My article is a bit out of sequence, but finally am able to put it together.
L-R: His Excellency Governor Eden, Mrs. Calvert, Mrs. Carroll the Barrister, Mr. Paca, Esq., Mrs. Paca, Mr. Johnson, Jr., Mrs. Worthington, Mr. Worthington, Mrs. Brice III, and Sarah
On Saturday 2 December 2023 in Historic Annapolis, the Paca House and Gardens, the Annapolis Living Historians portrayed the Paca family, friends, and acquaintances. In the time period, it was a Thursday, and we were portraying 2 December 1773. Mrs. Paca was pregnant, and the Paca's were entertaining to start the holiday season with a small party. Mr. Paca was a part of the General Assembly, which was still in session. They were not meeting in the Stadt house as it had been torn down, the new cornerstone had been laid in 1772 by Governor Eden. They were meeting at a house prepared for public use.
The Paca's had their guests meet in the garden as it was mild outside for our event. We had several attend this year who portrayed people that the Paca's would have possibly socialized with. It is with many thanks to Ken Tom and Elizabeth Bersche for the photos.
We were very honored to have been featured in the Capital Gazette.
Photo by Jeffrey Bill of the Capital Gazette
Per William Eddis in his book, "Letters from America," in January 1770 said of the Christmas season while visiting “…All the Good things of a Plentiful country decorated the table of our magnificent host; the wines were excellent, and various, and cheerful blazing fires, with enlivening conversation, exhilarated the spirits and rendered us totally regardless of the rigour of an American winter…” We know that the 12 days of Christmas started after Christmas with many balls, private parties, and even weddings.
The musical group, Bedlam, were also there playing music which filled the house with joy!
Photo by Jeffrey Bill of the Capital Gazette
The light blue taffeta silk gown that I wore was all handsewn and made in the Colonial Williamsburg's Milliner shop. It was given to me by a friend who stopped participating in living history, and while a bit big, it was a welcome addition to my wardrobe! All jewelry is by me and in my shop and available. My shoes were made by Rose Galante and are reproductions of Martha Washington's wedding shoes. I am wearing shoe buckles from my shop on them - the Dandridge. So I was wearing my Martha Dandridge Washington shoes!
