Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey with Felicity

I explain that while I appreciate the invitation, I really don’t want to visit the Palace. The British didn’t treat the colonists fairly. I’m glad the Patriots stood up for what they believed in and created the United States of America. I don’t want to be impressed by some fancy Palace and the people who live there.

As Felicity walks me to the door, she tells me that she hopes that I visit Williamsburg again. Perhaps we could become good friends. I smile, trying to find the right words. Finally, I answer that I’d like to try to visit again soon.

After I leave the Coles’ house, I start looking for a hidden spot where I can pull out the miniature painting to transport myself home. But then I hesitate. I don’t need to go back home right away. I could take one last look around.

I wander away and end up walking past shops and tidy homes on Duke of Gloucester Street. It’s still busy, with some heading to the Palace and others going about their daily business. I see a cart loaded with cabbage and a carriage trimmed with gold paint. I smell dust and something spicy. I hear a whip crack and see men driving oxen down the street. I hear violin music coming from a building. The capitol building stands at the end of the street. Dad once told me that the first capitol building in America was built right here in Williamsburg. Today, a British flag flies over it. but I know it won’t be there for long, because grand and important things are going to happen inside that building. Patriot leaders will help lead the colonies to independence.

The politicians who will argue and debate will be mostly rich white men, because that’s the way things are in 1775. But if I’ve learned anything by visiting Felicity’s time, it’s that everyone deserves to have a voice. Maybe that’s what citizenship is all about. I remember my homework assignment. Now just having the right to speak up, but actually doing it. Kids can’t vote, and I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up, not a politician, but that doesn’t mean I can’t look for a way to make my country a better place.

I take one last look around Williamsburg as it was in 1775. Then I pull out my necklace. It’s time to go home.