nails)
Tin Shop —They are working on lanterns for lighting in the new shops and gill cups.
Artificer —They
have been staying busy finishing up mostly small jobs for other trade shops: tool covers for the
Carpenters, and engraving pads for the Silversmiths. This week, they plan to dust off an old saddle project which had been
sidelined: they will be replacing the burr and cantle linings on a French dragoon saddle and pulling the seat.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
7
�Basketmaker —
They are currently working on large baskets for in house orders and have a pending order for more large
baskets. They also have a special project for Coach and Livestock. Alas, they are in need of trees and hope to hear from
the log guy soon. Below is a picture of a Native American Burden Basket that the shop produced. They hope to see it in
use soon.
Brickmaker — They
will be burning a lime rick on Monday, March 28th (WEATHER PERMITTING!). A lime rick is a
large fire for burning oyster shells. Once burnt, the shells are then converted into lime by the addition of water. This lime
is used in mortar, plaster, and whitewash throughout town. The fire will be lit around noon on the 28th and will continue
all night long. The Brickyard site will be open noon until 10 pm on Monday the 28th for the firing.
Cabinetmaker —
They continue to work on several pieces: a coopered mahogany wine cooler, an easy chair ( wing chair
frame), and a pair of fluted tri pod music stands. The harpsichord makers are processing mechanical parts for two future
spinets.
Candlemaker —
20th.
They have hired staff and are making preparations for a soft opening /training week starting on March
Drop in if you can and visit the Candlemakers March 20 -26. The map below shows their location:
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
7
�Carpenter — The Historic Trades Carpentry program reopens to the public this March 18th at Great Hopes
Plantation, making shingles and
clapboards.
Cooper —
Their new ap rentice is working on fixing up a cask for the firing
range: The tub currently under construction will eventually help slake the thirst of sheep in the Historic
Area: Department of
Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2,sue
Is
�Fifes and Drums —
Virginia
The Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
International
Foodways —
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
They are participating in the " Ales for the Ages" conference on March 18 -20. They are also firing up the
smokehouse at the Palace.
Foundry — They are making a pair of bronze shellsticks, lead cakes for the Tinsmith, and furniture hardware for the
Weaver.
Great Hopes - The Plantation re -opens for the Spring Season on March 18th and they can' t wait! They will start the first
day plowing with the oxen to get the tobacco and oat ground ready. The garden will be a hive of activity with planting
turnips, potatoes, radishes, mustard greens, swiss chard, and lots more. If the weather holds, they will be sowing flax and
starting the tobacco seed bed. Spring Is Here!
Gunsmith — They
will be doing some filming for the History channel on Friday, March 1 8th. They will have the host
ream a gun barrel. (
They hope he is in good shape.)
Work on the pistols and rifle continues. The apprentice is turning
lots of tool handles for his files and screwdrivers for the tools he will use during his career at CW.
Historic
Garden —
Spring! They are excited in the garden and getting ready for Spring! Plants are being moved from the
January hotbed and transplanted into the garden. More flowers have started blooming, including the early -blooming Duc
van Tol tulips and the bloodroot! More garden clean -up is happening, as per usual, to keep the path clean and weeds
under control. The pea trellises have gone up, as well, using the pollarded sycamore sticks, with much help from the Great
Hopes staff!
Joinery — The apprentices are going to be continuing to work on getting their tools in working order. Their first project
will be the construction of peg rails for the Weaver Shop.
Military Programs and the Musket Range — The Military Programs and Musket Range staff have all recently attended
and completed several Range Safety and Instructor courses. Most recently was to become NRA /NMLRA Certified
Firearms Instructors.
Also, the Range Staff is working hard in preparation for the grand opening of the Musket Range this
Saturday, March 1 9th. Our military staff is busy wrapping up clearings for safe use of the cannon and musket, as well as
working alongside Revolutionary City to finalize scenes for programming this year. In addition to all of this is, of course,
an ever -growing pile of dirty muskets in need of cleaning.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
7
�Music — The
staff continue to perform in programming at the Raleigh Tavern during the day. Amy Miller and Jenny
Edenborn will be performing in " Unbecoming Her Sex" at the Raleigh as part of Women' s History Month. The program
highlights female musicians in Europe who took on roles usually only held by men.
Printers — The
Pressmen are working off copies of a Writ for the Hustings Court of the City of Williamsburg.
Type
setters are finishing the title page for " The Articles of Confederation."
Silversmith —
They are working on various sorts of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, Gurney Bowl and some
fluted bowls, a pair of patty pans, trade silver jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed
with anyone who is interested.
Weaver —Their
new shop at the Greenhow Tenement is now OPEN!
through the building.
They are working on logistics and " people flow"
So far so good. Folks are able to get a lot closer to the equipment, and the staff is getting used to
their new environment. They are working on prototypes for blankets and linen towels. The dye program is on hold until
they can figure out where to put it. They will be adding things along as they get used to their new habitat.
Wheelwright —
They continue working on an ox wagon for children' s rides.
Wigmaker —They
continue to clean, repair, and restyle wigs for actors /actresses, dancers, and musicians this week.
Debbie is still working on attaching the wefts of hair to her German reproduction wig. Betty is blending hair for a new set
of ladies curls and preparing for our new JI' s.
They also said goodbye to a very special volunteer to their shop, who has been with them for many years, Mr.
Tim Jacoby. He will definitely be missed by all of them, and they wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
7
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 7 for the week of March 20-26
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-03
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/c479346605129af9423ea78394a67fa3.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=vtRLD5Wwb1aIRshzF0hYvxl2NWfXECN7Em1rNhLNA92Ot5xO21OnovzDFU3nJ-2a-o2no7Y3z9SG5fxbTC5Ncd4XgxHBV8WY0tPwxVpo5C7Uidr4wAi0qQlwjby5Mo7-Imd19K-m7aLkCiqw9YHxLDPSyee%7Eb8Xnb1Gpa87J-gjoP3Ter-zY8dg3HP3YvPnd%7EZ1i8wq4Yra7pGW9ojt0cZgNLlSJLoOcnjy%7EX2I9UlVJc4E70i9CpfA7odroVEhfcW%7E05e--QNDAyith1oNtf%7ECavTTpQ5d8watsoPMiRcbKuwb4fCMSFsRbKaHB1ISWhLOqz5wAJJ4Lgxlf-Ecqcw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
c9363cd2d06417cc4c113b0f9d4191ac
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for March 27 — April 2
Apothecary — Sharon did her second program " Growing Up and Growing Older ", for Women' s History Month, this past
week. Robin is doing her second program about women in business in the last week of the month.
Armoury —
Blacksmith —
They are still working on hand rails for the Joinery and Greenhow Tenement, ironing a wagon for the
Wheelwrights, tools for the Military Artificers, and door pulls and nails They finished up some more tools for the
Brickyard. They are planting the Armory garden this week.
Tin Shop —They are working on lanthorns for the Museum of the American Revolution, lanthorns for the Weavers, and
mugs and tea caddys for the Prentis store.
Artificer —They
have been staying busy finishing up mostly small jobs for other trade shops: tool covers for the
Carpenters, and engraving pads for the Silversmiths. This week, they plan to dust off an old saddle project which had been
sidelined: they will be replacing the burr and cantle linings on a French dragoon saddle and pulling the seat.
Brickmaker — They
will be burning a lime rick on Monday, March 28th. They will light at noon and anticipate it burning
all night. The site will be open from noon on Monday until 10 pm Monday evening. This event is weather permitting.
Three good dry days are required to ensure success of the burning. The rain date will be on Tuesday.
Cabinetmaker —
They continue to work on several pieces:
a coopered mahogany wine cooler, an easy chair ( wing chair
frame), and a pair of fluted tri - od music stands. The harpsichord makers are processing mechanical parts for two future
p
spinets.
Candlemaker —
They have begun a soft opening to standing -room only crowds. The Candlemakers are pleased that all of
their problems to this point involve too many happy customers. The new hires are: John King, Nicole Justice Green, Lisa
Youngers,
Christina Hartless, and Robert Watson.
You are invited to visit the Candlemakers in the courtyard, hard by the Joinery. They go live with their official
opening on Sunday, March 27th.
Carpenter —
They are making roofing materials for the new Carpentry Shop.
Cooper — They
continue to work on tubs for Coach &
Fifes and Drums —
Livestock.
The Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
Virginia International
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
Foodways — A special tour will occur on April 3rd and 1 8th: "
A Cook' s Walking Tour." Guests visiting our historic sites
see lovely, pristine homes in fair order. But, did you ever wonder about the messy parts of life? Kim Costa will lead a tour
to explore the often private world of food preparation in an 1 8th- century city. Guests will visit a variety of original outbuildings and sites, including smoke houses, dairies, kitchens, and bake ovens. Guests will learn what it was like to live
and work as a cook and prepare food across the hierarchy of society.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
8
�Gunsmith —
They are busy talking to school groups and lots of guests. The apprentice is turning tool handles on the
treadle lathe. Sully is fitting springs to the two flintlocks for the pair of pistols, and George is shaping the stock for the
rifle he is making
Historic
Garden —
Spring is moving along and so are the staff in the Garden. The seedlings sown in the hotbed in January
are now being moved out and into the garden beds. Emily and Jen are working together to build trellises for peas and
preparing beds for transplants and seeds for the spring garden. They have transplanted out all of the cabbage into the bed,
as well as sowing parsnip, radish, and carrot seeds. They are preparing to put lettuce in where flax has previously grown
before, something that has not been done before that they are eager to try. They are also working on cleaning the garden to
stay on top of the weeds and accumulation of falling spring leaves to make sure the paths and garden beds stay clean and
neat.
Joinery — The apprentices are continuing to pursue the art of making a board flat. They are working on peg rails that will
be used in the Weaver' s shop. Ted is working on a work bench for the Tin Shop.
Music — The
staff continue to perform in programming at the Raleigh Tavern during the day. Amy Miller and Jenny
Edenborn will be performing in " Unbecoming Her Sex" at the Raleigh as part of Women' s History Month.
The program
highlights female musicians in Europe who took on roles usually only held by men.
Printer —The
Press is fmishing a run of writs for the Williamsburg Courthouse. A form for "A Summary View" is being
corrected for the press by the typesetters. In the afternoons,
guests are able to print copies of the Declaration
of Independence
for themselves.
Check with the Orientation
Interpreter
at the gate to see if they are running that program and at what time.
Shoemaker —
Currently in production are a pair of welted pumps, a pair of double - soled common shoes, a pair of stitched
pumps, and a pair of turned pumps. There are also several pairs in for mending.
In the past month, the Journeymen
have presented at the Virginia Forum and at the Virginia Association
of
Museums Conference, our Apprentice spoke to a museum studies /material culture class at the University of New
Hampshire, and the Master has consulted on a forthcoming publication on shoes in 18"'- century America.
Silversmith —
They are working on a chamber stick, a pair of fish trowels, a small sauce boat, meat skewers, various sorts
of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, a Gurney Bowl, some fluted bowls, a pair of patty pans, trade silver
jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailor —They
are working on a linen sacking bottom for Mount Vernon and a green wool coat.
Wheelwright —
They continue working on an ox wagon for children' s rides.
Wigmaker —With
Rev City, the Market House, and other events in town up and running, the daily maintenance of the
wigs for our actors, dancers, and musicians has picked up this week. Debbie is still working on weaving and attaching the
wefts of hair to her German reproduction Bob wig. Betty and Regina are blending and weaving hair for a new set of
ladies curls and finishing up a handmade braided queue wig for the actor who portrays Patrick Henry. They have several
new wig requests that have come in and will start production on them next week.
Windmill — The
lighting protection system has been installed by a contractor. Steve has installed the new copper flashing
around the windshaft to keep the rain water from entering the mill. This week he is preparing to install a gate and fences
around the windmill.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
8
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 8 for March 27 - April 2
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04
-
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PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK' S ADVISER
for April 3 - 9
Apothecary — Robin finished up her last program for Women' s History Month. They are continuing to work on a project
for pharmacy students.
Armoury —
Blacksmith —
They have started on a hardware order for Jefferson's Monticello: 30 gate hinges with pintles. They are
still putting the iron work together for the Wheelwrights, starting to make some hardware for the Windmill, making tools
for the Artificer, and finishing tools for the Brickyard, all while still working on getting the Armory garden planted.
Tin Shop —They are working on lanthorns, coffee pots, and mugs.
Bindery — They are working on blank ledgers.
Cabinetmaker —
They continue to work on several pieces:
a coopered mahogany wine cooler, an easy chair ( wing chair
frame), and a pair of fluted tri - od music stands. The harpsichord makers are processing mechanical parts for two future
p
spinets.
Candlemaker —
John King, Nicole Justice Green, Christina Hartless, and Lisa Youngers have been steadily interpreting
to crowds of guests daily. It seems there is never a dull moment in the Candleshop. It is fair to say that Candlemaking
is a
crowd pleaser!
With the addition of long -time expert Candlemaker Robert Watson, whose first day in the shop was Tuesday, they
are beginning to produce quantities of candles of professional quality. There may soon be " dipt candles and tapers"
offered for sale in Prentis
Store.
They have also begun bringing guests into the shop in a small way, to practice for a program in which specially ticketed guests will make their own candles. It is expected that this program will start in early April and continue
throughout the Spring and Summer.
Carpenter — They
Cooper —
are making roofing materials for the new Carpentry Shop.
They continue to work on tubs for Coach and Livestock, and they have begun making buckets for the Printing
Office.
Fifes and Drums — The
Virginia
International
Fife and Drum Senior Corps is currently working on new music for their participation in the
Tattoo held in Norfolk this April.
Foodways — A special tour will occur on April 3rd and 18th: "
A Cook' s Walking Tour."
Guests visiting our historic sites
see lovely, pristine homes in fair order. But, did you ever wonder about the messy parts of life? Kim Costa will lead a tour
to explore the often private world of food preparation in an 18th -century city. Guests will visit a variety of original outbuildings and sites, including smoke houses, dairies, kitchens, and bake ovens. Guests will learn what it was like to live
and work as a cook and prepare food across the hierarchy of society.
The first Brewing of Spring will also be on Sunday April 3rd.
Foundry — They are making a pair of bronze shellsticks, lead cakes for the Tinsmith, and furniture hardware for the
Weaver.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and Skills
Volume
2, Issue
9
�Gunsmith —
They are working on turning tool handles for engraving tools and making handles for froes for the
Blacksmiths. The rifle is getting the barrel pinned into the stock, and the pistols are having the springs fitted to the locks.
Historic
Garden —
This week has been busy for the Garden!
Broccoli is coming along and tastes delicious! Almost
everything in the January hotbed has been moved into the Garden. The strawberries are blooming, and they are hoping to
get some yummy berries in the coming weeks. The Jacob' s Ladder plants and tulips are starting to really make a show, to
include the Lady Jane Tulips in the orchard. Ferns are also starting to poke through, and their leaves are uncurling.
Watering is becoming more and more necessary with the wind and the warming temperatures. Their new large copper
watering cans from the Tin Shop have greatly helped in this. Busy spring and lots of blooms: it' s an exciting time to be
working in the Garden!
Joinery — The apprentices will be working on packing crates for the ox cart that the Wheelwrights are building. Mr.
Boscana will be finishing the workbench for the Tin Shop.
Military Programs — They continue the hiring process, both for a couple of full -ime Military Programs employees and
t
new militia members. If you are interested in being part of the militia, contact Josh Bucchioni (Bucchioni@cwf.org) in
order to register before
April 6th for training dates.
Millinery —They are making occupational millinery for some of our fellow trades —
blue aprons for the Candlemakers,
and a work apron for Amanda at the Joiners. Last week, they had the pleasure of working with Felicity Luna as they
explore and create interpretation for a Nottoway seamstress in the Millinery Shop. They have interpreted the same
materials and different uses and meaning in their several cultures. This week, they will be packing for the triennial
maintenance of the Millinery shop starting April 1 lth.
Musket Range — The
Osbourne
staff had a very interesting first week, due partly to the fact that two of their students were Ozzy
and President
Printer —The
Reiss.
Press is fmishing a run of writs for the Williamsburg Courthouse.
corrected for the press by the typesetters.
A form for " A Summary View" is being
In the afternoons, guests are able to print copies of the Declaration of
Independence for themselves. Check with the Orientation Interpreter at the gate to see if they are running that program
and at what time.
Silversmith —
They are working on a chamber stick, a pair of fish trowels, a small sauce boat, meat skewers, various sorts
of spoons ( including mote spoons), salt shovels, a Gurney Bowl, some fluted bowls, a pair of patty pans, trade silver
jewelry, rings, and letter charms, a 12 -inch Montieth, and ladles.
Please note that at any given time, not all of these items will be being worked on, but all will be available to be seen and
discussed with anyone who is interested.
Tailor —They
are working on a brown worsted coat lined with glazed beetled linen. The Millinery and Tailor Shop will
be closed April 11 -
22 for maintenance.
Wheelwright — They
Wigmaker —With
continue working on an ox wagon for children' s rides.
Rev City, the Market House, and other events in town up and running, the daily maintenance of the
wigs for our actors, dancers, and musicians has picked up.
Debbie is still working on weaving and attaching the wefts of
hair to her German reproduction Bob wig. Betty and Regina are blending and weaving hair for a new set of ladies curls
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
9
�and finishing up a handmade braided queue wig for the actor who portrays Patrick Henry. They are also working on a
lady' s " formal evening wear" wig for display at the Mary Dickinson Shop.
Department
of Historic
Trades
and
Skills
Volume
2, Issue
9
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 2, issue 9 for April 3-9
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04