Coffeehouse Blog

Archaeological Dig at the Ravine

Tue, 25 May 2010 14:48:00 -0400

The Coffeehouse ravine post-excavation showing natural grade with erosion-cut

Though it has been awhile since we’ve posted anything on the Coffeehouse blog, we wanted to mention that we've recently added a new short article to the site. It’s a synopsis of the recent archaeological work that's been done in the ravine near the Coffeehouse.
Click here to read “Archaeology News at Charlton's Coffeehouse.”

Serving Vessels

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:03:00 -0400

We recently received a question from a reader, and though we’re not really updating the blog at this point, I still thought I would post it. The reader was curious about the type of vessels that were used for serving and drinking coffee/chcolate in the 18th-century.

I posed the question to Associate Curator of Textiles & Historic Interiors, who was heavily involved in the Coffeehouse project. Here’s what she had to say:

In the 18th-century, coffeepots were made from pewter, silver, tin, and copper. At Richard Charlton's Coffeehouse, we show reproduction pots that are made of tin and copper. We also have an antique silver coffeepot in the Dining (southeast) room. As for serving chocolate, there are reproduction copper chocolate pots with wooden handles in the Coffee (southwest) room.

Coffee and chocolate were served in a variety of ceramics, from saltglazed stoneware, to creamware, to earthenware, to porcelain. Of particular note at the Coffeehouse are the reproduction Chinese export porcelain coffee cans, which were reproduced based on archaeological shards found on the site.

You may also want to check out a few related links:

Here is our last blog entry on the coffeehouse interior. It has some excellent images, a few of which show serving vessels in the background - http://research.history.org/Coffeehouse/Blog/index.cfm/2009/12/22/The-completed-interior
Here is a Colonial Williamsburg slideshow of a wide variety of coffee and chocolate pots - http://www.history.org/media/slideshows/coffeepot_slideshow/
Finally, though it’s not related to serving vessels, the Foundation has posted a slideshow which shows the historic area after the recent snow, and includes several photos of the Coffeehouse - http://history.org/media/slideshows/snow_slideshow/

Final Reflections

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:02:00 -0400

A very early image from the Coffeehouse webcam.

At this, the end of the Coffeehouse Reconstruction, we wanted to share some closing reflections from a few staff members who were involved in the project:

Kim Ivey
Associate Curator, Textiles & Historic Interiors

The reconstruction and furnishing of the Charlton Coffeehouse has truly been a team effort by the Foundation's archaeologists, architects, engineers, historians, carpenters, tradesmen, conservators, and--more recently--the curatorial staff (to name just some of the folks involved.) The curators' goal was for the furnishings and room arrangements to tell a story and to identify the function of each space. We know that we've been successful if a visitor walking into a room immediately recognizes the activities that took place in that space. It was a pleasure and an honor working with so many talented and skilled coworkers.

Jason Whitehead
Supervisor of Historic Masonry Trades

The Coffeehouse has meant a tremendous amount to the Brickyard. It provides a natural connection for folks who visit the Brickyard to find out how bricks, mortar, and plaster are made to a sight where they can see the finished product in use. At the end of an interpretation I often ask people if they have toured the Coffeehouse yet and many of them have. When I tell them that about 10,000 bricks from the Brickyard were used in its reconstruction they are impressed. When I add the fact that much of the mortar and plaster was also made in the Brickyard out of oyster shells burned on site, folks often leave with a new appreciation for the level of authenticity we put in to projects like this one. I am glad to see it finished and I can't wait to start the next building.

Joshua Muse
Associate Digital Content Specialist

The Coffeehouse Reconstruction has been one of the most interesting projects I've worked on here at Colonial Williamsburg, fascinating and exciting throughout, and I feel lucky to have been here during such an eventful process.

The scope of the project has meant that departments who may not have had that much interaction on a regular basis got the chance to work together closely. Personally, it gave me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of staff members from across the Foundation, from Architecture and Engineering, to Historic Trades, to Maintenance, and Marketing, to name but a few. My fellow staff members have shown themselves to be both both knowledgeable and very helpful, and I gained a notably better appreciation for how the various components of the Foundation fit together.

Perhaps more unexpectedly, the Coffeehouse project also brought me into contact with a great number of people from outside the Foundation. Working on the Coffeehouse webcam and blog gave me the opportunity to interact with many enthusiastic members of the public. Though we had planned an online aspect for the project all along, we were still amazed by the level of interest shown in the webcam and blog updates. Better yet, the Internet gave me the chance to correspond with many fans of the project, whether by e-mail or through the blog, and even meet a number of them in person.

As this may well be the last blog update, I wanted to again thank everyone for all of your interest in the Coffeehouse Reconstruction. Your involvement and enthusiasm has made working on the blog and the webcam deeply enjoyable I appreciated every single e-mail and blog post, even when it was to let me know that the camera was mysteriously dark, or to ask a question whose answer I didn't know. I especially enjoyed those chances to meet some of you in person.

Ultimately, I'd like to thank you for helping to make the Coffeehouse website such a success. I hope that we have started a precedent for future projects of this kind here at Colonial Williamsburg.

Thanks again, and Happy New Year!
Josh

The finished interior

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:39:00 -0400

A view of the dining (southeast) room, including the stairway to the second floor.

Though it has been awhile since our last post, we wanted to share a large collection of photos from the interior of the completed Coffeehouse, both for those who have visited and those who haven't gotten the chance yet.

Photos by Tom Green

More Photos:

Another photo of the dining room, showing the corner cupboard, the front door, and the clock.

A view of the dining (southeast) room.

A view of the coffee (southwest) room, including the bar.

This photo shows the view behind the bar.

Another photo of the coffee room; one of the coffeehouse's front doors is visible.

A view of the back (north) room, including the fireplace.

The back (north) room, showing the blue patterned wallpaper.

An image of the kitchen, located in the basement, including the large hearth.

Another view of the kitchen.

A close-up view of one of the basement's casement windows, showing its leaded glass.

This photo shows the inteior of a closet, which contains the tools of Charlton's wigmaking trade.

Coffeehouse Conversations 11 - A Grand Opening

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:55:00 -0400

Click on the image to open the video.

We've posted the final video in our Coffeehouse Conversations series, which is entitled A Grand Opening. This episode shows the events surrounding the Opening Ceremony for Charlton's Coffeehouse, back on November 20th. It features thoughts on the project's history and goals by Forrest E. Mars, Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees Richard G. Tilghman, and Foundation President Colin Campbell.

In addition to these words on the Reconstruction, this episode includes footage of other events from the opening, including a performance of the Stamp Act Riot scene, demonstrations of Historic Trades, and an appearance by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drums. Coffeehouse Conversations is produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's division of Productions, Publications, and Learning Ventures.

The video is 4 minutes and 5 seconds in length, and requires Adobe Flash® to view. If you don't have Adobe Flash installed, you can download a free version from Adobe's website.

And remember, if you have missed any of our Coffeehouse Conversations series, you can reach them all from our brief recap here.

The Webcam Retires

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:10:00 -0400

The view from the coffeehouse webcam.

We wanted to let everyone know that the Coffeehouse webcam is being taken down today. With the overall culmination of the project, and successful opening of the building, the camera has fulfilled its purpose. The webcam will be getting some well deserved rest & relaxation, as we try to repair a few minor dings it picked up during a recent storm.

We also wanted to express our sincere appreciation for all of you who have paid such close attention to the webcam throughout the reconstruction. It has been a very successful aspect of the project, and we're very thankful for the enthusiasm and attention that it helped to develop. Ultimately, we have a number of ideas as to where the camera might end up next - but we'll have to see how things work themselves out.

Although the camera may be down, rest assured that the remainder of the Coffeehouse blog will be up and running, at least until the end of the year. We're planning to post more information about the Coffeehouse now that it is up and running, as well as some interior (and Holiday) photos. So, please don't go anywhere.

And thanks again for watching!

Coffeehouse Conversations - A Recap

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:00 -0400

In honor of the Coffeehouse opening, we wanted to repost links to all of the Coffeehouse Conversations videos. As you may recall, these short videos document a broad-range of parts of the project, and feature many of our staff members who have worked on the project. Many thanks to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Division of Productions, Publications, and Learning Ventures, who produced all of these videos.

All of the videos require Adobe Flash® to view. If you don't have Adobe Flash installed, you can download a free version from Adobe's website.

Episode 1 - Archaeology

This episode describes the archaeological work that has gone on at the site, as well as some of the fascinating artifacts that have been discovered.

Episode 2 - Brick & Mortar

In this episode we see the masonry work involved in the project, including the dismantling of the 19th century foundations, as well as the firing of new bricks.

Episode 3 - The Raising

This video shows the dramatic raising of the Coffeehouse south wall.

Episode 4 - Carpentry

This episode of the series focuses on the work of the Historic Trades Carpenters, including pit sawing and the raising of the Coffeehouse's frame.

Episode 5 - Mastering the Brew

This episode shows the research, experimentation, and overall process that goes into making historically accurate coffee.

Episode 6 - Iron Works

This episdoe shows the wide variety of work done by our Historic blacksmiths for the Coffeehouse project.

Episode 7 - Stimulating Brews

This episode of Coffeehouse Conversations describes the consumption of coffee, tea, and chocolate in the Colonies.

Episode 8 - Plaster Works

This video covers the involved process that went into creating and then applying plaster.

Episode 9 - A Historic Interior

This episode talks about the work that goes into furnishing a historically accurate Coffeehouse.

Episode 10 - A Particular Charm

This episode gives a summary of the project, and our goal of creating as authentic an experience as possible.

Episode 11 - A Grand Opening

This episode shows the Opening Ceremony of Charlton's Coffeehouse, including thoughts by Forrest E. Mars, Richard G. Tilghman, and Colin Campbell.

Coffeehouse Conversations 10 - A Particular Charm

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:01:00 -0400

Click on the image to open the video.

We've posted the tenth video in our Coffeehouse Conversations series; this episode is entitled A Particular Charm, and features Jim Horn, Vice President for Research and Historical Interpretation.

In this episode, Jim gives a summary of the project and its results. He describes the project's attempts to create as accurate an 18th century Coffeehouse as possible, inside and out. Jim also discusses the role of a Coffeehouse in Colonial society, as well as the role of Charlton's in the environment and experience of Colonial Williamsburg. Coffeehouse Conversations is produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's division of Productions, Publications, and Learning Ventures.

The video is 4 minutes and 37 seconds in length, and requires Adobe Flash® to view. If you don't have Adobe Flash installed, you can download a free version from Adobe's website.

Washington Post Article

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:28:00 -0400

This is just a quick note to mention an article about the Coffeehouse reconstruction in today's Washington Post. The article discusses the history of the Coffeehouse and the reconstruction process, as well as the challenges that face museums in the twenty-first century. It includes quotes from Vice President for Research and Historical Interpretation Jim Horn, and Vice President and Chief Curator of Collections, Conservation, and Museums Ron Hurst.

Here's the link:
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111804000.html

Opening Ceremony Information - Update

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:55:00 -0400

The Charlton's Coffeehouse sign.

Update - We received a bit more detail on the opening schedule, so we've added/changed the appropriate information.

Greetings. We wanted to share some last minute information about the Opening Program and Ceremony for the Coffeehouse.

Here's the schedule:

Historic Trades will provide demonstrations from 2 to 4 p.m. in front of the Secretary's Office.
Beginning at 3 p.m., we'll have a variety of entertainment throughout the area, including musicians, actors, and interpreters.
There will be free samples of Charlton's Blend coffee, cider, and American Heritage Chocolate served between Shields and Palmer House.
At 3:45 p.m., the Fife & Drums will play, to let the public know that the Opening Program is about to begin.
At 4 p.m., we'll have a preview of the new Revolutionary City scene based on the Stamp Act Riot of 1765, when Chief Distributor of Stamps George Mercer was pulled from ane angry crowd by Lieutenant-Governor Francis Fauquier.
After the end of the Stamp Act scene, there will be the Opening Cermony itself, including the welcome and remarks by Richard Tilghman, Jeanne Zeidler, Colin Campbell, and Forrest Mars.
Later in the evening, we'll open up the Coffeehouse to public tours. The community open house will continue throughout Saturday and Sunday, featuring free tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be no Revolutionary City programming this Friday, and access to the area will be open to everyone with or without a ticket.

Coffeehouse Conversations 9 - A Historic Interior

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:31:00 -0400

Click on the image to open the video.

We've just posted the ninth video in our Coffeehouse Conversations series. This episode is entitled A Historic Interior, and features Ronald Hurst, who is Vice President and Chief Curator of Collections, Conservation, and Museums.

In the video, Ron discusses the research and other work that goes in to furnishing a historic interior, as well as going into a bit more detail about the differences between rooms of the Coffeehouse and the manner in which the building would have operated. Coffeehouse Conversations is produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's division of Productions, Publications, and Learning Ventures.

The video is 4 minutes and 39 seconds in length, and requires Adobe Flash® to view. If you don't have Adobe Flash installed, you can download a free version from Adobe's website.

Coffeehouse Conversations 8 - Plaster Works

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0400

Click on the image to open the video.

We've just posted the eighth video in our Coffeehouse Conversations series. This episode is entitled Plaster Works, and it features Conservator of Architecture Matthew Webster; it also shows members of the Historic Masonry Trades Staff, bricklayers from the Maintenance Department, and members of the Conservation team.

In the video, Matt describes the process of acquiring lime from oyster shells, and then goes on to explain the composition and application of plaster in the Coffeehouse. Coffeehouse Conversations is produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's division of Productions, Publications, and Learning Ventures.

The video is 6 minutes and 13 seconds in length, and requires Adobe Flash® to view. If you don't have Adobe Flash installed, you can download a free version from Adobe's website.

HearSay with Cathy Lewis

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:15:00 -0400

The coffee room is readied for the broadcast later today.

For those who have noticed today's activity on the Coffeehouse webcam, we wanted to explain the cause; today, WHRV's radio show “HearSay with Cathy Lewis” will be broadcast live from the Coffeehouse, from noon until one p.m. Cathy's guests include a number of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation staff involved in the reconstruction, including Foundation President Colin Campbell and Vice President of Research & Historical Interpretation Jim Horn; Jeanne Zeidler, the Mayor of the City of Williamsburg, will also be featured.

If you're local, the show can be heard on 89.5 FM; if not, you can listen through live streaming here - http://www.whro.org/home/html/liveradio/895.html

For more information, try WHRV's home page, or the HearSay website, where you should be able to listen to the recorded broadcast when it is posted in a few days.

We'd like to thank everyone involved with Hearsay for joining us today, to start off this very exciting week at the Coffeehouse.

Miscellaneous Information

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:46:00 -0400

The first wallpaper pattern for the Coffeehouse.

Greetings. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some Coffeehouse-related information and links that have come up recently.

First off, if you haven’t noticed, we’ve been moving the webcam around lately. After a stint watching furnishings being put in place in the coffee (southwest) room, and watching wallpaper be installed in the dining (southeast) room, the webcam is now located in the kitchen (in the basement). You can see some of the recent furnishing additions to the room on the shelves and around the fireplace.

Secondly, one of our frequent blog commenters was looking for a bit more information on the staining of the bricks mentioned in the October 26th Update. The substance that Ray Cannetti is using is called Dyebrick, which is essentially a mineral-based stain. It uses minerals, primarily iron oxide, as the pigment, and potassium silicate as the binder. The potassium silicate binds with elements in the brick, allowing it to stain rather than simply coat the brick.

Though they date from the same period, the reused bricks (those original Coffeehouse bricks that had been reused in the Armistead House foundations, and in turn reused in our foundations) received more cleaning than those in the still standing original foundations - thus requiring the staining to match them appropriately. Previously, Colonial Williamsburg has used coffee grounds, tea, and a mixture of lime putty and brick dust to mask repairs in the past. (Thanks to Clyde Kestner and Matt Webster for the information)

Third, we wanted to share a few more interesting links from History.org that relate to the Coffeehouse:

A bit more information about the Opening Program and Ceremony
A fun flash-based game called Coffee Bean Solitaire
A very nice slideshow of photos of Charlton’s Coffeehouse has been added to the list of Holiday-themed slideshows

Lastly, we are including two images of the wallpaper that will be going up in the Coffeehouse, in the Dining (southeast) and Back (north) rooms on the first floor.

Our second wallpaper pattern.

October 26th Update

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:44:00 -0400

Mason Ray Cannetti stains the reused bricks to better match the original foundations.

Here's a list of work both recent and soon-to-occur at the Coffeehouse. This time, we’ve posted even more photos, including a few from earlier in October.

Last two weeks of work

Completed hanging doors
Continued installing hardware
Installed stone steps at porch and cellar kitchen door
Continued interior painting
Installed two additional shelves in west passage
Installed five leaded glass casement windows and four interior shutters in cellar
Repaired plaster and then whitewashed porch ceiling
Hand scraped floors
Completed paving at front porch and repairs to main sidewalk
Installed stainless steel shelving in servery
Installed dishwasher in servery
Closed-in dumbwaiter shaft in cellar
Completed fabrication and installed three benches for front porch
Fabricated dresser (offsite) for kitchen and installed

Next two weeks of scheduled work

Install handrails at front step and ADA ramp
Install handrails at interior stair winders
Complete hand scraping floors and stair treads
Repair plaster and re-whitewash where additional shelves installed at west passage
Complete installation of all door locks and hardware
Install grab bars and mirror in restroom
Complete painting and touchup interior and exterior
Install sign post
Install audio system and put into operation
Fabricate and install pales and gate on east yard fence and apply finish
Install post light
Install telephones
Install carpet and wall paper
Begin installing furnishings
Replace glass in lanterns with blown glass
Remove portion of gravel and install crushed shells on path to cellar doors
Remove post and rail fence along west side of path and relocate portions as directed
Repair path to Revolutionary City seating area

Photos by Clyde Kestner and Joshua Muse

Staff members paint the southwest room.

Staff members work to resurface the front sidewalk.

Leveling and replacement of the bricks on the front sidewalk.

This plastic sheeting was placed to allow work to continue during heavy rain; these staff members are placing the bricks in front of the porch.

Staff members work underneath the plastic sheeting.

The stone step newly placed in front of the porch.

Liner paper (with a yellow tinge) is being installed in the southeast room; it will serve as an under-layer for the wallpaper.

Another view of the bar in the southwest room.

This photo shows the top of east stairway at the second floor.

The fireplace in the north room.

The eastern side of the Coffeehouse.

The view west from the second floor.

The view down the east stairway between the second and first floors.

A view of the doorway from the first floor to the basement; notice the lock and key.

The stairway as it leads into the basement, including the recently installed railing.

One shutter is drawn over a window in the southwest room.

The Coffeehouse shutters are installed while the yard fence to the east is built.