Growing up in the colonial capital was a gift my parents didn’t know they were giving me. And when I say “growing up,” I mean that quite literally. For most of the first 25 years of my life, I lived in Historic Area proper. I can now proudly proclaim: I was a “CW Brat.”
1973 - I was a Tricorn Hat Hostess
My first memories of my father, Ray Townsend, were of him in costume. At that time he was the Bootmaker. When I went off to first grade my mother (Ada Lee) became a hostess. Before I got a “real” job, I also had a brief stint in costume. I led Tricorn Hat Tours. Remember those? They were for kids, who got to play games, send a broadside at the colonial post office, and lock their friends in the pillory. But I digress…
1956 Postcard by Walter Miller
Today, memory lane is never more than my morning bike ride away: Colonial Williamsburg holds the sights, sounds, and smells of my youth!
Daddy’s Little Girl - Taken in the Bootmaker’s Shop in 1955
In the summer at Waters Storehouse, it was the rooster behind Wetherburn’s Tavern that first started my day with his wake-up call. And then, there may have been no Rare Breeds program in 1969, but Dean Raynes (now a land surveyor in James City County) would herd those sheep with their darn bells around their necks down to Market Square for the day’s first photo op. Oh, and did I mention the Fifes and Drums marching right under my bedroom window? Daily. Let’s just say that when you lived on Duke of Gloucester Street—there was no sleeping in. 
Then, it was off to the Inn Pool for the day. Sometimes I would encounter Mike Maddocks (a retired Navy Captain, currently with Middleburg Bank) driving his carriage down DoG Street for another show and tell. It was the large yellow wagon now driven by Danny Hard and it was the first informal ride for our guests. In the winter it was all about the Grand Illumination. My father was the Town Crier as well and for many years he led the parade up the street shouting “Light Your Candles!” before the growing crowds made it too dangerous. “Laura Lee, light your candles!” came his call to me. How special is that? My mission complete, my purpose accomplished, I could join the melee and follow down to Merchant’s Square for some hot cider.
My father as the Town Crier during the 1970 Grand Illumination. Photo Credit: Taylor Biggs Lewis, Jr.
On Christmas Day it was an annual trip to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum (formerly housed on the first floor of what is now the Spa). Free cookies out of the saddle of a stone mule! And the tree—still hand decorated today and much larger. I shared my parents though ever major holiday as they always had to work a portion of the day—with extra pay. But for a time, we got a Virginia ham to boot! Then there was snow—lots of it, sometimes weeks in a row! The hill of choice for sledding in those days was to the left of the communal Christmas tree and behind the auction site. Can you believe it now? Maybe they raised it or filled it in. There was a water fountain in the red gazebo on Francis Street, behind the hill. I leave you with three other fond memories, some of you may share. Who remembers the horseshoes you could get from the Blacksmith Shop—the ones with your names on them? (And for just one dollar!) I wish I had just one of them now. 
And homemade gingerbread cookies that are finally back at the Raleigh Tavern! 
And how can I forget the C-Band Bracelets? I mean, just how many of those can one gal have? I can tell you I own six. (Hey, my dad was an artisan and the CW discount ran deep, deeeep….!). Ah, the good old days… Colonial Williamsburg is always OLD and always good. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the gift that keeps on giving.
GUEST BLOGGER: LAURA TOWNSEND
I like to joke that I will live and die my entire life within a five mile radius of the Governor’s Palace. I was born in Bell Hospital on Cary Street (now a William & Mary office) and own a plot at Cedar Grove Cemetery. I went to Walsingham Academy on Jamestown Rd. from Kindergarten through high school and have a B.A. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Counseling— from William & Mary, of course! After numerous summer jobs with Colonial Williamsburg I’ve been employed for 36 years at Bacon Street Youth and Family Services. I’m not joking when I say that when I retire I want to work with Rare Breeds in the Coach and Livestock Department…
Bill Outlaw says
What a beautiful trip down “Memory Lane”
So many memories for me in CW. Walking down Dog Street in the snow. No more beautiful sight has these eyes ever seen. Riding my bike through town to catch a Elvis movie at The Williamsburg Theatre. Playing Football on The Palace Lawn. Visiting Randy Moyles atPeter Hay Shack. Coming by to see you with Barbara (smile) very special times indeed… I do love The Berg!
Rick Henretty says
You memories are so much of what I remember myself growing up in Williamsburg! And working the evenings in Colonial Williamsburg was, well, let’s say there was something “magical” when everything went to candlelight and the fires were lit. And the snow, and Christmas, the Grand Illumination, the decorations, the evening tours of the Palace…..I’ll never forget all of those. And, yes I still have my horseshoe from the blacksmith when our family first visited CW! That’s one thing I wish they still did. I believe it really would draw more people to have something made for you with your name on it right in front of you! It sure sold a lot of C-bracelets. Those were the best days.
Rick Henretty says
I randomly came across this article and loved reading every bit of it!! I also grew up in Williamsburg, attended and graduated from Walsingham Academy in ’76, and worked at CW at the James Craig Jewelers as an apprentice. I actually made hundreds of those ‘C’ bracelets, and still wear mine to this day. Many evenings during the winter months we would keep a fire going in the shop where guests could come in and get warm, and I along with another co-worker would play Christmas Carols on the penny whistles or flutes, (and occasionally I would sneak my guitar in and play) My mother, Ruth Henretty, was an interpreter for every building in the CW area and was Grandma Geddy until she retired after 30 yrs. ( I’ve attached a photo of her).
And yes, those gingerbread cookies!! Nothing like them fresh out of the oven.
I live in Richmond now and have been taking my children to Williamsburg since they were small. It has been one of our favorite places to get away to on any given weekend, and they LOVE going there. To this day I tell everyone it was the best job I ever had. I absolutely loved it and it will always hold a place in my heart. Such awesome memories.!! Thank you for sharing your story.
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Jo Bivens says
Delightful to read your history. Thanks for including me. Hope to make the reunion.
Great stories and photos! A unique perspective. I had wondered about the giant gingerbread men and now I know from photo. Thanks for sharing!
An excellent Blog; proof that a book needs to be composed of those who lived, grew up and have treasured stories to share of growing up in Colonial Williamsburg as their backyard.
Thanks!!!!! My mouth is watering from you mentioning the gingerbread. While I never had one of the horse shoes, I continue to wear my “C” bracelet - and the silver spoon pin that I purchased in the late 60’s.
My family never realized what an impact that first visit to CW in 1964 had on me. As a family we visited about 3 more times. Then my husband and I visited for our honeymoon. And since that time (I’ll date myself here - 40 years) we’ve returned for 15 more fixes. - It’s a good addiction!!!!!
I still have my little horseshoe bought when I was 12 or so… Has the name of my horse “Blaze” on it! Colonial Williamsburg has always and will ever be my “feel good” destination.
Loved reading your story, my mom was priviledged too to have one of the original colonial architects as her dad working for Mr Rockefeller in the late 20’s. She and her sister grew up in 3 colonial houses and got married out of the James Anderson house where my grandparents lived until my grandfather’s retirement. We loved the private tours he would take us on through the buildings of all his work and love. My sisters and I have great memories of being so excited to stay there on visits. My mom would meet her friends growing up at the palace green to play, they also lived in colonial houses. My grandparents and my parents retired in Willamsburg, so,the great memories and stories live on. How fortunate we all are to have these memories, we know where we’re retiring! Thanks for sharing. Beth B. Ps we have horse shoes too!
Your Mom was a Kendrew and lived across from us on Duke of Gloucester. I peddled my Christmas Cards and your grandparents patiently bought them each year. Years later I made friends with Herb and Nan Bell here -small world!
Me too Laura. I have contacted Paul Bennett
If you were still doing tours in 1974 you may have been my guide. I remember getting my tricorn hat on a tour. I was fortunate enough to work at CW for 2 summers but did not live in the restored area. Love the pictures.
Laura, great trip down memory lane! Great to see photos of Ray!
Laura, thank you for the trip down memory lane, love the blog! Very well done. Transports me back in time to some very special childhood memories with some very special childhood friends.
Marietta and Barbara (ne Geiger) are the daughters of Bill Geiger, who was the Director of Craft Shops (now Historic Trades) until his untimely death in 1970.
Laura, how beautiful. I so enjoyed reading. Just wished for a picture of your mother.
This was me and Mom the day of my HS graduation. She had to work immediately following!
Reposting my appreciation to Laura for sharing her memories.
We have been visiting CW for decades and probably stood and watched your father making boots.
Great memories.
Our son is a devotee of CW.
My husband and I now are closely following the repositioning of the windmill.
Reading this from the Isle of Wight in England.
Laura what wonderful memories you have of your childhood. Thank you for sharing them along with such sweet pictures. The one of you with your Daddy when you were a little girl is beautiful.
TOO COOL! This is just a lovely memoir in words and images. I probably saw your dad at CW and never knew who he was. As for those gingerbread cookies, I have been looking all my life for a recipe that good (and think I’ve found one at King Arthur Flour.) I saved what seemed like forever as a grad student at W&M for one of those band bracelets-and lost it somewhere in the past 5 years.
But I’ll never forget the ‘Burg. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things to live there and go to W&M with my friend from CW, who invited me into her home so I could hear the tourists outside banging on the windows! Thanks so much Laura.
Love this journey down memory lane! Thank you for sharing! I do remember some of the same things you talk about!
Laura, I think we’d all have to agree you’re a rare breed yourself - from the cradle to the grave - your blog just about covers it. To be brought up on CW’s home turf must have been a wonder and to put in the miles you have on your bike is something the rest of us can only aspire to.
I still have my horseshoe with my name on it, tucked safely in a memory chest in my attic!