Polka Dot Clay Studio: "Is this to your liking?"

First sight of the Old World...

I learned some new things about Colonial America, when I visited Williamsburg. I had already known about how clothing was a reflection of social class. It was fun to see the re-enactors, and to decide their status, based upon their clothing. I also learned that no ceramics were made at Williamsburg. The British didn't allow them to be produced on site, so that the colonists would have to import their ceramics from England. I also learned that there was very little cash in the colonies. So, most people made purchases on credit. Anyone who was paying with cash, made all of the shopkeepers and tradesmen deliriously happy. All of the goods that were produced in the town, were purchased by wealthy folk, living in the town. The average person purchased goods that were made more cheaply in England, because the goods made on site were too expensive.

I would love to go back and spend more time in the town. There were some amazing guides and docents. I especially enjoyed learning about the process of brick making. The more bricks a house had, the wealthier the homeowner. Away from Williamsburg, all bricks were made on site, from the local clay of the landowner. Wood firings lasted for five days, and the master would "eyeball" the bricks, to know if they were done. As a kiln owner, I can appreciate the skill that must have been involved. The jars at the Apothecary Shop were lovely. They were made in England, and had spouts for pouring out the medicine, and paper covers instead of lids. There were glass decanters for the medicines that might evaporate. One medicine, kept in a drawer, that was in high demand was the bark of a rainforest tree that fought off malaria. When the shipping embargo began, this medicine was difficult to get.

I especially want to thank the docent at the Tea House. It was a room where wealthy gentlemen could meet, in order to talk about business and politics. Our docent served us delicious hot chocolate. She said that sometimes it would be served with chile powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, or wine. It was wonderful!