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THE MECHANICK’S ADVISER
September 16, 2022
Anthony Hay Shop:
Harpsichord-maker – From the harpsichord corner…
As seen in the photo here, multiple spinets are in different stages of work, a typical situation for a small Shop
dedicated to this work. The 1679 inventory of London harpsichord-maker Adam Leversidge (who had only
himself and one journeyman, Robert Hill, as workforce) had three instruments under construction in different
stages at the time of his death … plus part of another one which may have been brought for repairs or from
which Leversidge recycled parts and materials. That last one was a very regular practice for unrepairable
instruments. They really knew how to put these products out … And from the perspective of this picture …
duos anyone?
The Cabinetmaker and Harpsichord-maker are open Daily.
Apothecary – The Apothecary Shop will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Armoury:
Blacksmith – This week in the Forge, we have been enjoying some cooler temperatures. Aislinn
repaired coulters for the Farm and has also been making tweezers made of brass coil for the American Indian
Interpreters, which has been a very interesting project. A flat section is hammered across the coil to allow hair
to be gripped. Once squeezed, the tweezers bite down on the hair, and they can be plucked. Mark has been
shoeing brick molds for the Brickmakers and making a stake anvil for the Tinsmiths. Ken is nearly finished with
his large HL hinge project for an outside client. Alex made another iron ladle this week, which is quite the
tough project in iron, given its propensity to split when hammered thin. Broadus was in production mode this
week, forging all and mostly filing four sets of dividers for the Joiners. Josh worked on a clamp for our own
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�use and continued work on slide bolts. Mark, Broadus, and Josh took a field trip to get iron from the
storehouse. It was very exciting to see so much iron in one place!
The Blacksmith Shop will be open Daily.
Tinsmith – This week in the Tin Shop, Steve started
a lantern for the Bookbinders, based off of one in the
Winterthur Collection. Planning ahead for the dark
winter months, the Bookbinders requested a second
one, just like the first Steve made for them a few years
ago. Meanwhile, Jenny is finishing up the spice boxes
for First Heritage State Park in Delaware. One more to
go, and they’ll be ready for painting.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�The Tin Shop will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Brickmaker – This week in the Brickyard, the building of the kiln soldiers on with Apprentices Nick and
Madeleine stacking both the inner tunnels and the outer casing. We've had many interested young Guests
helping us achieve our stacking goals by passing us a seemingly endless supply of bricks. As many of you may
know, we generally refer to our mode of firing as a kiln or a clampe. The terminology here is expressing the
way it is built, clampe meaning stacked. While “kiln” may invoke images of something that is more
permanent, we will break down this structure once the firing is completed and we've had ample time to bask
in our creation. Poetic contemplation aside, you will find us moving wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of both
previously fired brick (our casing) and salmon bricks (bricks for the arches) in the coming weeks. After we
have established both the casing and the archways, the arduous task of unstacking the sundried bricks to
restack them will begin.
The Brickyard will be open Sunday through Thursday, weather permitting.
Carpenter – Last week in the Carpenters Yard, we finished up the shingles for the front of the Brickyard
drying house. This includes a course that extends over the peak and is trimmed to fit perfectly on the peak.
With the front complete, we need to clean the debris and disassemble the scaffolding to set up for the back of
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�the building. On the other side of the Yard, we are siding the Brickyard tool house. This frame came up from
the old Yard and is in need of an overhaul. As of now, we are working on installing the siding to the frame.
The Carpenter’s Yard will be open Tuesday through Saturday, weather permitting.
Colonial Garden – The highlight of the Garden this week was the Passiflora (Passionflower) that bloomed.
The bloom opened in a very short time in the morning (within an hour) and immediately, bees descended
upon the bloom to pollinate. We doubt that we will see fruit due to the lateness of the bloom. Known to be
invasive, the beauty is worth the work.
The Northeast quarter was cleaned out, and the soil turned and prepared for the cover crop of rye.
Grown not for the grain but for the straw that is used for winter plant protection and the manufacture of
straw mats. We transplanted seedlings into larger pots to grow in until the ground is ready for plants like
parsley, collards, cabbage, and kale. We harvested the grain from the sorghum in the Sankofa Heritage
Garden, as well as cleaned out the cymling squash. We wonder how many sweet potatoes or peanuts we will
harvest when the rabbit has been freely grazing in our Garden.
Passiflora
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Volume 8, Issue 34
�Pollination!
Milkweed bugs (Lygaeus equestris) feast on a milkweed pod
Larval stage caterpillar (Black swallowtail butterfly)
The Colonial Garden will be open Daily, weather permitting.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�Cooper – The Coopers are working on replenishing our supply of buckets after a recent run on our stock. In
addition, current research includes transcribing an 18th-century treatise on coopering, the original of which is
in the possession of the Worshipful Company of Coopers of London.
The Cooper Shop will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Engraver – The Engraving Shop will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Foodways – At the Kitchen this week, we have been busy gearing up for the first beer brew of the Fall
season. We also had a delivery of potato pumpkins from our friends Farmer Ed and his new Apprentice, Kevin.
Some of the pumpkins will be baked and used in a collaboration beer project with Alewerks Brewing, here in
town. The other three were used in the Kitchen as a part of our demonstration of recipes. Hollowed out and
stuffed, one of the baked pumpkins will find its way down to Farmer Ed and Company, so that they may see
their crop come full circle. We also took a small delivery of rendered sheep tallow down to our friends at the
Wheelwrights, for use in their Shop.
The Foodways Staff will be at the Palace Kitchen Monday through Thursday. “The Arts and
Mysteries of Brewing will be held on Sunday, September 18th, at the Palace Scullery.
Foundry – The Foundry will be open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Gunsmith – The Gunsmith Shop will be open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Historic Farming – Prentis Field will be open Tuesday through Saturday, weather permitting.
Joinery – The Joinery will be open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Military Programs – Military Interpretation at the Guardhouse is open Daily, Sunday to Friday is
9:00-5:00, and Saturday is 11:30-5:00. Although specific Military programming will no longer be advertised,
the following will still occur: “Military Activities” at 10am Daily will consist of either a public drill or our new
recruiting program. At 2pm each day, we will have our “Discussion of Military Topics”, where one of our
staff members will be discussing a subject of military history and answer questions from the Guests.
Musket demonstrations are generally dependent on staff numbers for that day, but typically between 11am
and 4pm. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, we will be doing an infantry demonstration at 4:20pm
for our “Necessity of Order in Battle” program. We are not doing cannon demonstrations at the present
time.
Milliner and Mantua-maker – Last week was a busy week filled with
holiday visitors and project completions. Not only did Kate finish the stitching on
the boning channels of her stays, but she also completed her wool underpetticoat
and a pair of pockets. While we await stays boning (many thanks to the Joiners for
lending a hand with that!), she's working on a shift, which is one of her final
apprenticeship projects for her first level. Rebecca finished a blue and white
spotted bedgown for Bookbinder Barbie (picture forthcoming!) and has begun
work on a cloak for CDC. Janea finished the hemming and waistband on her
checked apron; it now awaits only the ruffle to be gathered and stitched to be
ready to wear. Behind the scenes, planning continues for our forthcoming special
programs in November, December, February, and March.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�The Milliner and Mantua-maker will be open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Music – Greetings from The Governor’s Musick! Our Homeschooling presentation at the Raleigh Tavern
took place on Wednesday. After a program on the musical sounds of 18th-century Williamsburg, Amy gave a
short recorder lesson to everyone. A good time was had by all! We will repeat the program on Wednesday,
September 21st, and then begin new Raleigh programming for the fall, on the music of the Publick Times, on
Wednesday afternoons.
Our fall Palace Ballroom concerts start in a little over a week. The first series will feature published
sheet music that was imported on the ship, Virginia, by Captain Robertson and advertised as being for sale at
the Williamsburg Post Office in the August 29, 1771, issue of the Virginia Gazette.
Kyle’s first set of organized piano concerts was on September 9th. The public are fascinated by this
unusual instrument, a piano/organ hybrid, and it is an experience not to be missed! He is giving another on
September 16th, and after that, they will be held every other week through the fall. Please check the calendar
of the Art Museums for details.
Jenny has been reading up on the history of the Raleigh Tavern specifically, in preparation for our
upcoming Raleigh programs on Virginian diversions in the 18th century. Kyle has started working on a possible
new Hennage program using the 1744 book of spinet lessons from Peter Pelham that are on display in the
"Making Music in Early America" exhibit in the Leckie Gallery of the Art Museums. In addition to helping
organize and orchestrate music for the upcoming concert of Post Office music, Brady has been wrapping up
his research on Sylvestro Ganassi's 1543 viola da gamba tutorial, Regola Rubertina. Karol has been re-reading
the librettos to the Ballad Operas whose arias will be featured in the Post Office Palace Concerts, researching
conspiracy theories set to music, and tracking down original scores. She is incredibly grateful for librarians.
Our best to all.
Printer and Bookbinder:
Printing Office – These next few weeks, we are evaluating maple ink stocks from a new vendor.
Though quite heavy, they are working well so far.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�The Printing Office will be open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
Bindery – The Bookbindery will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Public Leather Works – Greetings once again from the
Public Leather Works. Last week, we said farewell to our Intern
Italia. Quickly picking up the hand skills required to do the
majority of the bench work and just as quickly mastering the
interpretation of the Shop, Italia has proven to be an invaluable
asset and will be sorely missed.
In other news, Fall is fast approaching, and that means it
will soon be time for Pumpkin Spice Leather!!!!!! As always, if
there is anything you need from us, please don’t hesitate to
inquire.
The Public Leather Works will be open Sunday, Monday,
Wednesday, and Thursday.
Shoemaker – Victoria is working on her second pair of slippers. These will be slightly harder, as they will
have heels. Victoria just did her Hennage presentation on key baskets and will continue research on the
subject. Nicole has been getting the Shop caught up on repairs and is adding to her talk on women’s shoes for
March. She would also like to make another pair of women’s shoes before her talk in 2023. Val just finished a
pair of common shoes for Steve Delisle. The leather that we dressed last year has sufficiently aged, and we
are looking forward to using it on some future shoes.
The Shop had a former staff member stop by and visit. Allen Harrison worked in the Shop during the
summer of 1953, while a student at William & Mary. He made the key basket while working in the Shop and
brought it by for us to examine.
The Shoemakers will be at the Armoury on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Silversmith – The Silversmith Shop will be open Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�Tailor – The Tailor Shop bid farewell to Summer Intern, Patten, two weeks ago. They have been a valuable
part of the shop over the last few busy months. Always ready to help with stitching and in interpretation in
the Shop, Patten was also introduced to some patterning techniques by Journeyman McCarty.
With Shop instruction, Patten made up this pair of light summer breeches.
During their research time, Patten expanded the Shop’s understanding of gender in the tailoring trade in the
18th century. This research will continue the ongoing conversation and study of who were tailors in 18thcentury Williamsburg.
The Shop wishes them well in their future endeavors and looks forward to any visits back.
The Tailor Shop will be open Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Weaving, Spinning, and Dyeing – The Weaving Shop will be open Sunday, Monday, and Thursday
through Saturday.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�Wheelwright – The Wheelwrights are moving right along with projects. Master Wheelwright Paul is
putting the finishing touches on the Brickyard hackbarrow, dovetailing its braces onto the shafts. A new white
ash tool handle was completed for the Gardeners to replace an ill-sized handle. See the pictures below to see
the new handle in action! The body of the Apprentice handcart is taking shape, with much of its joinery
complete. Apprentice Murphy took the liberty of clearing out the Deane Forge of its metalwork that it had
collected over the years, and the Shop will be organizing its contents in due time. Research on 18th-century
paint and research on the plow project continue.
The Wheelwright Shop will be open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (11:30-5:00).
Wigmaker – This week, we had our second fall Family Workshop, and it seems it has been received well.
Our informal Military hair dressing program continues on Thursday mornings. Edith put the finishing touches
on Mr. Jefferson's wig by applying the last two rows to the outside edge. Edith will do a final fitting before
styling it, so be on the lookout for its street debut soon. Benton has been working on his Brigadier wig and
practicing the long buckles needed for a Bob wig. Lexie continues to hem toweling for us. Maintenance
continues as the summer season winds down and fall programming kicks into gear.
Reminder: we will be out of the office the first two weeks of October, so please be sure to bring in any
hair needs by September 18th, so we may ensure a timely turnaround for you. As always, feel free to reach
out with any tonsorial needs or questions.
The Wig Shop will be open Sunday (11:30-5:00), Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a publication of the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades & Skills.
Editor: Shari Monaco
Contributors: Anthony Hay Shop – Edward Wright (Harpsichord-maker); Armoury – Joshua Rachita
(Blacksmith) and Jenny Lynn (Tinsmith); Brickmaker – Madeleine Bolton; Carpenter – Matt Sanbury; Colonial
Garden – Eve Otmar; Cooper – Jon Hallman; Foodways – Abbey Shoaf; Milliner and Mantua-maker – Rebecca
Godzik; Music – Karol Steadman; Printer and Bookbinder – Peter Stinely (Printing Office); Public Leather Works
– Jan Tilley; Shoemaker – Val Povinelli; Tailor – Michael McCarty; Wheelwright – Joel Morris; Wigmaker –
Debbie Turpin
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 8, Issue 34
�
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
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The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 8, number 34, September 16, 2022
Creator
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Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
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Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
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2022-09-16