Last week I had the pleasure of teaching at the first Block Party with Quiltmaker in Williamsburg, Virginia. This was also my first visit to Williamsburg, so I wanted to arrive early enough on Wednesday to spend a little time walking around Colonial Williamsburg… I love old buildings and gardens. After I checked in to the hotel, I grabbed my camera, and I was off.
Construction on the Governor’s Palace began in 1714 and continued for over 40 years. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1781. After the civil war the building passed to William and Mary College. The orginial copperplate engravings were discovered in England’s Bodleian Library in 1929 and were used to faithfully reconstruct the original buildings. The Governor’s Palace opened as an exhibition in April 1934.
The Courthouse, finished in 1771, was central to the life of the colonial community and was constructed at the very center of the city on Market Square.
The Magazine was built in 1715 across from the Courthouse. The spark that started the Revolution began at the Magazine.
The Guardhouse was built next to the Magazine to protect the large and valuable cache of arms and ammunition stored at the Magazine.
And then there are the gardens!! The tidy flower gardens contain historically accurate native plants and are often surrounded by white picket fences.
How could I resist a Colonial Nursery? Complete with a charming well for watering the plants. I loved the grapevine trellis and beehive baskets…
And, of course, beautiful flowers…
All too soon, it was time to head back to the hotel to get ready for the party… I’m ready to meet and greet everyone!
Everyone smile…
I had a fabulous time with the other teachers…
The Quiltmaker’s editors and event staff were the best … kudos to all of them!!
To see lots of great photos from QM’s Block Party, check out Quiltmaker on facebook or flickr. I hope to see you at the next Block Party with Quiltmaker!!
Happy Quilting ~Nancy
