The shades of morning were used to make this one of the most attractive of the floats, it being our Dawn of Day. Pink draperies with morning glories twining over them—pink, blue, white and purple, presented a beautiful background for the figures of the typical group of men and women presenting and receiving the “Leased Land” commission from Governor Berkeley.
The float of the period of 1608, which well represented the story intended, was the Captain John Smith float. That distinguished man with his two companions, was shown mooring his boat, on the shore of the Rappahannock. An old Indian and his young son (real Indians of the Pamunkey tribe) were stepping into the boat, intensely interested in the beads and other baubles which Captain Smith temptingly holds out as barter.
An unique and most interesting feature was the coach containing “Col. Henry Willis”—the top man of the town—and Col. William Byrd and his fifteen year old wife going to visit at Willis Hill. The coach was mounted high and the body glass encased, with steps that let down; there were old time tallow candles in holders for light. Sitting in state with her lordly spouse and the top man of the town, was the quaint and pretty little fifteen year old bride, doubtless enjoying the mimic occasion as much as her predecessor did the real one.
Floats Depict Town’s Story
The float “Revolutionary Generals of Fredericksburg” was one that brought much cheering. A group of popular young men in Colonial uniforms with swords and side arms, representing Washington, Mercer, Weedon and others, were the principals in this.
Following this came one representing our first postoffice. General Weedon, Postmaster; scene taken from the small room in the Rising Sun Tavern, and the characters all descendants of General Weedon.
The “Peace Ball” float was copied from the celebrated painting, a colored engraving of which (given by Mr. Gordon) hangs over the mantel in the Mary Washington House. This was gorgeous in decorations of black and gold, which threw into high relief the picturesque costumes and coloring of Colonial days. Mary Washington, her son George, and the young French lord Lafayette were the outstanding figures.
The Ducking Stool, showing also a Pillory, Stocks, and a refractory wife perched upon the stool about to receive a ducking, caused much hilarity.
The Battles of “Fredericksburg” and “Appomattox” were realistic in effect, the latter shown by an old Confederate soldier leaning on his musket with the beloved flag he followed for four years furled amidst the stacked guns.
“To live and die in Dixie” may well be described as a scene typical of the “Old South.” A negro cabin ornamented with pine saplings and an old darkey sitting at ease with his pipe, in the doorway, and just outside a contented “old Mammy,” in characteristic pose. The really excellent pageant came down to the present day with “Woman’s Work.” “The American Legion”—“Armistice” and “The Hope of the Future”—the latter an immense float filled with happy children. Even after the passing of the last float there was little diminution of the masses of people on Washington Avenue—apparently their favorite stage setting.