Historical Parallels In Monochrome Color

Built to last... Colonial Williamsburg.

"Therefore when we build, let us think that we build (public edifices) forever. Let us not be for present delight, nor for present use alone, let it be for such work as our descendants will thank us for, and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, "See! this our fathers did for us." ~ John Ruskin, Seven Lamps of Architecture--The Lamp of Memory

I wish I could remember exactly which building in Colonial Williamsburg this picture is from. I thought the paint color was so wonderful and loved how the small door-like window simply interrupted the wall and yet, kept the flow of color going.

Williamsburg has been a favorite place to visit for some time, even before my daughter was born. I remember getting on the buses from the visitor center and then having to walk to the Duke of Gloucester Street to see all the sites. I love how the historic buildings are preserved and restored and that privately owned homes are intermixed with those that can be entered. It can create an embarrassing moment though. I remember one Christmas when we were looking at all the lovely fresh decorations and wreaths and I walked into one yard and up to the door and tried to open the door and... well, it was a private home. I didn't see the little placard that said... "private residence"... oops!

Anyway, it was only after Nyssa started at William and Mary that I discovered we could simply walk down the street from the school and into the heart of the historic area. No busses, no parking a mile away. Wonderful. She had full access to all the buildings and exhibits and we spent several wonderful days walking and exploring and sipping hot apple cider and hot chocolate during the winter and finding hidden places in the palace gardens in summer. It was on one of these lazy walks that I found this building. I can't remember if it is part of the wheelwright or the cooper's shop, or if it is simply a private shed. No matter. It is a small piece of history to experience and remember.

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Carmi's Theme "Parallel"