On a federal holiday set aside to celebrate American workers, many of us are ironically…. enjoying a day off work. Labor Day has become a long weekend to enjoy cookouts, one last swim at the community pool, and for some students—it’s that final day of “summer” before school starts. But stop by the Revolutionary City, and you’ll quickly see that for our historic trades, it’s work as usual.
The masters, journeymen, and apprentices are hard at work even today. And the Making History team would like to thank them for all they do year-round. Local photographers Arden Billings, Fred Blystone, Wilson Futrell, Elizabeth Ely, Sandy Smith, and Bob Langer contributed to this photo essay that beautifully illustrates their talent, dedication, and in some cases—brute strength. Be sure to let us know which is your favorite in the comments below the gallery.
Do you have pictures you’d like to add? You can upload them in the comments below!
Too hard to choose just one. Love the first one, the young lady shoveling the coal. I don’t know her name, but have seen her working hard several times at Anderson’s shop.
I’ve include a photo from a few years back taken at the shoe makers shop.
I’m not really a gun enthusiast but the broad expertise required to make a gentleman’s flintlock rifle from scratch - blacksmithing, woodworking, machining and engraving - is almost beyond belief, and the finished product is a thing of beauty.
I love the gardening and cooking. Since I just came in from outside after emptying my container pots-getting them ready for my mums! What a dry summer inNew England. will be in Williamsburg next month! Can’t wait!
All of these pictures are great. I thought a lot of them looked very familiar….and they are. Many were taken by my brother Fred Blystone.
Yes,Paul! Fred contributed quite a few of these amazing pictures!
These photos are terrific! They remind me that we need to plan another visit to our favorite historic city.
Lisa, Pat, and Mike are my favorites. Love the oxen and all that Colonial Williamsburg does to preserve the animals in its Rare Breeds Program.
What a wonderful array of photos. Happy Labor Day to all the workers!
Work can be a “grind”!
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This photo could easily be a painting by Vermeer… its so similar with the window and the light streaming in. Love them all though