October 1, 2025
One of the things we appreciate the most about antiques is the stories behind the pieces. While auction houses are concerned about the provenance of the items, old furniture—like old houses—must have “seen” a lot. It can be fun to imagine how some of the pieces we now revere (or at least treat with utmost respect, e.g., no animals or eating on them) looked when they were new and used as everyday furniture. The cherry davenport shown below is the latest piece to strike our curiosity. It dates from 1740-1760 and came from Kenmore Plantation in Fredericksburg, where George Washington’s sister Betty Washington Lewis lived with her husband, merchant Fielding Lewis. Bob’s already picked the fabric that we’ll use on it. It should be gorgeous once complete!
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An opportunity to find treasures of your own is Purcellville’s Town-wide Tag Sale on Saturday, the 11th. This will be the 22nd annual event and runs from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. rain or shine. Please note that we’ll be closed that day for Bob to demonstrate caning at the Joshua’s Hands Fall Festival, a free, family-friendly event in nearby Hamilton. One could easily make a day of it!
Other annual events this month include the Waterford Fair the 3rd-5th; recommend getting your tickets on-line in advance for a discount. Brunswick Railroad Days will be on the 4th and 5th. Ravenwood Faire, Winchester’s Renaissance fair, is the 17th-19th and 24th-26th. (Would you believe Celtic Rhythm School of Dance is performing at all the aforementioned events other than the Tag Sale? It makes for fun—and busy—weekends!)
Later this month look for the Halloween Candy and beer pairing at Dirt Farm Brewing or the Howl-O-Ween to be held there on the 26th. Our pup Henry will have to decide which costume to wear to that one . . .
Happy Fall, ya’ll!
Bob & Lynne McCann