Winter winds in Williamsburg

A man in a three-cornered hat, amid the howling wind, turns toward a kid and says “sorry, the stocks are closed today”  …then he walks away.

Then the kid disappears, and I stand alone by the stocks in the windy lot.

It’s two days before Christmas,  and a winter storm is pushing through Virginia.  Temperatures are quickly dropping, but the sun shines brightly and some people are still out walking. There is a gathering of folk waiting outside Chowning’s tavern on Duke of Gloucester St. Next to the tavern, the cider stand offers the comfort of a hot drink in this blustery weather. The stand, held by tree limbs, stays open even as wind blows through it, knocking down cups. Hoods are futile in keeping the attendants’ heads warm.

Cider soothes my cold hands and face. I’m grateful for the Sun, and for the chance to walk these old streets at a time such as this.

The ancient Compton Oak catches my eye. It’s my favorite spot in town, I think. 🙂  In its majestic spread of branches I feel small and young.

I came to Williamsburg for a mystery gig, which was rescheduled for today due to Yule family preparations. Two days ago, on the Solstice, it was fairly warm outside. Then the storm blew through and here we are. The modern city streets and parking lots are teeming with shopper traffic, from here to Norfolk. After the gig, I quickly come to the old town as it’s known for its Christmas decorations. There are quite a few folks out walking considering the weather, which is getting colder by the hour.

On Duke of Gloucester St, a man signals me to spread my arms and glide along the street like an airplane with the wind.  My hands are numb. By the Palace Green, horse-drawn carriages make their runs as the tall, barren trees watch over.

As it is known, Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony from about 1710, when these streets were laid out, to 1780. Before that it was Middle Plantation,  and before that it was good land between the rivers in Powhatan’s territory (Tsennacomacah). Duke of Gloucester was/is the main east-west street, with the grid layout going a few streets on either side.

The historic city blocks can be explored on foot at no cost, which amazes for all of the work that goes into their preservation. Tickets can be purchased to enter some buildings and to attend programs. In warmer seasons, there would be more outdoor activities and interactions with locals (like at the stocks, maybe). And in autumn, these majestic trees would turn such bright colors! But on a blustery Midwinter day, while this brutal storm freezes much of the country and strands travelers at airports, and roads are full of rushing shoppers, it’s interesting and peaceful to get lost-in-time here and it’s open every day of the year.

The rising of the Sun
the Running of the Deer,
the playing of the organ,
sweet singing in the choir.

Loreena McKennitt, “The Holly and the Ivy”

Josiah Chowning’s tavern and cider stand is located at 109 Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg VA.