One of
many enjoyable things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia is visiting the
 |
| The Williamsburg Farmer's Market |
Farmer’s Market
on Saturday mornings. Vendors selling locally grown vegetables, fruit, cut
flowers, herbs, specialty soaps, cheeses, bakery products,
eggs, seafood, meat and honey take over Market Square on Duke of Gloucester Street, also known fondly
to locals as (DOG
Street). Shoppers,
many with dogs, come to purchase seasonal and
Virginia made products as well as socialize with
neighbors and listen to local musicians.
The first
open market structure in Williamsburg dates back to the mid-eighteenth
century, but until recent years, the exact location had not been identified. The
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation meticulously researched to find the precise location
and then reconstructed it according to its original plans. The original Market
House was built in 1757 and remained until the 1790s when it was moved to the
old Magazine. A new Market House was built in the 1830s and remained until the
eve of the Civil War.
In
colonial times market houses were at the heart of a city or village. Wagons and
carts would travel on the unpaved roads from nearby farms or plantations to
sell their goods. Local tradesmen and others with products to sell would also operate
in the stalls and stands.
 |
The Williamsburg Market House
under construction |
Thanks to
a generous gift of one million dollars from Forrest Mars, a replica of the 1757 timber-framed
structure was recently built near the Williamsburg Magazine (where the
armaments were housed). Visitors to the colonial area of the city have watched master
carpenter Garland Wood leads a team of carpenters, along with Historic Area's
brick makers, joiners and blacksmiths, working thousands of man-hours on this project.And
in keeping with historical accuracy, a bell has been installed
on top of the market house which will be rung at the start and close of
business each day.
 |
| The Williamsburg Market House |
Some
produce is sold at the Market House, but their primary wares are souvenirs of
Colonial Williamsburg. The Market House replaces the previous outdoor sales
tent which stands approximately a hundred yards away.
 |
| old outdoors sales tent |
The Market
House Grand Opening will take place November 20 and 21, 2015 from 10:00
am – 5:00 pm
 |
| Market House produce |
 |
| Inside the Market House |
Thanks to
a generous gift of one million dollars from Forrest Mars, a replica of the 1757 timber-framed
structure was recently built near the Williamsburg Magazine (where the
armaments were housed). Visitors to the colonial area of the city have watched master
carpenter Garland Wood leads a team of carpenters, along with Historic Area's
brick makers, joiners and blacksmiths, working thousands of man-hours on this project.And
in keeping with historical accuracy, a bell has been installed
on top of the market house which will be rung at the start and close of
business each day.
Enjoyed your post Janet. I love Colonial Williamsburg, haven't been in years and hope to return someday soon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Tina
Thank you. It is a delightful spot year round.
DeleteI love when efforts are made to preserve history :) I've spent a lot of time lately studying Colonial Williamsburg to get a feel for that era for the book I'm currently writing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful site for research and they have so much online. Thanks for stopping by, Angela.
DeleteVery interesting. I love Colonial Williamsburg.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Kay. I never get tired of being there.
DeleteHope to get there to see it soon, Janet! Thanks for the article!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie.
Delete