It’s not very often that we, as living history civilians, get to “live” in the time. So many reenactments focus on the military with the civilians in a “town” trying to pretend a wall tent is our home or worse, staying in the military camp trying hard to come up with reasons for our presence there. Welbourne is an event put on by Jessica Craig held at the Welbourne Inn in Middleburg Va. This event offers a handful of civilians to live in a structure from the before the Civil War that is comfortable and offers opportunities for “moments”. Unfortunately, very few if any men tend to participate in this type of event. This year there was one gentleman and a young man who joined us. It would be so much more “real” if gentlemen would participate, even if not for the full event, military or civilian as the event year accommodates.

This year the event was held October 14-16. Every year the event “year” changes; this year was 1860. And while Welbourne is not a spectator event, I really enjoy this type of event that allows for experiences beyond the battle and ball scenarios.

I arrived at Welbourne Friday afternoon. Some of the ladies had arrived on Thursday and were already in the period.

Two of my friends from Texas were able to attend this year! I was so happy to see them again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I quickly unpacked my car and changed into more appropriate clothing. Since the year was 1860 I took the one dress I have that is late 50s early 60s. This was probably one of the first dresses I made that I could say was done correctly. Although, now, after wearing it again, I do see that it could benefit from several changes in the fit.

At past events, our meals other than breakfast were prepared by Cheyney McKnight; however, Cheyney did not attend this year. Anne Wolf did a splendid job though of finding catering for us. After dinner on Friday we had a little entertainment by The Orange Blossom Players in “Marplot (Or the Meddler). It is a period piece and was very enjoyable. The premise of the play surrounded two daughters meeting a man one of them was intended to marry. The daughters met the men and acted not themselves but one soon found she loved the man and all turned out well.

Breakfast at Welbourne is amazing — eggs, meat, rolls, jam — thank goodness I took my wrapper and was able to go to breakfast without my corset! After breakfast on Saturday, several participants went to another house in the area to tour the house and have a picnic. A few of us decided to stay at Welbourne, including me. It was such a nice, quiet time and allowed for a moment. I wrote several letters in the library using period ink and pen. The letters were sent to a few ladies from a Facebook group that write each other letters as if from the Civil War. My letters discussed the travel from Texas to Maryland and that I was stopping at Welbourne before continuing on to the Blair Estate in Maryland, Silver Spring. A few other participants at Welbourne also wrote letters to these ladies.

 

 

 

 

 

The USPS has come out with “Classic” forever stamps that look like 19th century stamps except for the missing amount and the small 2016 at the very bottom. I was so glad to have found these stamps. After the event I received letters back. Sitting at the desk in the library, listening to my friend play the piano, hearing the clock tick, was very relaxing and helped add to the period feel of the event for me.

After lunch and the house tour party returned we had a “baby tea”; think a hybrid of a baby shower and formal tea. It was intended to celebrate the birth of two participant babies; unfortunately, only one of the babies was able to attend. It was nice, if not totally period correct. The rest of the day before dinner was spent reading and doing needlework.

 

 

Dinner was a formal affair, outside on the porch. It was very nice and the atmosphere with the candles and such was very nice. Some of us attempted to remain in first person, while others did not. The first person is a personal preference at this event.

 

 

 

 

After dinner we were entertained again by the Orange Blossom Players in “Mistake”. Again a period piece, which, unfortunately I can’t re

member the plot of. It did involve on old bachelor in search of a wife and an old maid. The young man in residence played “the curtain” and it was a wonderful addition to the production. Following the play we enjoyed various parlor activities including having our fortunes told.

 

 

 

Sunday is usually not very active. After breakfast there was a worship service. Colleen Formby was leading the service and singing; she has such a wonderful voice. After church some of the ladies went to visit the horses that are boarded at

Welbourne, others wrote letters, and some worked on sewing projects.

At noon the event wrapped up. I do not have many photos as Jessica tries to keep modern intrusions to a minimum. But there are several on Facebook. Search for Jessica Craig where she has an album and there are several others out there.

Jessica’s events are always well done; in September 2017 we will be going to Cape May for a seaside event! Can’t wait!

• New Undies!
• Black Check Wool Dress

Categories: Immersion Events, Living History

Tags: Civil War, immersion, Living History, Welbourne