There were many Christmas Days when Daddy would announce we were going to Williamsburg. Without reservations, we would arrive at the Williamsburg Lodge after sunset and without fail, there would be a room available for us. It was during these holiday visits that we saw our first white candles in the windows.
History tells us that "landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff recalled a practice his family and suggested placing a single lighted candle in the windows of the four buildings open to the public in those days. The candles were lit from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Louise Fisher, who was in charge of flowers, decorated the doors and windows of the Palace and the Raleigh Tavern with simple fresh greenery." |
We would always buy our candles at the Rose's store in Merchant's Square. They were plastic, didn't cost very much, but looked identical to the ones we loved. That Roses store has long since disappeared, but the candles are still around and as popular as ever. Becky always puts them in the windows just like Momma did and it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Merry Christmas everyone! |