 A
pair of silk stockings go to the "handsomest maid" during St. Andrew's Day
festivities. From left, Barbara Tyler, Dan Moore, Jay Howlett, Lyndon Howlett,
Greg James, Star Galloway, Jack Flintom, Christine Diffell, Hope Smith, John
Needre, and Phil Shultz.Click image to enlarge |
As the seasons go 'round, new holidays replace the old. Among those that have dropped off the ritual circuit are the saints' days of the Anglican Church popular in Old Virginia. For example, Williamsburg's Virginia Gazette of October 7, 1737, announced on November 30—St. Andrew's Day:
It is propos'd, that 20 Horses or Mares do run round a Three Mile Course, for a Prize of the Value of Five Pounds, according to the usual Rules of Racing; That every horse that runs shall be first enter'd with Mr. Joseph Fox, and that no Person have the Liberty of putting in a Horse, unless he is a Subscriber toward defraying the Expence of this Entertainment, and pay to Mr. Fox Half a Pistole of it at entring his Horse.—Anthony F. Aveni
That a Hat of the Value of 20s. be cudgell'd for, and that after the first Challenge made, the Drums are to beat, once every Quarter of an Hour, for Three Challenges round the Ring; on no Answer made, the Person Challenging to be entitled to the Prize; and none to Play with their Left Hand.
These festivities were accompanied by a fiddler's competition, a singing competition, a wrestling match, a boys' race—with a hat valued at twelve shillings as the prize—and a beauty contest:
That a Pair of handsome Silk Stockings of One Pistole Value, be given to the handsomest young Country Maid that appears in the Field; With many other whimsical and Comical Diversions, too tedious to mention here.
 Colonial Williamsburg's Christine Diffell accepts her prize as Jack Flintom looks on.Click image to enlarge |  The handsomest young country maid is presented with silk stockings “of one pistole value.”Click image to enlarge |
 Christine Diffell displays her winnings for the admiration of Barbara Tyler, Dan Moore, Lyndon and Jay Howlett, and Star Galloway.Click image to enlarge |  The gathered crowd voices its approval of the contest-winner.Click image to enlarge |