Black-Eyed Susans are in stunning display at Historic London Town and Gardens. The Summer Blooms of Joe Pye Weed and Black-Eyed Susans, plus the Beauty of Transition  A simple glance at the tree canopy tells you all you need to know. Hints of yellow and red speckle the green forest, signaling cooler weather and shorter days ahead. The honey locust and tulip poplar have already begun their seasonal shedding, releasing golden leaves with every light breeze.  As the trees prepare for winter, other plants are just beginning their show. Joe Pye Weed and Boneset have stretched toward the sky, now casting broad sprays of pink and white across the landscape and providing much-needed fuel for late-summer insects. Also called “feverwort,” Boneset was used by Native Americans to break fevers. Its common name comes from its historic use to treat Dengue Fever, or “Bone Break Fever.”  While the Joe Pye and Bonesets sway in the breeze, closer to the ground lie the Black-Eyed Susans, covering garden beds in dense displays of yellows, oranges, and reds. An exceptionally robust native perennial, Rudbeckia hirta  and its coneflower cousins are common host plants for a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and other critters.  With the cooler weather approaching, it is the perfect time to work plants into your gardens. Cooler temperatures mean less transplant shock and watering requirements. Herbaceous perennials can focus their energy into establishing good root systems, and evergreens can slowly acclimate to their new home.   At Historic London Town and Gardens, we work every day to beautify our small corner of the world while being mindful of ecological, aesthetic, and functional needs. With several species of Joe Pye Weed and dense beds of Black-Eyed Susans showing off their end of summer blooms, our four-season garden dazzles—even as the growing season winds down.   Joe Pye Weed attracting pollinators at London Town.

Our summer history intern, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, poses for a photo inside the Carpenter Shop. My name is Elizabeth Fitzpatrick and this summer I was a history intern at Historic London Town and Gardens. I am currently a student at Washington College, majoring in art history and minoring in museum, field, and community education. Interning at London Town has given me the opportunity to use what I’ve learned about historical research and museum interpretation in an actual museum environment. I spent my summer at London Town researching colonial tobacco port warehouses in order to better understand the history of the Carpenter’s Shop. The Carpenter’s Shop is a reconstructed building that stands on the same site as the original 18th-century building. It is just one of many buildings that would have stood in colonial London Town. The Carpenter’s Shop served several purposes during its original existence, but the reconstruction is currently furnished as it might have been when it was owned by William Brown, a cabinet-maker and joiner. Before the Carpenter’s Shop building was used by William Brown, it was owned by Stephen West Sr., a prominent citizen of London Town involved in the ferry and ordinary-keeping businesses. West purchased the land in 1724 and built the structure at some point between 1725-1740. It is likely that West used the Carpenter’s Shop building as a warehouse to store tobacco or supplies for the tavern he owned on the lot next door. A notice in the Maryland Gazette from January 1746 announced that a warehouse owned by Stephen West burned down. The warehouse contained tobacco, corn, and fodder, which indicates West’s involvement in the tobacco trade. While the dates of the warehouse fire do not line up with the construction of the Carpenter’s Shop, the notice can still be used to speculate what West was using the Carpenter’s Shop to store. A notice in the Maryland Gazette from January 1746 announced that a warehouse owned by Stephen West burned down along with its contents. To discover what else Stephen West may have been storing in the warehouse, I spent a lot of time poring over digitized issues of the Maryland Gazette  from the Maryland State Archives. The advertisements in the Gazette  show what was being imported and sold in Maryland during the time Stephen West owned the Carpenter’s Shop building. These imported goods came from all over the world. For example, clothes and fabric from Europe and India, and rum and sugar from the West Indies. Maryland Gazette notice from November 11, 1746 Colonists in Maryland relied on imports for almost all of their manufactured goods. To meet demand, many colonial merchants bought tobacco from planters who did not want to export it themselves and kept a solid supply of imported goods to sell to the planters in exchange. West was likely purchasing imported goods for his own use, to resell, or for his tavern. My internship was designed to explore the possibility of converting the back room of the Carpenter’s Shop into a representation of Stephen West’s Warehouse. Representing the presence of the warehouse will help visitors visualize London Town’s connections to the tobacco and maritime trade that played a huge part in the development of London Town during the colonial era. Our summer history intern, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, standing outside the Carpenter Shop at Historic London Town and Gardens.

Congratulations to Kristin DeMarco, the new Executive Director of Historic London Town and Gardens. The London Town Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin DeMarco as the new Executive Director at Historic London Town and Gardens. Kristin brings a wealth of experience to London Town, most recently as the Interim Executive Director. Kristin demonstrates the ability to manage the site with professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to the vision of London Town: providing an accessible destination for all, that connects people in the continuous stewardship of history and nature. During this time of transition, and while balancing the role of the Director of Private Events, Kristin has initiated the task of creating ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant pathways and improvements to site accessibility, a much needed and ongoing process. Previously, Kristin was the Director of Private Events at London Town, where she managed and coordinated a variety of functions, while consistently providing top tier customer support for celebrants and their families. Through her work, London Town has enjoyed continued financial sustainability. “The Board is confident that Kristin is the right leader to guide Historic London Town and Gardens," said Laura Martien, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "She sees a future for London Town that connects with the community, providing a variety of events for all citizens to enjoy, on a site that is remarkably beautiful. Through her leadership and skill set, London Town is positioned to become the star of the community, the gem of the county, and the pride of Maryland.” “I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Historic London Town and Gardens,” states Kristin DeMarco. “This place has meant so much to me over the years, and I’m deeply committed to sharing its’ stories, supporting our mission, and strengthening our connection to the community.” Please join us in celebrating and supporting Kristin DeMarco as she guides Historic London Town and Gardens towards continued success! Stay tuned for a date this Fall to celebrate Kristin’s latest appointment and accomplishments. ###    About Historic London Town Foundation   Historic London Town and Gardens is a 23-acre museum and public garden on the banks of the South River, minutes from Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. Today, visitors can discover colonial history and heritage through its historic 1760 tavern turned almshouse, reconstructed colonial buildings, and a large interactive exhibit featuring artifacts unearthed onsite. Additionally, visitors can enjoy 10-acres of woodland and ornamental gardens, featuring beautiful collections of camellias, magnolias, azaleas, and other exotic and native plants. London Town also offers an array of public programs, including living history weekends, garden tours, history tours, and evening programs.

Dye pot using marigold Humans love color. One of the most common ways to express this love is through clothes. For thousands of years, people have used the color of their clothes to not only express personal preferences but also status (royal purple) and occupation (British soldiers and their red coats). Modern dyes were accidentally discovered while researching uses for coal tar in the mid-19th century. Synthetic dyes have been used since then. So how did people dye fabric before this? Dyers used a variety of plants, lichens, fungi and insects to create dye recipes that made good colors. Plants that make a good stain usually do not make a good dye. An example is green grass stains that fade to yellow. Over time, dyers learned which plants gave better colors than others. Natural dyeing was a complicated, time consuming, and usually smelly chemical process. Mordants (chemical binding agents) were used to help the dye bond to the fibers of the fabric. They could also alter the colors of the dye, so a variety of shades could be created. 18th century dye sample books and fabric sample books show a variety of bright vibrant colors. Professional dyers would protect their dye recipes from competitors. Marigold dye on linen Yellow and Tan Yellows and tans are the most common dyes from plants. The most used European yellow dye came from the weld plant. Other sources from the New World became popular because they were easier to use. Silk dyed a brilliant yellow was fashionable in the 18th century. It must have looked amazing in a candle-lit ballroom. Blue European woad was the main source of blue until the importation of the indigofera plant from tropical regions. Dyeing with indigo is intriguing. It doesn’t turn blue until exposed to oxygen. The fabric removed from the dye pot looks yellow but rapidly changes color. To get a very dark blue, repeated dips in the dye bath and exposure to oxygen are necessary. Green It may sound strange, but there is no good sole source for deep green dye.The chlorophyll that makes plants green does not convert to dye. Shades of green can be made but a true deep green needs the fabric to be dyed in yellow then blue. Cochineal dye in pot Red Red mainly came from the madder plant but plenty of roots were needed and it tended to fade. The discovery of cochineal insects in Mexico was a tremendous revolution in dye. The dried, ground cochineal created a vibrant, colorfast and popular red. It became an important source of wealth for the Spaniards, who had control of Mexico. They guarded the source carefully but “industrial espionage” was rampant in the 18th century. People risked their lives to steal and try to breed cochineal. Today, cochineal is easily purchased, and natural dyeing is a hobby. Dye plants can be grown or collected in the wild. Natural fibers, like wool and linen, have to be used but are easy to find. Color outcomes are always unique, so it is an interesting pursuit. Cochineal dye on linen Dyed with tumeric Dyeing with Turmeric Note: A list of additional options besides Tumeric are at the bottom When dying fabric, for best results, one should use a mordant or fixative. A mordant allows the molecules of dye to bind to fibers. Mordants also affect the final color of the fabric – dulling or brightening the final tone. Some mordants include iron or copper. One favorite mordant is alum because it provides one of the clearest, brightest final hues. It can be found online or in some grocery stores near canning goods. Fixatives do much the same thing that mordants do, allowing the dye to stick to the fiber more easily. Salt, vinegar, and baking powder are all common fixatives. Instructions for using a mordant or fixative: Let’s use salt for this example, because it’s something everyone has in their pantry. For every gallon of water, use 1 cup of salt. This is a 16 to 1 ratio. Bring to a boil. Soak your fabric in the water and bring down to a simmer. Stir occasionally, for an hour. Allow the fabric to cool in the water. To dye the fabric, follow the instructions below, placing the still wet fabric into the dye bath. If you choose not to use a mordant or fixative, proceed with the following instructions. Dye Bath: Fill a stockpot ¾ of the way full and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered turmeric – you can always add more for a deeper yellow, but you can’t take it back. Place your fabric in water and stir occasionally. Leave it in the simmering water for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, pull your fabric out of the dye bath and hang to dry. Turmeric is a very bright color. It will quickly dye skin, wood, and fabric. Be careful not to let the drying fabric to drip onto floors, furniture, or clothing. If possible, allow the fabric to dry outdoors. Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Drying tumeric dyed cloth When your fabric is dyed, be careful not to wash it with other items. Wash it on its own at least 10 times, or until the water it is in washed in runs clear. You can test this by soaking it overnight and checking to see that no color transfers to the water. If you have not used a fixative, your fabric may never stop transferring its color. For best results, your fabric should be 100% natural fiber, like cotton or wool. Modern linens may work, but many have been treated with wrinkle resistant products that impede dying. Begin with a relatively pale color, like white. Be careful using caustic chemicals, like the mordants. Make sure you’re dying fabric in a well-ventilated area. As a general rule, don’t use the same pots for dying and cooking. While the examples we have given are all food safe, this is still a good rule of thumb. Other Natural Dyes Onion Skins - Yellow Red Cabbage - Seafoam or Pink Queen Anne’s Lace - Yellow Marigolds - Yellow Walnut Hulls - Brown Dandelion Roots - Brown Avocado Pits - Pink Sources: http://www.allnaturaldyeing.com/mordants-fixatives/ Good places to purchase products: https://www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/?gclid=CjwKCAjw95D0BRBFEiwAcO1KDNs61EfvFtWxaLPWPO0_Zr5-xaeF2hPxCUp27Bgy-cnYqJ4Uky6kCBoCQGYQAvD_BwE Enjoyed Today's Post? Consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount to support London Town during this difficult time. Thank you! #dyeing #tumeric #colonial #mordant #fixative

This month, we’ll take a closer look at a few fascinating members of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae) growing right here on site. August’s landscape is a different sort of appealing. The bright blooms of spring have given way to green foliage, the plants feeding off of sunlight and air to make sugars necessary for growth and maintenance. The cicadas emerge in late July to fill the air with their harsh song, the lilies sway in the breeze, their flowers fading as knobby fruit capsules take their place. The dog days of summer refer to the hottest, most humid months of the year, historically from early July to mid-August. They are often associated with humid days, lethargy, sudden thunderstorms, and even bad luck. The plants, however, tell a different story of the dog days of summer. They tell of bursts of Black-Eyed Susans, nodding daylilies, and great tufts of Hydrangea. The dog days are a period of maintenance, of preparation. Nature dials back the spectacle and focuses on health, construction, and reproduction. The chestnuts fill with their brutal, spiked burrs, and the squirrels eagerly await the black walnut trees dropping their spoils. At Historic London Town and Gardens, we pride ourselves on being stewards of the landscape not just through the cool, flowery spring months, but also through the intense heat and humidity of the dog days of summer. With focused intent and a dedicated crew, the staff and volunteers at London Town are committed to their roles as caretakers of this unique space. Designed as a true four-season garden, London Town provides respite any time of year, dog days or otherwise. London Town volunteers hard at work this summer, helping to maintain the Winter Walk.

Though lacking in battlefields and Revolutionary heroes, the few hundred people who called London Town home were just as rocked by the Revolution as everywhere else. Originally established as a port on the South River, London Town played a crucial role during the war as a riverside transportation hub. Located along the King’s Highway—a major colonial road—and connected by the South River Ferry, it served as a convenient mustering point for troops and supplies. Its strategic location, while important, wasn’t prominent enough to attract enemy attacks—a fortunate advantage that proved useful more than once in 1776.  Before independence was even declared, London Town was part of an evacuation effort for Maryland official state papers (land records, court documents, etc). In February 1776, under armed guard, the papers made their way from Annapolis to Upper Marlboro, where they would be less vulnerable if the capital was ever occupied. During this evacuation, the papers were ferried over the South River, and with the permission of William Brown, briefly housed in the big brick tavern that still stands on the site today.  London Town's location also made it an ideal rallying point for the local militia. On March 7, 1776, the presence of the British ship the HMS Otter in the Chesapeake Bay caused the South River Battalion, led by Colonel John Weems, to be dispatched out to London Town. Their orders were to “quarter them [the men] there, part on this, and Part on the other side of the Ferry, and should the Man of War and her Tenders attempt any Landing there, that he be ready to repel them.” Though nothing came of this, another panic caused by the loyalist Governor Eden’s flight from Annapolis on the HMS Fowey caused the militia to be dispatched again to the town on June 25, 1776.   The HMS Otter had been seizing merchant ships until it was chased away. In the minds of many, the HMS Fowey  was guilty of a far worse crime: freeing enslaved people. Though the HMS Fowey did nothing more than a hasty retreat down the Chesapeake Bay and back to England, its refusal to give up two men (either enslaved people or indentured servants) who ran aboard reminded Marylanders of the HMS Fowey’s  early trip to Virginia to pick up their loyalist governor, Lord Dunmore. His proclamation freeing all those enslaved by or indentured to patriots as long as they fought for the British caused outrage and panic amongst white people across the colonies. In London Town, the South River Battalion was under express orders “to prevent servants, or slaves, making their escape from their masters.” While many enslaved people did take the opportunity to try for their freedom by running to the British, none ever got the chance at London Town. Amidst all the upheaval, enslaved residents here found very little different about their daily lives.    Although the town itself was never the site of another major Revolutionary drama after the HMS Fowey’s departure, many of its citizens went on to play their part in the fight for American Independence. Experience their stories during Revolutionary London Town on Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, July 13th, 10:00am – 4:00pm . Chat with living history interpreters, hear the Declaration of Independence read out loud, drill with soldiers, make crafts, and play the brand-new Revolutionary London Town spy game!  This event is included with admission (members are free!).

After a week of extreme heat, our towering trees have reminded us just how valuable they are. Their shade offers a cooler escape from the intense sun—for both people and wildlife. Beneath their branches, temperatures drop, and the air feels more bearable. Trees not only provide shelter but also help cool the environment by releasing moisture and softening the sun’s impact with their leafy canopies. It can feel up to 13°F cooler under the tree canopy than in open areas. The leaves slow down the rainfall from our summer storms, helping the ground absorb the water without flooding. The trees also cool the air through shade and the process of releasing water vapor (evapotranspiration), making the area more comfortable during hot weather. The trees, steadfast and stoic, anchor the soil, preventing erosion. As the trees grow, they pull carbon dioxide out of the air, bind it up in sugar, and release oxygen. Plus, trees are home to hundreds of animals, big and small, and are an important part of nature. They give shelter, hold the soil in place, and provide food and support for life around them. London Town and Gardens plays host to many such trees, with the oldest being about 200 years old. Among the ins and outs of life, among the brutal summer heat, there is respite to be found among the trees. With 10 acres of woodland gardens, London Town is the perfect place to seek sanctuary from the summer sun.

Arts Lab of South County artists display their work at Historic London Town and Gardens. June is Arts Month, and we’re proud to be part of the celebration! All month long, we’re showcasing the creativity and talent of our local arts community through special events and exhibitions designed to inspire and engage.  Arts Month Event: Photography Day – Saturday, June 7   Join us for a free, hands-on photography experience  that invites you to explore Historic London Town and Gardens through a creative lens. Thanks to support from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, this special Arts Month event includes:  Photography Workshops (10:30am) : Choose from macro, landscape, or portrait photography and learn from professional photographers from Muddy Creek Artist Guild in a small-group setting (limited to 15 participants per session). Spots are filling fast— sign up soon !  On-Site Photography Session (11:30am) : Open to all! Whether or not you attend a workshop, you’re welcome to participate in this informal session to explore the site, receive guidance from instructors, and capture your best shots.  Photo Review & Awards (1:30pm) : Gather for a community photo sharing session and awards presentation, with prizes in macro, landscape, portrait, and youth photography categories.  On Display All June: “Collage: Taking it to Historic London Town & Gardens”  In partnership with the Arts Lab of South County , we’re hosting a unique art exhibit that highlights the dynamic medium of collage. Stop by any time in June to explore these vibrant, thought-provoking works. And don’t miss our Meet the Artists  event on Sunday, June 15, from 10:00am–12:00pm , where you can watch the artists in action and learn more about their inspiration and techniques.  Whether you’re an artist, photographer, or simply an art lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Arts Month at London Town. Come celebrate creativity, community, and the natural beauty of one of Maryland’s most historic and scenic sites.  Registration is required for photography workshops and the general session ( register here ).   We hope to see you there!    Our partners: About Muddy Creek Artists Guild  The Muddy Creek Artists Guild is a roving band of intrepid artists and supporters whose mission is to encourage, support and promote the original art of southern Anne Arundel County artists. The focus of the Guild is to show and sell local artwork, while also educating our members and the public about our art, the importance of art to our culture, and how it contributes to the quality of life in South County.   https://www.muddycreekartistsguild.org     About Arts Lab of South County   Arts Lab of South County operates as a workspace where artists can create their own work and share the experience with others. Arts Lab provides dynamic interactions with the arts through our community of visual artists, open studio tours, and programs. Through our artist members and guest artists, we offer art up close, in person, and in progress. Artists work in oil paint, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, pencils, glass, ceramic, metal/jewelry, fiber arts, stone, plastic and more. We aim to create value for Southern Anne Arundel County residents through classes, lectures, and other community events.  https://www.artslab-sc.org

Some of the first flowers at Historic London Town and Gardens. Ephemeral. Transitory. Short-lived. Fleeting. These words call to mind a puff of smoke lingering in the air before being carried away by a gentle breeze. For the gardeners among us, however, it refers to something entirely different -- the first breath of life in the garden, woken by the warming of the soil, gentle leaves followed by fleeting, but much lauded after early spring flowers.  The term “spring ephemeral” refers to the first flowers to emerge in the late winter to early spring. Generally, these are fall-planted bulbs that go in the ground dormant, establish a root system during the freezing temperatures, and then emerge as the temperatures begin to warm.  Among the most common of the spring ephemerals are crocus (some of the earliest blooming bulbs in our area), daffodils and tulips. These can be divided based on how late into the spring they bloom, allowing for quite a bit of flexibility and lasting color in a spring garden, especially for plants called ephemerals.  Historic London Town and Gardens showcases a large variety of spring-blooming ephemeral bulbs spread through our 10 acres of gardens. As the woody shrubs and trees are just beginning to leaf and flower, the gardens are covered in nodding daffodils, delicate crocus and squill, and the occasional swaying tulip. We hope you’ll come by and catch these fleeting blooms!  Join us for our exclusive Members-Only Garden Tours , held monthly at Historic London Town and Gardens, where we explore unique highlights of our horticulture collection. Not a member yet? Become one today  and don’t miss out on these special behind-the-scenes experiences!

Discover the Magic of Early Summer by Justin Schmitz, Director of Horticulture Early summer blooms in the Ornamental Garden Summer arrives tumultuously, with storm and gale, bringing with it a riot of color and rapid growth. Looking over the landscape, the nodding blooms of roses and daylilies punctuate the coming heat, promising humid days and nights filled with frog song. Grass grows a little greener before the dog days of summer, reaching for the sky eagerly, drinking in the rain and stretching, making the most of the long days and cooler evenings. Spiderworts bloom purple, three-petaled flowers, drawing bumblebees. Yarrows and Tickseed add warmer tones of yellows and reds, while Oakleaf Hydrangeas, with their pendulous panicles, highlight the landscape with creamy white flowers that will dry and persist all winter long. The animals also thrive. Deer raise their fawns, groundhog pups put on weight and become more adventurous, and birdsong echoes across the land, promising companionship or conflict, and sometimes both. Glimpses of scarlet red Cardinals can be seen through green undergrowth, and hummingbirds make their hasty, frantic visits to flower after flower. Historic London Town and Gardens plays host to all the above, and more. With over 50 years of expert cultivation behind it, the Gardens at London Town serve as a venue to showcase nature's many forms, colors, and functions. Designed as a true “Four Season Garden”, London Town offers a much-needed respite from the coming heat and the miraculous chaos we call life.

Nothing says Spring quite like the warm tones of full, vibrant Azalea blooms. Coming in reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and whites, the variation in shapes and colors of these hybrid shrubs can be truly dazzling. From small, two-foot Satsuki hybrids to giant, evergreen shrubs, the breadth of genus Rhododendron fills many niches in the garden. There is often confusion between the terms Azalea and Rhododendron. All azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron, but there are Rhododendrons that aren’t classified as azaleas. All Rhododendrons are in the heather family, sharing evolutionary ties with blueberries, ghost pipe, mountain laurel, and Sourwood. Generally, all prefer more acidic soil and shadier sites.  Human selection has produced thousands of varieties and cultivars of azaleas over hundreds of years of cultivation. Small-leaved Satsuki hybrids lend themselves well to Bonsai and Kokedama, while some of the large-leaved rhododendrons make excellent specimen plants in formal and informal garden settings.   Historic London Town and Gardens plays host to dozens of cultivars and cultivars of Azaleas and Rhododendrons, both native and exotic. As temperatures warm, April to May is peak bloom here at London Town. If your timing is right, you may even see the named ‘London Town’ Rhododendron grace us with its subtle, pink blossoms.   Over the next few days, this pathway into the Dell will explode with color as the Azaleas along the pathway reach peak bloom.

A London Town Educator demonstrates how to wash butter. In the quiet early hours at Historic London Town and Gardens, one might have heard the soft lowing of cows and the rhythmic swish of milk hitting wooden pails. Dairy maids—young women entrusted with one of the most vital roles in colonial households—were up before dawn, tending to their chores. Cleanliness was paramount; every vessel used for milk and cream had to be scalded and scrubbed, even a hint of sourness could spoil an entire batch of butter or cheese.  Milking times were strictly observed. In spring and summer, the cattle were milked between five and six in the morning and again in the early evening. A good dairy maid understood her animals, often stroking them during milking to soothe them and collect the richer “strokings,” or last milk, which was prized for cheese-making. Routine was everything—not just for the cows, but for the quality of the final product.  Among the many dairy arts that were most likely practiced at London Town, making clotted cream—then called “clouted cream”—was both a culinary and domestic highlight. It began with fresh milk placed into a broad earthen pan and set over a very low fire for the entire day; making sure it never boiled. After sitting overnight to cool, a rich, thick cream would rise to the top, ready to be skimmed and enjoyed.  Dairy maids guarded their cream carefully, warned not to waste it on “liquorish persons”—those looking for free tastes—or give away butter and whey to gossiping neighbors. Butter was made on scheduled churning days, washed clean of buttermilk and salted for preservation. May was the best month to pot up butter for winter, when the mild air helped it keep longer.  From tending cattle to crafting clotted cream, the dairy maid’s work was demanding but essential. At Historic London Town and Gardens, we bring these Colonial Foodways to life and it reminds us how much skill and care went into every bite of buttered bread, every spoonful of cream—a taste of history right in your backyard.   Read the source information for this article written in 1670 by Hannah Woolley:   https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A66839.0001.001/1:7?rgn=div1;view=fulltext