"Eighteenth Century Life in Williamsburg, Virginia" (1944), was the first educational film ever made in the U.S. It depicts a day in the life of a Williamsburg family and other townspeople, in scenes that give flavor to a typical day in 18th-century Williamsburg. Here are nine vintage photos and captions that were part of the press kit for this production:
1. The Royal Governor was the King's representative in the Virginia Colony and had great power in controlling the laws made by the colonists.
2. The colonial kitchen was without benefit of refrigeration, gas, electricity, or canned goods.
3. Father and son leaving home for work together. No other scene could be more representative of village life in colonial America than this quiet street in Williamsburg.
4. The coach of the Royal Governor was a familiar sight in Williamsburg.
5. The roast is fixed on a spit so it may be turned from time to time for even cooking.
6. In the shop of Christopher Kendall, journeymen and apprentices are engaged in the production of fine furniture.
7. Large families, wholesome natural food, and plenty of it made the dining room an important feature of the colonial home.
8. The blacksmith was a mighty man indeed during the eighteenth century, for, in addition to shoeing horses, he produced many of the implements and tools used in other crafts.
9. Long months, even years, will be required for the apprentice to develop the true eye and sure hand that distinguishes the skilled craftsman.
See more Williamsburg photos on my Williamsburg web page.
3 comments:
Thanks for the link to your Williamsburg page. I didn't realize you had one. These B&Ws plus the color photos on the webpage are awesome!
I went to Colonial Williamsburg when I was really little, and even then it was interesting to see how our forefathers (and mothers) lived.
I wonder how close in time this film's production was to 16 mm projectors becoming a common fixture in U.S. schools. I'd love to see Colonial Williamsburg someday.
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