AUGUST 2011
For the local community and visitors to Williamsburg, Virginia
Photos by Bob Ruegsegger
Jamestown Memorial Church was built in 1907 over the foundations of the 1617 and 1639 churches.
First legislative assembly convened at Jamestown in 1619 By Bob Ruegsegger
F
or Virginians the legacy of elected representatives in government has its roots at Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World and the early capital of the colony of Virginia. The decision of the Virginia Company, the joint stock corporation chartered to establish a settlement in Virginia by King James I in 1606, to afford elected Virginia colonists a limited authority to contribute to the laws governing Virginia was not a gesture generated by social magnanimity or democratic idealism. The pragmatic gesture was a calculated move to nurture capitalism in the struggling colony. Sir Edwin Sandys, the treasurer of the Virginia Company, and his associates in London fashioned a formal plan called The Great Charter of the Virginia to advance the settlement and stimulate prosperity within the colony through instituting significant management reform in Virginia. In addition to addressing the abundant grievances originating in the colony, their plan was to enhance the repute of the colony in England, encourage emigration to Virginia, and secure the allegiance of the planters. When Governor-General Sir George Yeardley arrived at Jamestown in April of 1619, he immediately offered a proclamation declaring that those who had lived in Virginia before the departure of Governor Sir Thomas Dale in 1616 were free from forced public service and labor. Yeardley announced in addition that martial law had been replaced by English common law and that a General Assembly would be established in
An appointed Counsel of State aided the govenor during the assembly
Virginia to “make and ordaine whatsoever lawes and orders” that they thought would be “good and profittable” for the subsistence of the colony. This assembly would meet annually and would consist of the governor, governor's council, and two burgesses freely elected by the inhabitants from each of the established plantations. Until the first General Assembly convened on Friday, July 30 through Wednesday, August 4, 1619 in the choir of the church at Jamestown, the reins of government remained firmly in the hands of the Council of State , Governor Yeardley and the appointed members of the Governor's Council. Governor Yeardley presided over that initial assembly for six grueling days in the oppressive heat of a scorching Virginia summer. His appointed Council of State Samuel Maycock, John Rolfe, Captain Francis West, Captain Nathaniel Powell, Reverend William Wickham sat next to him “on both hands.” John Pory, secretary and speaker, and John Twine, the clerk of the General Assembly sat before the governor. Sergeant-at-Arms Thomas Peirse stood ready at the choir bar. Continued on page 3
This church tower has the distinction of being the only surviving 17th century structure at Historic Jamestown.
2 The Gazette Extra August 2011
Welcome to Williamsburg. Now what? One of the best things about a vacation in Williamsburg is the opportunity to encounter a broad range of opportunities, from centuries of history to fine art and some of the finest gardens on the East Coast. Roughly an hour away are pristine beaches and two minor league baseball teams, while close by is 400 years of American history. Here’s a look at key places to visit. Norfolk Botanical Garden The garden is nationally recognized for its history and celebrated for its blooms in every season. In 1938 a federal Work Projects Administration grant paid 220 workers to clear 30 acres of dense vegetation, sowing what is now one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast. The 155-acre garden is home to 30 distinctive themed gardens, 95 species of birds and 30 kinds of butterflies.
Photos by Ann Efimetz
Yorktown Beach
Beginning June 30, 2011 thru September 3, 2011 Come join us and sample the same good food, the same good service and the same great value for DINNER!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden In 1884 Lewis Ginter bought the property and built the Lakeside Wheel Club, a one-story structure that was later modified and incorporated into Bloemendaal House. The Wheel Club was a destination for Richmond bicyclists. By1968 the city of Richmond took possession of the property. The city investigated plans for a botanical garden but none of them came to fruition and the property languished. A group of botanists, horticulturists and interested citizens banded together in 1981 to form the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
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Williamsburg Botanical Garden The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is comprised of dedicated individuals, civic and religious groups and area businesses, all of which have been working together since 2000 to establish a botanical garden locally. WBG currently maintains The Ellipse Garden in James City County at Freedom Park.cThis demonstration garden is free and open to visitors. Jamestown Settlement Today at Jamestown Settlement, the story of the people who founded Jamestown and of the Virginia Indians they encountered is told through film, gallery exhibits and living history. Outdoors, visitors can board replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607, explore life-size re-creations of the colonists’ fort and a Powhatan village.
Colonial Williamsburg stocks
Historic Jamestowne The original site of the Jamestown colony. Located on Jamestown Island along the Colonial Parkway, this unique site is administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia. Watch the unearthing of America’s foundations as archaeologists excavate the recently discovered site of the 1607 James Fort. Colonial Williamsburg Scores of original buildings, hundreds of homes, shops, and public buildings are reconstructed over 301 acre, most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, trades, and gardens add layers of authenticity to the recreated town. he Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational institution that receives no regular state or federal funding. Yorktown Beach Located in historic Yorktown, this 2-acre beachfront provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. A fishing pier and 10-acre grass picnic area are also available. The Waterfront has restroom and shower facilities open April-Oct. 19. Virginia Beach The city’s well-maintained beaches are free. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-May through midSeptember. Virginia Beach attractions include the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Waterpark and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
Perfect timing. Spring Arbor Assisted Living understands that when you devote yourself to caring for a loved one, there aren’t enough hours in a day or days in a week. So if other commitments are preventing you from providing the level of care and comfort you’d expect, or if they need special attention for an illness or after a hospital stay, our Short Term Care program provides them the highest caliber of medical care and companionship. And true peace of mind to you. From a week to a few months. Short Term Care at Spring Arbor is truly perfect timing.
Please contact Mary Scalisi at 565-3583, if you would like to schedule a tour.
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The Gazette Extra August 2011 3
10 settlements represented at first assembly Continued from front Ten settlements were authorized to send two elected representatives called burgesses to the inaugural legislative gathering at Jamestown. Captain William Powell and Ensign William Spense represented James City. Samuel Sharpe and Samuel Jordan represented Charles City. Thomas Dowse and John Plentine were burgesses from the City of Henricus. Kecoughtan elected Captain William Tucker and William Capp to represent that settlement. Lawnes Plantation had Captain Christopher Lawnes and Ensign Washer as representatives. Argalls Guifte sent Thomas Pawlett and Edward Gourgainy. Captain John Warde and Lt. John Gibbes represented Warde's Plantation. Smythes Hundred was represented by Captain Thomas Graves and Walter Shelley. Martin's Hundred, also known as Woltenholme Town, sent Jamestown Church Early church was timber framed with wattle and daub walls and a thatch roof. burgesses John Boys and John Jackson. Flowerdieu Hundred chose Ensign Edmund Rossing- twice on Sunday. Idleness, gaming, and drunkeham and John Jefferson as burgesses. ness were unlawful, and offenders were fined Although Martin-Brandon Plantation sent and punished for their transgressions. A special Thomas Davis and Robert Stacy to represent tax was imposed to compensate the members of Captain John Martin's Plantation, the General the assembly for their services during the legAssembly declined to seat the burgesses from islative session. Martin-Brandon. Captain Martin refused to reSince that hot summer of 1619, Virginia's linquish special immunities and privileges that General Assembly , for better or for worse , have made his plantation an independent entity been making laws for its citizens. within the colony. Reverend Richard Bucke opened the first meeting of the General Assembly with a prayer. There was a roll call and each of the burgesses was required to take the Oath of Supremacy, swearing allegiance to King James I as the supreme governor of the Church of England. An examination of the provisions SUMMER FALL ITEMS in The Great Charter by the memSALE ARRIVING bers of the assembly was among the in progress DAILY!!!!! first matters undertaken by the new Merchants Square La Promenade Shoppes legislative body. Although the The Williamsburg Virginia Beach Great Charter met with general ap757.229.3961 757.437.7256 proval, members of the legislative www.oceanpalm.net assembly had some recommendations for slightly amending its content. Before any changes in the charter could be made or new laws implemented, they had to be approved by the Virginia Company officers in London. Governor Yeardley had an 757-293-3524 absolute veto in regard to any laws 230 Monticello Ave. that the General Assembly might MON–SAT • 10 AM–6 PM propose. No law or other proposal Large Selection of could be offered to the quarter court Back-to-School of the company for consideration without Yeardley's approval. and Literally and figuratively, the asWilliam & Mary sembly's legislative agenda covered Flags a good deal of ground on moral, social, and economic issues. Principal legislative topics included behavior of the settlers, ownership of land, and relations with the indigenous people , and, of course, taxes. Selling an Indian a weapon, shot, or powder er on d was a hanging offense. r An interpreter portrays Governor Sir George Yeardley l o is coup s a t Church attendance for “all perto with th expire1/11 sons whatsoever” was required , 8/3
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Waysto get there 4 The Gazette Extra August 2011
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Art-Cade Bavarian Garden Beach Treats Capitol Granite Capitol Pancake House Carrot Tree Garden Flags Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Londons Bathecary McCormick Nagelson Tennis Ocean Palm Retro”s Sal”s Spring Arbor
Boundary St.
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(Exit 214)
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Calendarof Events Aug. 1-31: “Tools of the Trade” Theme Month at the Yorktown Victory Center and Jamestown Settlement (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). Implements used in 1700s Virginia for farming, fishing, hunting, defense and building are examined through interpretive programs and hands-on activities at the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution. Tools of the 17th century are the focus of Jamestown Settlement interpretive programs. Admission. 757-253-4838, www.historyisfun.org. Aug. 1-31: Laser iPop at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News (3:304:30 p.m.). Rock out to the latest pop hits at the Virginia Living Museum”s Abbitt Planetarium. This amazing new show features songs by today”s hottest pop artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Big Time Rush and many more. This program is family-friendly, as inappropriate song lyrics have been eliminated or
Londons Bathecary is now open in the Henry Street Shops at Merchants Square. Stop by and see the luxury European and American products
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blanked. Admission. 757-595-1900, www.thevlm.org. Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 (6:30-8:30 p.m.): USAF Heritage of American Band “Airwaves” Concert Series. A different ensemble performs each week, presented by musicians from Langley Air Force Base. Performances at 425 Water St., Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown. 757-890-3500, www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism. Free. Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24: Merchants Square Summer Breeze Concert Series. 7-9 p.m. Back for its 20th season, the popular series features free outdoor evening concerts with the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band. Take a lawn chair. Children”s entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. 757565-8889, info@merchantssquare.org. Aug. 4, 11 (6:30 p.m.): “Shagging on the Riverwalk” Beach Music Series. Put on your dancing shoes for this annual concert series featuring a variety of beach music for all ages to enjoy. Take lawn chairs and blankets for seating. 425 Water St., Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown. 757890-3500, www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism. Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26 (5 p.m.): A Salute to the Nation. Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg. Celebrate America through a stirring tribute to our nation that includes Colonial Williamsburg”s Fifes and Drums and military staff. The program concludes with a short fireworks salute. Free. 800447-8679, www.history.org. Aug. 6-7: 9th Busch Gardens Williamsburg Classic of Virginia National Softball Association Fastpitch tournaments. 4 Game Format. Generally 3 game pool play Saturday and Single Elimination Championship round Sunday 757-593-4716 or email nsawmbg@verizon.net. Aug. 6, 13, 20: James River Plantation Summertime Progressive Candlelight Tour. In Williamsburg”s James River Plantation country explore Piney Grove at Southall”s Plantation collection of antiques, beautiful gardens and historic buildings, including interior Tours-by-theOwners of Piney Grove (1790), Ashland (1835) and Ladysmith (1857), and exterior visits to Dower Quarter (1830) and Duck Church (1917). Piney Grove at Southall”s Plantation is a Virginia Historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as part of Virginia”s Civil Trails and Virginia”s Bird and Wildlife Trail. Admission. 804-829-2196, www.pineygrove.com.
Aug. 11 & 16: Family Tours at Jamestown Settlement (9 a.m.-noon). Spend a morning at Jamestown Settlement for an experience the entire family can enjoy. Start with a hands-on walking tour of the museum”s re-created Powhatan Indian village, 1607 ships and colonial fort, and riverfront discovery area. After a break, kids gather for a craft-making experience and gallery scavenger hunt, while grown-ups enjoy the in-depth program “Godspeed: Below the Deck.” Advance reservations are required no later than 48 hours prior to program date. Call 757-2534939. Aug. 20: Monarchs in the Garden (1011:30 a.m.). Williamsburg Botanical Garden presentation at the Ellipse Garden in Freedom Park (intersection of Longhill and Centerville roads). Free and open to the public. 757-880-1893. Aug. 21: Poisoned Dwarf (5-7 p.m.). A program of Celtic music focusing primarily on Irish traditional music in the churchyard of Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown. Take lawn chairs and blankets for seating and pack a picnic supper. 111 Church St. Yorktown. Free. 757-890.4490. Through Aug. 21: IllumiNights. Busch Gardens Williamsburg celebrates summer with IllumiNights, a nightly extravaganza featuring live performances, music and special effects that culminates in a parkwide fireworks spectacular. Each country celebrates IllumiNights in its own way with multiple performances throughout the evening. Larger-than-life puppets in Ireland, a celebration in the picturesque village of France, the world”s largest living cuckoo clock in Germany and amazing acrobatic feats in Italy. Nightly fireworks provide a perfect ending to the evening. Admission. 800-343-7946, buschgardens.com/va. Through Aug. 25: New Town Summer Concerts (live music 6-9:30 p.m.). Thursdays, in Sullivan Square, 4301 New Town Ave., behind Legacy Hall. Aug. 4, The Deloreans; Aug. 11, Julius Pittman & Revival; Aug. 18, Crazy X; Aug. 25, Party Fins. Food and drink vendors, as well as kid activities. Tickets $7; children 16 and under free. Aug. 27: Colonial Market Fair and Militia Muster (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Colonial music, crafts demonstration and sales, and naval living history demonstrations. Watermen”s Museum, Yorktown. Free. 757887.2641.