Welbourne 1865

On Sunday, the final day of the Welbourne 1865 immersion event, we had another lovely morning. We began the day with a wonderful breakfast prepared by the Welbourne Bed & Breakfast staff. Afterwards we met in the parlor for a short church service. This was followed by the return of a prized race horse belonging to the Plantation. The horse had been spirited away during the war to keep him from being captured by Union troops in the area. We were fortunate to once again take carriage rides in the surrounding countryside to conclude the event. I captured some pictures of the morning to share with you (sorry that it's taken me so long to upload them here!).

My mother, Nancy, wore her yellow silk dress with asymmetrical bodice - a fashionable bodice style during the later war years.

She completed a new raspberry colored velvet Paletot jacket to wear for the event. It is lined in polished cotton and provides a light layer of warmth outdoors.

I wore a wool skirt with my sheer ivory silk organza bodice, black silk taffeta Swiss Waist, and black velvet jacket. These items were all fashionable for young women during the late war years.

Gaye and Glenda have a conversation on the front porch. Notice Gaye's beautiful original jewelry - she's always perfectly accessorized.

The return of Scrivington, the race horse, and his jockey, Garner Peters, greeted by a relative. 

Corinne feeds Scrivington apples.

Excitement over the return of Scrivington.

Anne in a beautiful sheer dress and black Paletot jacket.

Lori and Anne keep up with the latest fashions by reading Godey's Lady's Book.

Jess coordinated this fabulous event yet you'd never know it - she always looks calm and collected and beautifully attired.

Andrea sits in the parlor just prior to the worship service.

Lisa enjoying the worship service.

It is always such an honor to participate in the immersion events at Welbourne Plantation. Everyone tries their best to make the experience authentic visually - putting hours of preparation into their attire and verbally - reading through countless local period diaries and other primary source material to be able to hold conversations about the events occurring in the area to this specific family during 1865. Even the food at Welbourne is period correct and tastes amazing thanks to a wonderful cook, Cheyney. It's wonderful to be a part of a community that strives for excellence. I can't wait for another amazing year at Welbourne Plantation!

Jessica Craig, the event's coordinator, has long served as an officer for the Atlantic Guard Soldiers Aid Society, an authentic civilian living history group based on the east coast but drawing members from all over the United States. She plans several other immersion events throughout the year including one at Hopewell Furnace in Pennsylvania.