Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

THE SECOND THEATRE
Williamsburg

The history of the "First Theatre" in Williamsburg seems to have ended at the time the "Gentlemen Subscribers" bought the property and presented it to the city for use as a courthouse of the Hustings Court. This transaction occurred on December 4, 1745 (York County Records, V. 154-155).

Nearly six years after the "First Theatre" no longer functioned, so far as the giving of plays was concerned, a renewed interest was taken in theatre going in Williamsburg. A movement to build a "new theatre" in the area of the Capitol received its impetus from an announcement that a company of comedians from New York was coming to Williamsburg:

"Williamsburg, August 27, 1751.

"By Permission of His Honour the PRESIDENT,
"WHEREAS the Company of COMEDIANS that are in New-York intend performing in this City; but there being no Room suitable for a PLAYHOUSE, 'tis propos'd that a THEATRE shall be built by Way of Subscription: Each Subscriber, advancing a Pistole, to be entitled to a Box Ticket, for the first Night's Diversion.

"Those Gentlemen and Ladies who are kind enough to favour this Undertaking, are desired to send their Subscription Money to Mr. Finnie's, at the Raleigh, where Tickets may be had.

"N. B. The House to be completed by October Court."

(Virginia Gazette, Hunter, ed, August 29, 1751)

On September 2, 1751, two lots (21 and 22) below the Capitol were acquired by Alexander Finnie,¹ a tavern keeper in Williamsburg, on which the second theatre for Williamsburg was soon to be built. These lots were east of the Capitol and had once been held by Benjamin Waller,² a large land owner. 2 Mann Page had owned the property before Waller received the title rights. (York County Records, Deeds, V, 627.) Waller's deed¹ to Finnie is given below:

September 2, 1751

"Waller, Benjamin
"Martha, his wife
to
"Finnie, Alexander - Tavern Keeper
"Consideration: 40 Pounds.

"All those two pieces, parcels or lots of land lying and being on the East side of the Eastern Street of the city of Williamsburg in the Parish of Bruton, county of York, and bounded as followeth: Beginning at the lot No. 23, thence along the said street North ½ degree East 10 poles to the lot No. 20, thence along the lot No. 20 South 89 ½ degrees East 15 poles to the end of the said lot and the lot No. 25 South ½ degree West 10 poles to the corner of the lot No. 24 in the line of the lot No. 25, thence along the lines of the lots 24 and 23 North 89 ½ degrees West 15 poles to the beginning, which said lots are denoted in the plan thereof annexed to the deed recorded in the said Court from the said Waller to Stephen Brown by the figures 21, 22 and is part of a tract of land purchased by the said Waller of Mann Page.

"Provided he build 2 good dwellings 16 ft. x 20 ft. or one good dwelling house 50 ft. long 20 ft. broad at least with brick chimneys thereto, the said houses to front in a line with the row of lots in which they stand at the distance of 6 ft. from the extreme western bounds of the said lots."

(York County Records, Deeds, V, 449-450)

John Blair commented on the actors expected soon: "Hear ye Actrs are dispersed Presid will not come." (Diary of John Blair, October 6, 1751 — William and Mary Quarterly, Series 1, VII, 147.) The Company of Comedians, expected to arrive from New York, came according to schedule, under the management of such well-known actors and producers as Walter Murray and Thomas Keen.² Upon their arrival in the city, they found it necessary to call upon the public for financial assistance: 3

"THE Company of COMEDIANS having been at a greater Expence than they at first expected in erecting a THEATRE in the City of Williamsburg, and having an immediate Occasion for the Money expended in that Particular, in Order to procure proper Scenes and Dresses, humbly hope that those Gentlemen who are Lovers of theatrical Performances, will be kind enough to assist them, by way of Subscription, for the Payment of the House and Lots^[1] each Subscriber to have a Property therein, in Proportion to the Sum subscribed. As the Money is immediately wanted, we hope the Gentlemen will be kind enough to pay it as they subscribe, into the Hands of Messrs. Mitchelson and Hyndman, who have obliged us so far as to receive the same, and to whom Deeds will be delivered, on the Subscription being compleated, for the Purpose abovementioned. Which shall be gratefully acknowledged, by Their most obliged humble Servants,
Charles Somerset Woodham,
Walter Murray,
Thomas Kean."(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed, Oct. 24, 1751)

About a month before this call for financial assistance from the company of players, a notice appeared in the Gazette announcing a performance at the "new Theatre" on October 21st:

"September 26, 1751.

"By Permission of His Honour the PRESIDENT, "ON Monday the 21st of October next, will be perform'd, at the new Theatre, in Williamsburg: The Tragical History of King Richard the Third; to which will be added, a Grand Tragic Dance, compos'd by Monsieur Denoier, call'd the Royal Captive, after the Turkish manner, as perform'd at His Majesty's Opera House, in the Hay-market."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

Since the playhouse was to be ready for a performance within two months after the company arrived in the city and took possession of the property, one is led to think that the building could not have been a very pretentious affair. However, the "New Theatre" was furnished with a pit, boxes and a gallery: 4

"By Permission of His Honour the PRESIDENT
"At the New Theatre in Williamsburg. On Monday the 21st Instant, will be presented a TRAGEDY, called King RICHARD, the Third: To which will be added, Tragic Dance, compos'd by Monsieur Denoier, called The ROYAL CAPTIVE. After the Turkish Manner, as perform'd at His Majesty's Opera House, in the Hay's Market. Boxes 7s. 6d. Pit 5s. 9d. Gallery 3s. 9d.
"No Person to be admitted behind the Scenes."(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed, Oct. 17, 1751)

It is significant to note that these actors were showing the same plays in Williamsburg which were then popular in the theatres in London.¹ The company went to Norfolk following the Williamsburg performance. The Kean Company was again in Williamsburg in the spring of 1752 at which time a benefit performance² was given at the "New THEATRE" as the following announcement indicates:

"WILLIAMSBURG
"April 17, 1752.

"By Permission of His Honour the GOVERNOR At the New THEATRE, in WILLIAMSBURG,
"For the Benefit of Mrs. BECCELY, On Friday, being the 24th of this Instant, will be performed, a COMEDY, called the CONSTANT COUPLE: or a TRIP to the JUBILEE. The Part of Sir Wildair to be perform'd By Mr. KEAN, Colonel Standard, By Mr. MURRAY, And the Part of Angelica to be perform'd by MRS. BECCELY.

"With Entertainment of Singing between the Acts: Likewise a Dance, called the DRUNKEN PEASANT. To which will be added a Farce, called the LYING VALET.

"TICKETS to be had at Mrs. Vobe's^[3] and at Mr. Mitchel's in York."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

5

About this time, Mr. Lewis Hallam¹ actor, and his company of comedians from England were "daily expected" in Williamsburg:

"June 12, 1752.

"This is to inform the Public,
"That Mr. HALLAM, from the New Theatre in Goodmansfields, London, is daily expected here with a select Company of Comedians; the Scenes, Cloaths and Decorations are all entirely new, extremely rich, and finished in the highest Taste, the Scenes being painted by the best Hands in London, are excell'd by none in Beauty and Elegance, so that the Ladies and Gentlemen may depend on being entertain'd in as polite a Manner as at the Theatres in London, the Company being perfect in all the best Plays, Opera's Farces, and Pantomines, that have been exhibited in any of the Theatres for these ten Years past."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

Hallam evidently arrived in Williamsburg in June, 1752. The Gazette of July 3, 1752, notes that the Sally (sloop) entered the York River on June 2nd from the Barbadoes (Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed, July 3, 1752). This is the only entry of a ship named "Sally" entering the York or James Rivers during 1752. (See Virginia Gazette Index.) Dr. George Gilmer of Williamsburg, writing to friends in 1752, made the comment that Hallam had arrived on the "Sally." On June 30, 1752, in writing to Dr. T. P. Walker he says:

"I have nothing to trouble you with only the arrival of Hallam and his Company... The Governor and Council, because you would not pass a bill for suppressing ordinaries and players, have made an order that no player should act here; which is likely to prove the utter ruin of a set of idle wretches, arrived in Lee,^[2] at about 1000 expenses…"(Letter Book 1752, Dr. George Gilmer, from a ms. copy made by Dr. Robert A. Brock)

In November, in writing to Walter King, he referred to the players as follows: 6

"… By Capt. Lee in the Sally arrived one Hallam with a Company of Strollers.^[1] They met great opposition from the governor on account loose behaviour. At last the voice of the Country, and proper application, obtained his leave, on which they purchased Finnie's theatre, enlarged it mostly lining it, so altering it as to make it a regular house. The money kept burning till they opened and then it flew among this Association of indigent wretches with a lavishnes you would be surprised at.

"Before Court they acted thrice a week at about 60/2d^[2] a night. Since Court every night except two and received sometimes as much as £300 a night. Notwithstanding they take so much money never were debts worse paid…"

(Ibid.)

From Dr. Gilmer's account one would judge that the Finnie theatre was refinished on the interior rather than on the exterior. "Lining" may have referred to the means of making the theatre more comfortable in winter. In England, such was the custom: "The pit is lined, and there are boxes on the stage for the better reception of gentlemen and ladies. There will be two fires kept on the stage during the time of performance that the room may be warm."(Norwich Gazette, England 1725, quoted from Rosenfeld's Strolling Players.) On the other hand, "lining" may have referred to lining with tin to increase the sound effects. (See E. Crane Taylor, William Congreve, p. 170.)

Soon after Hallam's arrival in Williamsburg, the lot on which a theatre building had been erected was conveyed to him:

"August 8, 1752

Finnie, Alexander — Tavern Keeper
"Sarah, his wife
to
"Hallam, Lewis — Comedian
"Consideration: 150 Pounds 10 shillings Current Money of Virginia

"The Play House together with all those two Peices Parcels or Lotts of Land scituate lying and being on the East side of the Eastern Street of the City of Williamsburgh in the Parish of Bruton in the 7 County of York according to the known and reputed bounds thereof and as the same is described and bounded in a certain Indenture of Bargain & Sale between Benjamin Waller & Martha his Wife… and the said Alexander Finnie, September 2, 1751."

(York County Records, Deeds, V, 497)

Almost immediately upon acquiring the Play House from Finnie, Lewis Hallam announced that he had "entirely altered the Play House… to a regular Theatre, fit for the Reception of Ladies and Gentlemen… ":

"August 21, 1752

"ADVERTISEMENTS
"We are desired to inform the Publick, That as the Company of Comedians, lately from London, have obtain'd His Honour the Governor's Permission, and have, with great Expence, entirely altered the Play-House at Williamsburg to a regular Theatre, fit for the Reception of Ladies and Gentlemen, and the Execution of their own Performances, they intend to open on the first Friday in September next, with a Play, call'd The Merchant of Venice (written by Shakespear) and a Farce, call'd The Anatomist, or Sham Doctor. The Ladies are desired to give timely Notice to Mr. Hallam, at Mr. Fisher's, for their Places in the Boxes, and on the Day of Performance to send their Servants early to keep them, in Order to prevent Trouble and Disappointment."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

Just what changes could have been made in so short a time is not known. The Gazette indicates that there were boxes, balconies, galleries and a pit:

"…No Person, whatsoever, to be admitted behind the Scenes. Boxes, 7s. 6d. Pit and Balconies, 5s. 9d. Gallery, 3s. 9d. To begin at Six o'Clock. Vivat Rex."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed, Aug. 28, 1752)

The theatre as remodeled was ready. The play was advertised:

"August 28, 1752

"By Permission of the Honble ROBERT DINWIDDIE, Esq; His Majesty's Lieutenant-Governor, and Commander in Chief of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia.

"By a Company of Comedians, from LONDON, At the Theatre in Williamsburg, on Friday next, being the 5th of September will be presented, a PLAY, Call'd THE MERCHANT of VENICE. (Written by Shakespear) The Part of Antonio,(the Merchant) to be perform'd by Mr. CLARKSON. Gratiano by Mr. Singleton, Lorenzo, 8 (with Songs in character) by Mr. ADCOCK. The Part of BASSANIO to be perform'd by Mr. RIGBY, Duke, by Mr. Wynell. Salanio by Mr. Herber. The Part of Launcelot. And the Part of Shylock, (the Jew) to be perform'd by Mr. MALONE. The Part of Nerissa, by Mrs. Adcock, Jessica by Mrs. Rigby, And the Part of Portia, to be perform'd by Mrs. HALLAM. With a new occasional PROLOGUE. To which will be added, a FARCE, call'd, The ANATOMIST: or, SHAM DOCTOR. The Part of Monsieur le Medecin, by Mr. RIGBY. And the Part of Beatrice, by Mrs. ADCOCK.

"No Person, whatsoever, to be admitted behind the Scenes. BOXES, 7s. 6d. PIT and BALCONIES, 5s. 9d. GALLERY, 3s. 9d. To begin at Six o'Clock.
Vivat Rex."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

Tradition has it that Lewis Hallam, Jr, a boy of twelve, made his first appearance on the stage in this play, taking the role of the servant to Portia. He was panic stricken from fright and rushed off the stage. In later years Hallam was a great favorite in tragedy and comedy. An editor's comment on the play is as follows:

"WILLIAMSBURG
"September 22, 1752

"On Friday last the Company of Comedians from England, open'd the Theatre in this City, when The Merchant of Venice, and the Anatomist, were perform'd, before a numerous and polite Audience, with great applause; the following Prologue,^[1] suitable to the Occasion, was spoken by Mr. Rigby … "

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

Just here it seems fitting to give a description of the "Second Theatre" in Williamsburg at the time the "Merchant of Venice" was being played there in 1752. The account is somewhat fictional but worthy of note, because the author acknowledges that the Virginia Gazette is his "authority for many of the facts here stated." To quote from The Virginia Comedians or Old Days 9 in the Old Dominion, edited from the mss. of E. Effingham, Esq. (John Esten Cooke), Vol. I, p. 31:

[Mr. Cooke has one of his characters, Mr. Lee, say]
"…The tobacco on the south side may be all gone to the devil for any thing you read in the 'Gazette.' Here it is — an abominable sheet! Ah! I see we are to have a theatrical performance in Williamsburg next week,' added the old gentleman glancing over the paper, 'Mr. Hallam and his "Virginia Company of Comedians" very politic, that addition of "Virginia" -- are to perform The Merchant of Venice, by permission of his worship the Mayor, at the Old Theatre near the Capitol.' he announces. Truly we are improving: really becoming civilized, in this barbarous terra incognita."

In Chapter VII, pp. 44-47, entitled "The Old Theatre Near the Capitol," Cooke has his characters attend the theatre and see the play, "The Merchant of Venice":

"The 'old Theatre near the Capitol,' discoursed of in the manifesto issued by Mr. Manager Hallam, was so far old, that the walls were well-browned by time, and the shutters to the windows of a pleasant neutral tint between rust and dust color. The building had no doubt been used for the present purpose in bygone times,¹ before the days of the 'Virginia Gazette,' which is our authority for many of the facts here stated, and in relation to the 'Virginia Company of Comedians' — but of the former companies of 'players,' as my lord Hamlet calls them, and their successes or misfortunes, printed words tell us nothing, as far as the researches of the present Chronicle extend. That there had been such companies before, however, we repeat, there is some reason to believe; else why that addition 'old' applied to the 'Theatre near the Capitol.'

…
"Within, the play-house presented a somewhat more attractive appearance. There was 'box' 'pit,' and 'gallery,' as in our own day; and the relative prices were arranged in much the same manner. The common mortals —— gentlemen and ladies —— were forced to occupy the boxes raised slightly above the level of the stage, and hemmed in by velvet-cushioned railings, —— in front, a flower-decorated panel, extending all around the house, —— and for this position were moreover compelled to demigods —— so to speak —— occupied a more eligible position in the 'pit,' from which they could procure a highly excellent view of the actors' feet and ankles, just on a level with their noses: to conciliate the demigods, this 10 superior advantage had been offered, and the price for them was, further still, reduced to five shillings. But 'the gods' in truth were the real favorites of the manager. To attract them, he arranged the high upper 'gallery' —— and left it untouched, unencumbered by railing or velvet cushions, or any other device: all was free space, and liberal as the air: there were no troublesome seats for 'the gods,' and three shillings and nine pence was all that the managers would demand. The honor of their presence was enough.

"From the boxes a stairway led down to the stage, and some rude scenes, visible at the edges of the green curtain, completed the outline.

"When Mr. Lee and his daughters entered the box which had been reserved for them, next to the stage, the house was nearly full, and the neatness of the edifice was lost sight of in the sea of brilliant ladies' faces, and strong forms of cavaliers, which extended —— like a line of glistening foam —— around the semicircle of the boxes. The pit was occupied by well-dressed men of the lower class, as the times had it, and from the gallery proceeded hoarse murmurs and the unforgotten slang of London.

"Many smiles and bows were interchanged between the parties in the different boxes; and the young gallants, following the fashion of the day, gathered at each end of the stage, and often walked across, to exchange some polite speech with the smiling dames in the boxes nearest.

"Mr. Champ Effingham was, upon the whole, much the most notable fop present; and his elegant, languid, petit maitre air, as he strolled across the stage, attracted many remarks, not invariably favorable. It was observed, however, that when the Virginia-bred youths, with honest plainness, called him 'ridiculous,' the young ladies, their companions, took Mr. Effingham's part, and defended him with great enthusiasm. Only when they returned home, Mr. Effingham was more unmercifully criticised than he would otherwise have been.

"A little bell rang, and the orchestra, represented by three or four foreign-looking gentlemen, bearded and moustached, entered with trumpet and violin. The trumpets made the roof shake, indifferently, in honor of the Prince of Morocco, or King Richard, or any other worthy whose entrance was marked in the play-book 'with a flourish.' But before the orchestra ravished the ears of every one, the manager came forward, in the costume of Bassanio, and made a low bow. Mr. Hallam was a fat little man, of fifty or fifty-five, with a rubicund and somewhat sensual face, and he expressed extraordinary delight at meeting so many of the 'noble aristocracy of the great and noble colony of Virginia,' assembled to witness his very, humble representation. It would be the chief end and sole ambition of his life, he said, to please the gentry, who so kindly patronized their servants —— himself and his associates —— and then the smiling worthy concluded by bowing lower than before. Much 11 applause from the pit and gallery, and murmurs of approbation from the well-bred boxes, greeted this address, and the orchestra having struck up, the curtain slowly rolled aloft. The young gallants scattered to the corners of the stage -- seating themselves on stools or chairs, or standing, and the 'Merchant of Venice' commenced. Bassanio having assumed a dignified and lofty port, criticised Gratiano with courteous and lordly wit: his friend Antonio offered him his fortune with grand magnanimity, in a loud singing voice, worthy the utmost commendation, and the first act proceeded on its way in triumph."

In Chapter X, pp. 54-55, entitled "Actress and Gentleman," John Esten Cooke describes Mrs. Hallam as Portia in "The Merchant of Venice":

"...What was her name? Mr. Effingham drew forth his bill, and saw opposite the name of Portia, Miss Beatrice Hallam.

"'Ah, yes,' he said, carelessly, 'the same we were speculating upon, this morning. Let us see how Portia looks, and what change the foot-lights work in her face.'

"He sat down in the corner of the stage upon a wicker chair, and scanned Portia critically. Her costume was faultless. It consisted of a gown and underskirt of fawn-colored silk, trimmed with silver, and a single band of gold encircled each wrist, clearly relieved against the white, finely-rounded arm. Her hair, which was a beautiful chestnut, had been carried back from the temples and powdered, after the fashion of the time, and around her beautiful swan-like neck, the young woman wore a necklace of pearls of rare brilliance. Thus the costume of the character defied criticism, and Mr. Effingham passed on to the face and figure. These we have already described. The countenance of Beatrice Hallam wore the same simple, yet firm and collected expression, which Mr. Effingham had observed in their first interview, and her figure had the same indefinable grace and beauty. Every movement which she made might have suited a royal palace, and in her large brilliant eyes Mr. Effingham in vain sought the least trace of confusion. She surveyed the audience, while the Prince of Morocco was uttering his speech, with perfect simplicity, but her eyes not for a single moment rested on the young men collected at the corners of the stage. For her they seemed to have no existence, and she turned to the Prince again. That gentleman having uttered his prescribed number of lines, Portia advanced graciously toward him, and addressed him. Her carelessness was gone; she no longer displayed either indifference or coldness. She was the actress, with her role to sustain. She commenced in a voice of noble and queen-like courtesy, a voice of pure music, and clear utterance, so to speak, such as few lips possess the power of giving forth. Every word rang and told; there was no hurry, 12 no slurring, no hesitation; it was not an actress delivering a set speech, but the noble Portia doing the honors of her beautiful palace of Belmont. The scene ended with great applause —— the young woman had evidently produced a most favorable impression on the audience. But she seemed wholly unconscious of this compliment, and made her exit quite calmly.

"A buzz ran through the theatre: the audience were discussing the merits of Portia. On the stage, too, she was the subject of many comments; and this continued until Lancelot made his appearance and went through his speech. Then Portia's reappearance with the Prince was greeted with great applause."

In Chapter XXXVII, pp. 209-210, John Esten Cooke describes how the production of "Hamlet" was advertised:

"That placard says, that at the old theatre, near the capitol, and by permission of his worship the mayor of Williamsburg, the company will that night enact the tragedy of Hamlet, written by Mr. William Shakespeare. Hamlet, the prince, by the great tragedian, Pugsby; Ophelia, by Miss Beatrice Ha11am, the delight of the noble aristocracy and the wonder of the universal world. This information is conveyed in letters half a foot long, and with a profusion of exclamation points."

Hallam's performance of "Othello," with additional pantomimes was given on Thursday, the 9th of November. Guests of the Governor at the theatre were the Emperor of the Cherokee nation with his Empress and their son:

"WILLIAMSBURG
"November 17th, [l752]

"The Emperor of the Cherokee Nation with his Empress and their Son the Young Prince attended by several of his Warriors and great Men and their Ladies, were received at the Palace by his Honour the Governor, attended by such of the Council as were in Town and several other Gentlemen, on Thursday the 9th Instant, with all the marks of Civility and Friendship, and were that Evening entertained, at the Theatre, with the Play, (the Tragedy of Othello) and a Pantomine Performance which gave them great Surprize, as did the fighting with Naked Swords on the Stage, which occasioned the Empress to order some about her to go and prevent their killing one another. The business of their coming is not yet made publick; but it is said to relate to the opening and establishing a Trade with this Colony, which they are very desirous of. They were dismissed with a handsome Present of fine Cloaths, Arms and Amunition; and expressed great Satisfaction in the Governor's kind Reception, and from several other; and left this Place this Morning."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

13

Before the engagement of the "Company of Strollers" was completed, a near tragedy occurred to one of the servants of the company:

"WILLIAMSBURG
"December 8, 1752.

"Last Friday Night about 11 o'Clock, the Play-House in this City was broken open by one White man and two Negroes, who violently assaulted and wounded PATRICK MALONEY, Servant to the Company, by knocking him down, and throwing him upon the Iron-Spikes,^[1] one of which run into his leg, by which he hung for a considerable Time, till he was relieved by some Negroes: The Villains that perpetrated this horrid Fact escaped, but a Reward is offered for apprehending them, and as the aforesaid PATRICK MALONEY continues dangerously ill of his Wounds it is hoped they will be taken and brought to Justice."

(Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed.)

In May, 1753, Lewis Hallam conveyed title to the playhouse and lots to John Stretch and Edward Charlton for a consideration of five shillings:

"May 19, 1753

"All those two Lotts lying contiguous together whereon the Play House now stands lying and being in the Parish of Bruton in the County of York adjoining the City of Williamsburgh which said two Lotts of Land the said Lewis Hallam purchased of Alexander Finnie."

(York County Records, Deeds V, 553-54.)

Seilhamer in his History of the American Theatre (page 14) quotes Hallam as follows; "We were there [Williamsburg] eleven months before we thought of removing…" Upon leaving the city, Hallam and his company toured various cities of the country;² they then went to Jamaica where they remained for four years thereabout. While in Jamaica, Hallam³ died. Soon afterwards his wife 14 married David Douglass who reorganized the company which later returned to America (abstracted from Dictionary of American Biography).

The playhouse near the capitol must have been closed for several years. No advertisements of performances appear in the Virginia Gazettes from 1752 to 1768. However, other forms of entertainments were given in Williamsburg "at the late Play-House":¹

"October 10, 1755.
"To be seen and heard, at the late Play-House, in Williamsburg, that elaborate and celebrated Piece of Mechanism, call'd the
MICROCOSM
or
THE WORLD IN MINIATURE:"
…

(Virginia Gazette, Parks [Hunter], ed.)

Douglass returned to America in 1758 with a company which he named the "American Company."² According to Robert H. Land, Librarian of the College of William and Mary, who has done considerable work on the theatre in Williamsburg, although no plays were advertised in the Virginia Gazettes between 1752-1768, plays were presented in Williamsburg before the autumn of 1760. Mr. Land states that his authority for this statement is found in Paul Leicester Ford's Washington and the Theatre. Washington noted in his ledger: "By Play Tickets at Sundry times £7.11.3." It is unfortunate that Washington's diary for this period is missing. Hence, it is not known what plays he saw. However, Mr. Land states that "The Recruiting Officer," "Richard III," "Romeo & Juliet," "Miss in Her Teens," and "Lethe," were among the plays in the American Company's repertoire then. Mr. Land is of the opinion that the Company also played in Williamsburg during 1761 and in the autumn of 1762.

15

An original handbill announcing that the American Company of Comedians would give "Love in a Village" and "The Buck" on May 1, 1765, in Williamsburg, is now preserved in the Department of Research, Colonial Williamsburg. (See Illustration #1 of the Appendix for photostat copy of the original playbill.)

Between 1765 and 1768 there is a gap in the theatrical history of Williamsburg. During these years, the theatre obviously was not in operation as a theatre. However, 1768 is a notable year for the theatre in Williamsburg. According to plan, the theatre was opened and there followed a two months theatrical season. The players were "The Virginia Company of Comedians." Fortunately, the Gazette gave in detail the names of the actors, plays to be given, and parts assigned to each actor. The plays as heretofore were those popular in London at the time; the actors (at least some of them) were known to London audiences. On May 17, 1768, the following notice appeared in the newspaper: "The Theatre in this city will be opened on Thursday the 31st instant." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, ed.)

Tavern keepers were not unmindful of the theatre season opening in the city. One William Page advertised on May 17, 1768 as follows: "The subscriber hereby informs his friends and the public, that Gentlemen may be provided with good lodgings for themselves and good stables for their horses at his house, fronting the play house."(Virginia Gazette, William Rind, ed.)

The "new playhouse," built by Kean and Murray and remodeled by Lewis Hallam had become the "old playhouse" by 1768. Accordingly, permission was given by the Mayor to the Virginia Company of Comedians to present plays at the "old Theatre, near the Capitol":

"By permission of the Worshipful the Mayor of Williamsburg,
At the old Theatre, near the Capitol,
By the Virginia Company of Comedians,
On Monday the 4th of April will be presented a TRAGEDY,
called
DOUGLAS.

16

Lord Randolph )	by	(Mr. Bromadge
Glenalvon )		(Mr. Godwin
Norval Douglas)		(Mr. Verling
Old 'Norval )		(Mr. Parker
Officor )		(Mr. Walker
Lady Randolph )	by	(Mrs. Osborne
Anna )		(Mrs. Parker
	An occasional Prologue by Mr. Verling, and after the play a Dance by Mr. Godwin.
	To which will be added a farce, called The Honest Yorkshiremen.
Sir Penurious Muckworm)	by	(Mr. Bromadge
Gaylove )		(Mr. Verling
Sascull )		(Mr. Parker
Slango )		(Mr. Godwin
Blunder )		(Mr. Walker
Arabella )	by	(Mrs. Osborne
Combrush )		(Mrs. Parker

"Tickets to be had of Mr. William Russell, at his store next door to the Post Office, and at the Theatre.
"Boxes 7s. 6d. Pit 5s. Gallery 3s 9d.
Vivant Rex & Regina.

"N. B. No person what ever can be admitted behind the Scenes
[On Wednesday the DRUMMER, with MISS IN HER TEENS.]"

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds, Mar. 31, 1768)

Following the performance of "Douglas" both Rind, and Purdie and Dixon, editors of the Gazettes in the city, carried notices of other plays to be given shortly:

"April 14, 1768.

"By PERMISSION Of the Worshipful the Mayor, of WILLIAMSBURG, at the old Theatre, near the Capitol, By the VIRGINIA COMPANY of COMEDIANS [On Friday, being the 15th Instant,] will be performed a TRAGEDY, called The Orphan, or the Unhappy Marriage…"

(Virginia Gazette Rind, ed.)

"April 14, 1768.

"By permission of the Worshipful the Mayor of Williamsburg. At the old Theatre, near the Capitol,
"By the Virginia Company of Comedians,
"On Friday the 15th of this instant will be presented a TRAGEDY, CALLED The Orphan, or the Unhappy Marriage. Acosto, by Mr. Bromadge. Castalio, by Mr. Verling. Polydore, by Mr. Parker. Chamount, by Mr. Godwin. Chaplain, by Mr. Charlton, Ernesto, by Mr. Walker. Page, by Miss Dowthaitt. Monimia, by Mrs. Osborne. Serina, by Mrs. Parker. Maid, by Mrs. Dowthaitt.

17

"After the play a Comick dance, called the BEDLAMITES. The Bedlamite, by Mr. Godwin. Mad Doctor, by Mr. Charlton. Simon, by Mr. Walker.

"To which will be added, the second night, a Pantamine entertainment, in which will be introduced a new scene, not before presented, called HARLEQUIN SKELETON, or the BURGOMASTER TRICKED. Harlequin, by Mr. Godwin. Pantaloon, by, Mr. Verling. Conjurer, by Mr. Bromadge. Merchant, by Mr. Walker. Frenchman, by Mr. Charlton. Clown, by Mr. Parker Scaramonch, by Mr. Walker, Columbine, by Mrs. Parker.

"Tickets to be had of Mr. William Russell, at his store next door to the Post Office, and at the door of the Theatre.

"The doors to be opened at Six, and the play to begin at Seven o'Clock precisely.

"Boxes 7s. 6d. Pit, 5s. Gallery 3s. 9d. Vivant Rex & Regina.

"N. B. No person whatever can be admitted behind the scenes."

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds. — See Illustration #1 of the Appendix for photostat copy of original playbill.)

George Washington, on a visit to Williamsburg in May, 1768, attended the theatre:

[May] 2. Went to Williamsburg with Colo. Bassett Colo. Lewis and Mr. Dick. Dined with Mrs. Dawson,¹ and went to the Play.²"

"¹Elizabeth (Churchill) Dawson, widow of Commissary William Dawson who was President of the College of William and Mary. Mrs. Dawson kept a fashionable boarding-house in Williamsburg."

"²Ledger A for May lst has an entry, 'By Play Tickets £1:7:6.' Washington went to the play also on May 5th."

(Diaries of Washington, Vol. I, pp. 267-268.)

On May 12th the Gazette carried notice of a benefit performance to be given for Mrs. Osborne at the "old Theatre, near the Capitol." Congreve's "The Constant Couple" or "A Trip to the Jubilee" was the comedy given. In addition to the comedy, a prologue was to be given between the first and second acts; also, a cantata after the third act; and a minuet after the fifth act. Following this performance, there would be numbers on the hornpipe. And finally, a farce, called "The Miller of Mansfield," would conclude the program. The 18 tickets for the whole evening's performances were 7s. 6d. for boxes; 5s. for the pit; 3s. 9d. for gallery. (See Illustration #1 of the Appendix for photostat copy of original playbill.)

Performances seem to have begun about seven in the evening. Doors were opened at six o'clock and Admittance behind the scenes was prohibited. Within a week another benefit was given by the Virginia Company of players in Williamsburg. The Mayor gave his permission that a benefit be given for Mr. Bromadge. The play given was a tragedy, called "The Gamester." After the play a new dance called the "Cowkeepers" was followed by a farce, "Polly Honeycomb":

"BY permission of the Worshipful the Mayor of Williamsburg (for the benefit of Mr. Bromadge) at the old Theatre near the Capitol, tomorrow evening, being the 20th instant, will be presented a tragedy, called
the G A M E S T E R.
After the play a new dance called the Cowkeepers, by Mess. Godwin, Walker, and Farrell.

To which will be added a farce, called
P 0 L L Y H 0 N E Y C 0 M B.
Tickets to be had of Mr. Bromadge, at Mrs. Rathell's store, and at the door of the Theatre. To begin at 7 o'clock.
Boxes 7s. 6d. Pit 5s. Gallery 3s. 9d.
Vivant Rex & Regina."

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds, May 19, 1768)

The company continued to give weekly performances. On May 26th, the Gazette advertised a performance to be given on June 3rd of "The Beggar's Opera" with dance called "The Drunken Peasant" and a farce called "The Anatomist":

"May 26, 1768.

"For the BENEFIT of Mrs. PARKER.
On Friday the 3d of June next will be presented
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA.

The Part of Captain Macheath by Mr. Verling being his first appearance in that character; and the part of Miss Polly Peachum by Mrs. Parker. After the opera a dance, called the Drunken Peasant, by Mr. Godwin.

19

To which will be added a farce, called THE ANATOMIST, or SHAM DOCTOR.

The musick of the opera to be conducted by Mr. Pelham,^[1] and others. Tickets to be had at the Post Office, Mr. Rind's Mrs. Rathaell's, Mr. Hay's, Mr. Charlton's, and of Mrs. Parker.

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds. See Illustration #1 of the Appendix for photostat copy of original playbill.)

The following week Mr. Charlton presented the Virginia Company of Comedians in a comedy by Fielding, called "The Miser." To be offered the same night was a farce, called "The Brave Irishman." (See Illustration #1 of the Appendix for photostat copy of original playbill.)

Evidently the theatre was again closed during 1769 and a part of 1770. However, other forms of entertainments were carried on in the theatre building. On April 14 [13], 1769, the Virginia Gazette (Purdie & Dixon, eds.) advertised as follows: "On Friday…will be exhibited, at the theatre in Williamsburg, by, PETER GARDINER, a curious set of Figures, richly dressed, four feet high, which shall appear upon the stage as if alive…" Other curious forms of entertainment were also noted in the advertisement.

In September 1769, Joseph M'Auslane, school master, advertised that he would "teach Reading, Writing, and Arithmetick … at the Play house (the only tolerable convenient place I could procure at that time) … " (Virginia Gazette Purdie & Dixon, eds, Sept. 14th issue.)

Then, on June l4, 1770, the Gazette made note that Mr. Douglass (husband of the widow Hallam) intended re-opening the theatre very soon:

"WILLIAMSBURG, June 14, 1770

"Yesterday Mr. Douglass, with his company of comedians, arrived in town from Philadelphia; and, we hear, intend opening the theatre in this city, on Saturday, with the Beggars Opera, and other entertainments."

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

20

Washington's diary again gives an account of his attendance at the theatre in Williamsburg in 1770:

"[June] 16, Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbell's and went to the Play in the Evening.¹"
"[June] 18. Came into Williamsburg in the morning. Dined at the Blue^[1] and went to the Play in the afternoon.²"
"[June] 19. Dined at the Club and went to the Play.³"
"[June] 20. Dined at the President's and went to the Play afterwards.⁴"
"[June] 22. Dined at the Club and went to the Play,⁵ after meeting the Associates at the Capitol."
"1 Tickets to Play & ca 15/6. (Ledger A.)"
"2 There is no entry of purchase of play tickets for this date.
"3 June 19. 'By Play Ticket 7/6.' (Ledger A.)"
"4 June 20. 'By Play Tickets £1.0.0' (Ledger A.)"
"5 In his accounts, Washington charges this play expense (£2) on June 23d."(Diaries of Washington, Vol. I, p.384.)

The Company played in Williamsburg in 1770-71 and again in 1771-72. Miss Hallam aroused much enthusiasm. She possessed much beauty and charm. It is said that an admirer described her in poetical language thus: "Ye Gods! Tis Cytherea's face!" (Graydon's Memoirs, p. 248.) The Maryland Gazette of September 6, 1770, described Miss Hallam in the character of "Imogene":

"…She exceeded my utmost idea! Such delicacy of manner! Such classical strictness of expression! The music of her tongue——the vox liquida, how melting!… me thought I heard once more the warbling of Cibber in my ear."

The writer continued:

"The characteristical propriety of Mrs. Douglass cannot but be too striking to pass unnoticed. The merit of Mr. Douglas's company is notoriously in the opinion of every man of sense in America whose opportunities gives him a title to judge,——take them all in all —— superior to those of any company in England, except those of the metropolis."(Also found in Graydon's Memoirs.)

A comment on the plays given in Williamsburg during the spring of 1771 follows: 21

"Northumberland Courthouse,
April 19, 1771.

"In a few days after I got to Virginia, I set out to Wmsburg, where I was detained for 11 days, tho' I spent the time very agreeably, at the plays every night, & realy must join Mr. Ennalls & Mr. Bassett in thinking Miss Hallam super fine. But must confess her luster was much sullied by the number of Beauties that appeared at that court. The house was crowded every night, & the gentlemen who have generally attended that place agree there was treble the number of fine Ladyes that was ever seen in town before--for my part I think it would be impossible for a man to have fixed upon a partner for life, the choice was too general to have fixed on one."

(Letter from Hudson Muse of Virginia to his Brother, Thomas Muse, of Dorchester Co., Md. William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. II, pp. 240-241.)

"The Beggar's Opera" (very popular performance both in England and America) was followed on April 26, 1771, by "The Tender Husband" and "The Honest Yorkshiremen." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

In May, Washington again attended the theatre while in Williamsburg:

1771: "[May] 2. Set out with Colo. Bassett for Williamsburg, and reachd Town about 12 Oclock. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and went to the Play.¹"
"[May] 3. Dined at the Speaker's and went to the Play;² after wch. Drank a Bowl or two of Punch at Mrs. Campbell's."
…
"[May] 8. Dined at Southall's with Colo. Robt. Fairfax and some other Gentlemen, and went to the Play and,⁴"
"¹ By Play Tickets 10/.' (Ledger A.)"
"² There is no charge in the accounts for tickets for this attendance at the play. Probably the Speaker was host for the occasion."
…
"⁴…Washington probably was host to the gentlemen at the play, as the expense for tickets is entered as 37s. 6d."(Diaries of Washington, Vol. II, pp. 16-17.)

The next notices in the Gazette of plays given in Williamsburg appeared in the October 24th edition of 1771, when "The West Indian" and "The Musical Lady" were scheduled on Saturday. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.) Washington was again a patron:

"[October] 29. Reach'd Williamsburg before Dinner,² and went to the Play in the Afternoon."
"[October] 30. Dined at the Speaker's, and went to 22 the Play in the Afternoon."
[October] 31. Dined at the Governor's,³ and went to the Play.⁴"
"² Washington made this journey to Williamsburg for business reasons…"
"³ John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, arrived in Virginia a short time prior to October 12, 1771."
"⁴ By Sundry Play Tickets whilst in Wmsburg £4.1.0.' (Ledger A.)"(Diaries of Washington, Vol. II, p. 39.)

The Douglass players continued in Williamsburg into the autumn. On the 7th of November, 1771, they advertised that "a Tragedy (never performed in Virginia) called KING LEAR; with a FARCE, that will be expressed in the Bill" would be presented. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.) The same month, on the 23rd, "Every Man In His Humour" with "Damon and Phillida" was given by the players in Williamsburg. (Ibid.) Washington records his theatre attendance for this month:

"[November] 1st. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's. Went to the Fireworks in the Afternoon and to the Play at Night." "[November] 4. Dined with the Council and went to the Play afterwards."(Diaries of Washington, Vol. II, p. 40.)

The American Company left Williamsburg for a short time. They were in Norfolk early in January:

WILLIAMSBURG January 2 [l772] "Next Week the Theatre in Norfolk will be opened by the American Company of Comedians, where they are to remain but a short While, as they intend for this Place again by the Meeting of the General Assembly, and to perform til1 the End of the April Court. They then proceed to the Northward, by Engagement, where it is probable they will continue some Years."(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

Another notice some weeks later gave the same information about the arrival of the players in Williamsburg:

"[Williamsburg] January 23, 1772

"The American Company of Comedians intend for this Place by the Meeting of the General Assembly, and to perform till the End of the April Court. They then proceed to the Northward, by Engagement, where it is probable they will continue some Years."

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

23

The company arrived as expected and the theatre was opened. Washington was in Williamsburg and went to see the plays:

1772: "[March] 12. Dined at the Club and went to the Play."
"[March] 17. Dined at the Club and went to the Play in the Afternoon."
"[March] 19. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and went to the Play in the Evening."
"[March] 25. Dined at Mr. Lewis Burwell's and went to the Play."
"[March] 26. Dined at the Club, and went to the Play."
"[April] 3. Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and went to the Play, then to Mrs. Campbell's again."
"[April] 7. Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and went to the Play, then to Mrs. Campbell's again."(Diaries of Washington, Vol. II, pp. 57-59.)

Early in April the American Company gave a new comedy to a large audience:

"April 2, 1772.

"Mr. Kelly's new Comedy, 'A Word to the Wise' was performed at our Theatre Last Thursday, to a very crowded and splendid Audience. It was received both Nights with the warmest Marks of Approbation; the Sentiments with which this excellent Piece is replete were greatly and deservedly, applauded; and the Audience, while they did Justice to the Merit of the Authors did no less Honour to their own refined Taste. If the Comick Writers would pursue Mr. Kelly's Plan, and present us only with moral Plays, the Stage would become (what it ought to be) a school of Politeness and Virtue…"

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

The editor commented further: "Truth indeed, obliges us to confess that for several Years past, most of the new Plays that have come under our Observation have had a moral Tendency, but there is not enough of them to supply the Theatre with a Variety of Exhibitions sufficient to engage the Attention of the Public; and the most desirable Enjoyments by too frequent a Repetition, become insipid." (Ibid.)

Whether the theatre became "a school of Politeness and Virtue," is doubtful. Doubtless under the restraining influence of the Restoration period there was some improvement over the laxness credited to actors heretofore.

24

On April 9th the following advertisement appeared:

"On Tuesday next, being the 14th Instant
A New Comedy, Called
False Delicacy
By the Author of A Word to the Wise

"It may not be improper to give notice that the Theatre in Williamsburg will be closed at the end of the April Court the American Company's Engagements calling them to the Northward from whence it is probable they will not return for several years."

(Virginia Gazette Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

The plays, "Thomas and Sally," "The Provoked Husband," and "Dorcas," given for the first time by Mrs. Stamper, were advertised for Tuesday, the 21st of April (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds, April 16, 1772).

The company continued in Williamsburg. The Gazette for April 23, 1772, advertised that on the 28th a comedy never performed before in the city would be played:

"On Tuesday next, being the 28th Instant,
A C 0 M E D Y (never performed there) written by
A R T H U R M U R P H Y, Esquire, called the
W A Y T 0 K E E P H I M.^[1]
To which will be added
T H E 0 R A C L E.
SINGING by Mrs. STAMPER."

According to a former notice, the theatre in Williamsburg was closed at the end of the April Court; but the building was used for an exhibit of "A Curious Set of Figures" in November 1772. (Virginia Gazette, Rind. ed., November 19, 1772.)

With the closing of the playhouse in Williamsburg in 1772, items or advertisements no longer appeared relative to it or to those associated with it. The Gazette in October, 1773, carried a notice with a New York date line reporting the death of Mrs. Douglas, who was identified with the theatre: 25

"New York, September 23.

"Last Week died, at Philadelphia, Mrs. Douglass, Wife of Mr. Douglas, Manager of the American Company of Comedians, Mother of Mr. Lewis Hallam, and of Mrs. Mattocks of Covent Garden Theatre, and Aunt of Miss Hallam; a Lady who by her excellent Performances upon the Stage, and her irreproachable Manners in private Life, had recommended herself to the Friendship and Affection of many of the principal Families on the Continent and in the West Indies."

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., Williamsburg, October 14, 1773.)

On August 23, 1773, Richard Henry Lee, Francis L. Lee and Robert C. Nicholas advertised three tenements in Williamsburg formerly the property of Philip Ludwell and now held by William Lee of London, in right of his wife. The third one is so designated: "the house called the Blue Bell below the Capitol, opposite to the Playhouse…"(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.) The playhouse was standing in July, 1775. John Lockley advertised in the Gazette that he had found "near the Playhouse, A Pair of new SADDLE-BAGS, with a Brass Lock, the Contents unknown…"(Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, eds., July 1st edition.) Nothing further could be found in newspapers or in deeds about the playhouse building near the Capitol until June 6, 1780. A deed of that date refers to "the Old Play House":

"June 6, 1780.

Major, Samuel
"Williamsburg, Va.
to
"Draper, John
"Same city.
"Consideration: 600 Pounds.

"One piece, parcel or lot of land situate lying and being in the city of Williamsburg whereon the Old Play House lately stood, containing 35 feet in length and 30 feet in breadth, and bounded by James Moir's line, in the Capitol Square and the street. "And all houses, outhouses, etc. …"^{This transaction could not have been in Block 7. Major & Moire owned property only in block 8 [illegible]MB}

(York County Records, Book VI, Deeds. p. 94.)

Reference to the lot "whereon the Old Play House lately stood" in the foregoing deed seems to suggest that the playhouse was no longer standing on the lot. A study of the Frenchman's Map (ca. 1782)¹ shows a long 26 rectangular building opposite to the building supposedly "The Blue Bell Tavern." From the dark tracing on the outer edge of the rectangular building one is led to believe that such tracings represented the brick foundations of a building no longer standing. (See Illustration #3 for Frenchman's drawing of the Palace. The Palace had burned in 1781, but the Frenchman had indicated the Palace in deep outline.)

By 1787, the bricks from the old playhouse were being sold to a brick mason and carpenter: "1787 January 26 By Old Bricks in the Play House … .6.0.0"^{Moire owned property on Block 8 not in Block 7}(Ledger of Humphrey Harwood, B, p. 88; account of James Moir)

With this item the history of the second theatre building ends.

Strange as it may seem, the Company's leading actress, Sarah Hallam, returned to the village of Williamsburg about 1775. Here she made her living, it is thought, by teaching children the art of reading, writing and dancing. In 1775 a Sarah Hallam advertised that she intended to open a dancing school in Williamsburg. The school would be "kept at Mr. Blovet Pasteur's"¹ and "she hopes the gentlemen and ladies will be kind enough to favour her with their daughters." The school would be open only two days a week (Virginia Gazette, John Pinkney, ed., August 17, 1775). A Mrs. Hallam taught school in Williamsburg. Among her pupils were the Tucker children. In March, April, July, and September, 1792, "S. Hallam"² rendered accounts against "Judge Tucker" 27 for teaching: "To a quarters Schooling of miss Tucker Fifteen Shillings To one quarters Dancing of miss Tucker…1.5 To Ditto Reading Writing &c… . 15[sh] To Quarter's Schooling of master Carter Twelve Shillings" (Uncatalogued Mss., Folder 101, Tucker-Coleman Collection, Department of Research.)

In 1776, 1777 and 1780 there are many items for repairs charged to Mr. John Lewis by Mrs. Hallam. It is impossible to say with certainty that the repairs were for Lewis's house, occupied by Mrs. Hallam. In the accounts of Humphrey Harwood for 1782, 1785, 1786 and 1787, repairs made are charged directly to "Mrs Sarah Hallam, dancing Mistress." (See Illustration 4 of the Appendix.) Another significant entry under "Mr. John Carter, February 23d 1787 Dr" shows "To ¾ of a bushel of lime 9 & repairing Top to Mrs. Hallam's Chimney 3/6 & labours work 1/. . . . .£-.5.3" On the credit side of the ledger of December 20, 1785, "By Mrs Sarah Hallam order. . . . ..£4.7-" (Ledger of Humphrey Harwood, Department of Research).

Tradition says that Mrs. Sarah Hallam lived on lot 30 on York Road. (See Illustration #3 of the Appendix for Tyler's Map.) The house was associated with Mrs. Hallam by children of those who used to call on the lady years ago. Mrs. Randolph Harrison of Williamsburg¹ remembered the following facts about Mrs. Hallam:

"As late as the year 1839, in a modest home on York Street, lived a very aged lady, wife of an ante-Revolutionary comedian. Though possessing no visible means of support, it was a well-known fact that Mrs. Hallam 'fared sumptously every day.' A wealthy planter provided her with servants, and being the only person on whom the citizens of Williamsburg could lavish their attentions, they vied with each other in supplying her with comforts and luxuries. The ladies of Bruton Church were in the habit of holding weekly prayer meetings in her chamber where she sat enthroned 28 in state in her 'old arm chair.' Happy were the children who were allowed to attend these services--not that they developed unusualy [sic] evidences of early piety, but 'visions of sugar plums danced through their heads.' Not only were they feasted with dainties on their arrival, but on leaving, each child was presented with a paper bag of good things to take home. Making these bags seems to have been Mrs. Hallam's sole occupation, and the pockets around her chair were kept filled with them. When this dear old lady was gathered to her fathers there was universal mourning in the community, the ladies feeling that 'Othello's occupation was gone,' and the juveniles that they had lost an indulgent and devoted friend."(William and Mary Quarterly, Series l,XVII, pp. 66-67.)

Mrs. Martha Vendegrift who visited Williamsburg in the 1840's had this to say about Mrs. Hallam:

"I think it was a pity that they ever changed the name of the road that goes down toward Yorktown. It was always called 'Woodpecker Lane.' Old Mrs. Hallam lived down there. She was the widow of an actor. I don't remember anybody else who lived on Woodpecker Lane. Mrs. Hallam used to have prayer meetings on Sunday afternoons. She always passed around cakes after prayer meeting. Mrs. Hallam was an English woman."("Williamsburg in 1844," p. 92, Department of Research.)

The Sarah Hallam who lived in Williamsburg and taught school may have been the first cousin of Lewis Hallam, Jr. In the obituary notice of Mrs. Douglass, mother of Lewis Hallam, Jr, in 1773 (see page 25 of this report), Mrs. Douglass is referred to as "Aunt of Miss Hallam." It is also possible for the Miss Hallam or Mrs. Hallam who lived in Williamsburg to have been the daughter of Lewis Hallam, Jr.

APPENDIX

Illustration #1 -	Photostats of the Hallams; photostats of playbills Illustration #2 - Historical material
Illustration #3 -	Maps
Illustration #4 -	Account from Humphrey Harwood Ledger
Illustration #5 -	List of plays