Podophyllum peltatum, May Apple flower close up Not a common sight in the trade, not much of common knowledge, wildflowers refer literally to the 'flowers of the wild' that weren't planted intentionally. Handful of the wildflowers have made it to the retail nurseries and only some are of common knowledge. 'Woodland flowers' sometimes aren't well known either, exotic or native they are a much needed base layer for the woods. Restored site with woodland perennials filling up the base layer with ease Their significance in a habitat is huge, their impact on the interdependent species is enormous and the 'unintentional' impact on erosion control and preventing nutrient wash off is tremendous, but they are rather less appreciated and known. Let's look at three wildflowers and woodland flowers that are now adorning the woods of London Town: Trillium recurvatum (Prairie Trillium), Podophyllum peltatum (May Apples) and Corydalis lutea (Yellow Larkspur). Trillium recurvatum, prairie Trillium Trillium recurvatum, prairie Trillium, is a rather delightful perennial. But it is not restricted only to prairies as the name suggests. The marron-red flowers, make them easy to ID and Trillium refers to 'tri- three leaves'. T. recurvatum has blotched green leaves, making it easy for them to camouflage in the woods, as if they are awakening from the dormancy. Growing Trilliums needs ample patience even for the experienced gardeners, for it takes 2 years for seeds to germinate and 4 years to bloom. So when you see Trilliums in bloom, they deserve more than a glance. Woods adorning Trilliums in bloom are a sight to behold. London Town has over 5 different species of Trilliums that are in bloom! Podophyllum peltatum, May Apple leaf close up May Apples, Podophyllum peltatum is the only genus in the family Berbidaceae. The leaves are umbrella shaped, flopping down, protecting the solitary flowers producing seeds, and why not? The flowers have only one dispersal agent, the Box Turtles. But they spread easily by underground rhizomes and can fill a woodland easily by vegetative methods. Corydalis lutea leaf Corydalis lutea, yellow larkspur, is a delightful, delicate woodland flower that fills up base canopy layers with easy. They are a good layer for shade rock gardens or cottage gardens, their delicate floppy blooms are their best feature. Corydalis filling up a restored woodland site In one of the restoration sites at London Town, Corydalis, Trilliums and May Apples have come back in reassuring numbers, an indication that soils are still rich, the woods are healthy and most of all, the hard work of volunteers in removing the invasives has paid off very well! Restored grounds and healthy habitats are a start to a beautiful garden.

Since you can't come to the gardens for now, we wanted to bring the gardens to you! Check out what's currently blooming with this video of what's in bloom. Enjoy a little #momentofzen on this Monday morning. #OurGardensYourHome #MuseumFromHome #FlowerYourFeed

Welcome back to another "A Sin and A Secret." Mix yourself a drink based on a colonial recipe and then curl with a completely true, completely salacious story. Enjoy a new #ASinAndASecret post every week. A Midnight Modern Conversation, March, 1732, William Hogarth Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/401582 The Quarrelsome Tavern Keeper If you saw the last A Sin and A Secret post on the luckless Jacobites, you may remember William Grant, a Jacobite who was forced into convict servitude and worked for a notoriously quarrelsome tavern keeper, Thomas Davis, of London Town. Thomas Davis lived in London Town during the late 17th and 18th centuries. Davis married twice and had eleven children. In November 1706, Davis received a license to open an ordinary (a tavern) in London Town. In 1713, Davis had a notable disagreement with Edward Rumney Sr., a boatwright in London Town. During the fight, Davis was said to have used swords, fists, canes, and perhaps even barrel staves (the wooden parts that make up a barrel). One can almost see the two men scrabbling, grabbing for anything in reach with which to clobber each other. Davis was found guilty of assault. Rumney recovered twelve pounds current money in damages from Davis at a criminal court held on June 1713. Two months later, Davis brought a suit against Rumney, He charged that it was in fact Rumney who had assaulted him. However, the court ruled in the Rumney’s favor and ordered Davis to pay 416 pounds of tobacco. Bad feelings continued to fester after the court decision. An otherwise unknown man by the name of Thomas Clark committed an act of vandalism in stealing the sign from Davis’ ordinary in November 1713. Clark’s bail was paid by none other than Edward Rumney. Davis appeared in the court records again in 1715 as his London Town house had been purchased by a man named Patrick Sympson. After departing London Town, Davis became a successful planter. He owned land all across Anne Arundel County, and left a detailed will dividing his considerable assets up among his sons after his death in 1749. Fish House Punch Fish House Punch Today’s recipe is a punch. Punch was a common tavern drink in the colonial era because it made a bottle or two of alcohol stretch farther. That being said, this Fish House Punch evidences just how much alcohol colonists expected to be in their punch bowls. A single colonist could drink up to 3.6 gallons of rum a year. This perhaps sheds light on the alcohol fueled brawl of Davis and Rumney! Punch was a communal beverage, either drunk directly from the bowl, or poured into wine glasses. Alcohol, citrus fruits, and sugar are common elements of most colonial punches. Fish House Punch • 3/4 pound of sugar • 1 bottle of lemon juice • 2 bottles Jamaican rum • 1 bottle cognac • 2 bottles of water • 1 wine glassful of peach cordial 1. Completely dissolve 3/4 pound of sugar in a little water, in punch bowl 2. Add bottle of lemon juice and 2 bottles of Jamaican rum 3. Put a big cake of ice in the punch bowl. 4. Let punch stand about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. In winter, when ice melts more slowly, more water may be used; in summer less. The melting of the ice dilutes the mixture sufficiently 6. Makes about 60 4-ounce glasses Drink recipe courtesy of www.gaspee.org/colonialdrinks Modern Equivalent Modern Equivalent • ¾ oz dark rum • ¾ oz cognac • 1 generous spoonful of jam loosen with a touch of hot water (peach is preferred but whatever flavor you have on hand will do nicely!) • ½ oz simply syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until all sugar is dissolved then allowed to cool) • ¾ oz lemon juice • 1 lemon slice or twist for garnish 1. Add all ingredient (minus lemon slice or twist) to a shaker full of cubed ice. 2. Shake vigorously until shaker has frosted or become completely cold. 3. Strain content into a glass with fresh ice and garnish with lemon slice or twist. 4. Enjoy! Thomas Davis Sources: • Maryland State Archives (MSA) C91-4, Liber TB2. June Court 1713, Folio 101a-102a.; MSA C91-4, Liber TB2. Aug. Court 1713, Folio 151a-152a.; MSA C91-4, Liber TB2. Nov. Court 1713, Folio 160a. • Colonial Families of Anne Arundel County, MD, The Conant Family, Page 95 < http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=lanaclark&id=I775> Select Drink Recipe Sources for the Series: • Alderman, Clifford Lindsey, "Of Drinks & Drinkers," Early American Life, December 1975, pgs 87-88, 91 - 93 • Bullock, Helen, The Williamsburg Art of Cookery or Accomplished Gentlewoman's Companion: Being a Collection of Upwards of Five Hundred of the Most Ancient and Approv'd Recipes in Virginia Cookery, Colonial Williamsburg and Dietz Press: Richmond, VA, 1938 • Carr, Eve, "Home-Grown Treats," Mid-Atlantic Country, December, 1986 pgs. 34 - 35, 58 • Gaspee Days Committee, www.gaspee.org/colonialrecipes.html • Mackin, Jeanne, "Flowing Bowl," Americana, pgs. 39 - 41 • Stief, Frederick Philip, Eat, Drink, & Be Merry in Maryland, Johns Hopkins Press: Baltimore, MD, 1932 • Tilp, Frederick, "Tips on Tippling from Tidewater Maryland," Maryland Magazine, 1978, pgs. 14 - 17

Photo by David Lebow (@lbow.3) COVID 19 has brought waves of uncertainty throughout many communities. Historic London Town would like to take this time to record the voices of some in our community who have been deeply affected. In this series, we interviewed educators and restaurant workers within the community to gain their insight on how they have been affected by this global event. Because our c.1760 William Brown House originally began as a tavern, we wanted to hear from people connected to the restaurant and bar industry today. So, we reached out to Josh Swisher, who is the Bar Manager at Tsunami, to ask him about his experiences in the field and how it’s impacted today. What do you love about your job? It has been a place for me to really hone my skills as a craft bartender while maintaining a welcoming home feel bar human interaction is key in building relationships and that's one of my strengths. What is the biggest challenge of your job? It can be very mentally draining. You spend 10 hours caring about everyone else's problems you get run down by the end it can really take its toll on you. What is the hardest part of the COVID-19 situation? It completely devastated my industry. As I said human interaction is key in what I do without customers to entertain it makes me irrelevant. When this all ends what are you most looking forward to? Going back to work! Hugging my friends. What can people do to help your community? There are numerous bar relief funds out right now. One of the main being the USBG relief you could donate to that. Order takeout from places still doing it. Over tip for it. We're all struggling and unsure of when we'll be able to work again. For someone with a career in this field, it's quite scary.

Tree Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa var. Today’s post might leave you torn between the petals of fancy and those of the woods, asking which one is more breathtaking? Wildflowers are easily mistaken as weeds, not paid heed to as much, and most definitely not common in a bride's bouquet or best sellers in the industry. But for a woodland garden, wildflowers are not just a ground cover, they are an integral part of an ecosystem. “We don’t often realize it, but wildflowers support entire ecosystems for pollinators, birds, and small animals on a micro scale.” (Source: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethics/index.shtml). Woods Poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum Woods Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) belongs to the Papavaraceae family. It is an epitome of simplicity! Gorgeous yellow blooms all spring and summer. Woods Poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum filling up a woodland hillside 'Stylos' is in reference to style. Nope, not style as in personal style, but a tube that connects the ovary to the stigma in a flower. An excellent woodland native ground cover. However, Woods Poppy will never even remotely closely receive any attention as the red, commercially successful Papaver rhoeas or the native California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica. Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum, thriving in a ravine, prevent erosion. Similar is the story of the 'Wild Geranium.' Nurseries are packed with Geraniums. But only a handful folks will buy the dainty 'Wild Geranium,' a rather leggy plant of the woods, excellent for erosion control. To me, it is more breathtaking than its bright cousins that will adorn many hanging baskets. London Town's woods are currently filled with Woods Poppy and Wild Geraniums. Both indicate a rather rich-soil and the dampness of a nearby ravine. Tree Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa 'Jitsu-getsu-nishiki' Compare these examples of wildflowers to the bright, large Peonies? There probably is no comparison to their popularity and excellence in trade, for the Peony is considered as 'King of flowers'. Aptly so, because of the size of the flower and its long shelf life after cutting. Tree Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa 'Companion of Serenity' Tree peonies, however, aren't as popular as the herbaceous ones. They are actually easy to grow than presumed. London Town has an excellent collection of Tree Peonies that have been in the ground over 35 years! Large or small, fragile or long lasting, they are all exceptional in their own way. Some are crucial for a habitat and others make businesses richer and a brides bouquets last longer. Flowers of fancy or of the woods, they all are picture perfect!

Painting is by Adriaen Ostade Feasting Peasants in a Tavern, 1673 The #TavernTales posts for the next couple of weeks will focus on the travels of Sarah Kemble Knight. Between late 1704 and early 1705 she traveled, on her own, from the Boston area to New York and back. Her journal is one of the earliest primary sources from a traveler describing taverns in the colonies. Though her journey took place in New England, the descriptions of the taverns there, and the behavior she encountered, are pretty much the same for Chesapeake taverns at that time. Below is a description by Ms. Knight of her stay at a tavern on October 3, 1704. She is kept awake by the loud, drunken debate of some locals trying to convince each other why the region was named Naragansett. “But I could get no sleep, because of the Clamor of some the of [townsmen] in the next Room, Who were entered into a strong debate concerning the name of their [region], (viz.) Narraganset. One said it was named so by the Indians, because there grew a Brier there, of a prodigious Highth and bigness, the like hardly ever known, called by the Indians Narragansett…. His Antagonist Replyed no–It was from a Spring it had its name, which he well knew where it was, which was extreme cold in summer, and as Hott as could be imagined in the winter, which was much resorted too by the natives, and by them called Narragansett, (Hott and Cold,) and that was the originall of their places name–with a thousand Impertinances not worth notice, wch He utter'd with such a Roreing voice and Thundering blows with the fist of wickedness on the Table, that it peirced my very head….” Eventually the men finished their debate and left to go home.

This week is National Volunteer Week, so we have two posts focused on London Town's amazing volunteers. Unfortunately, like everyone else, our volunteers aren't currently allowed onsite, so we miss them greatly. Sign a Virtual Thank You Card to the Volunteers Add a post to a virtual thank you card to our volunteers. You can just add a note, or you can include a photo or video.Add your thank you post here! Volunteer Projects in the Gardens Tuesday Garden Volunteers Every Tuesday, a stalwart group of volunteers works magic in the gardens! These are highlights from their recent restoration work: In 2019, the gardens generously received grants from Stanley Smith Trust, Unity Gardens and Four River Gardens. The project work for these three grants was spread out along the entire spring walk and garden gazebo area, which is approximately close to 5 acres of woodland gardens.The project was divided into three phases: invasive removal; garden bed amendments; and plantings and additional amendments. We started with two environmental service days to remove invasives. During these days, local groups (e.g., Boy/Girl Scouts, corporate groups, church/religious groups, etc) spend a day helping on a project. After that initial phase, the last crucial phase of plantings was done in the fall with the help of Tuesday garden volunteers. Their trained eyes, deep knowledge of the site and caring green thumbs were exactly what was needed to install the new tender plants in the right habitat. These three projects together were a massive undertaking! Without the willingness and flexibility from the Tuesday garden volunteers, London Town wouldn't have been able to accomplish such a fine finished product. This spring, most of the ephemerals and perennials seem to be flourishing in the spring walk, along with new plantings showing tender new growth. Plant Propagation Group In spring of 2019, a new volunteer propagation group was set up to focus on conservation efforts for the gardens. Their ex-situ conservation efforts for the gardens has mainly focused on London Town's primary collections, which are the key species of the gardens. Most of these were tested onsite as an experiment to check how they fair in the Mid-Atlantic region and withstand the cold temperatures. The group began their efforts with Azaleas/Rhododendrons, Camellias, and some specimen plants. These were vegetatively propagated (cuttings). Some seed testing and storage was also carried out. The group was established with volunteers and Master Gardeners from University of Maryland Extension. In a short amount of time, they carried out hands-on propagation and achieved very successful results for cuttings. London Town also received guidance and materials from the Potomac Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Azalea Society of America. Some of the cuttings have rooted already, and more are in progress with a weekly check. Plant Identification Team In the fall of 2019, our plant identification volunteers began work on a Living Collections Management Plan. We started condensing and sorting all of the work for three primary collections, as compiled by the Master Gardeners over many years. This included sorting plant identification notes, archived notes and receipts, picture sorting, and much more. Between the fall and spring of 2020, all Magnolias and Azaleas/Rhododendrons were checked for correct identification tags and health. In addition to sorting notes and checking plants, volunteers and staff began the massive undertaking of collecting the information and sorting through accession lists for both the Azaleas/Rhododendrons and Magnolias. Accessioning is the formal process of accepting an object into our permanent collection. During this process, we accessed approximately 80 Magnolias and 120 Azalea/Rhododendrons. Without volunteer assistance, any accomplishment in the archived notes sorting, data collection and evaluation seemed far off. But with their attention to detail, thoroughness and, using best practices for accession records, this project is an ongoing success and a much needed effort to care appropriately for the "Living Collections" on site. Learn more about volunteering at London Town at www.historiclondontown.org/volunteer.

Today is the 50th Anniversary of #EarthDay! Let's celebrate with this easy and fun activity for your budding naturalist: Create a Bird Seed Cookie! Directions Create this simple bird feeder using bird seed (or use ingredients from your pantry, like sunflower seeds, rice, peanuts, or dried fruit), flour, water, and corn syrup. This is a great way to encourage birds to come to your home. Download a PDF of the instructions (Google Drive) My Birdwatching Notebook You can then record what birds you see in this printable "My Birdwatching Notebook" (prints 2 notebooks). Download My Birdwatching Notebook (Google Drive) Bird Identification Resources If you need help identifying what birds you see, there's a great list from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Photo list of common feeder Birds (Google Drive)

Mix yourself a drink based on a colonial recipe and then curl with a completely true, completely salacious story. Enjoy a new #ASinAndASecret post every other week. On September 15, 1747 in London, England, James Ward’s wife pointed out a young man, in a crowd outside his shop. “He is the Person we suspect that stole our first Glass from us.” Two weeks earlier, the man had stolen an expensive, gilt-framed mirror from Ward’s shop. Ward’s wife saw him “put the Glass under his Coat.” Seeing the man again now, “She ran out of the Door,” Ward later testified, “and took him by the Flap of his Coat, and cry’d out, Thief, Thief! Accordingly, I ran out and seiz’d him by the Collar, and brought him in.” The thief was Thomas Bavin. He gave a weak defense, claiming he only “took it down to wipe the Dust off.” He was tried at the Old Bailey on October 14 and sentenced to whipping. Old Bailey jail (Image: https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/static/London-life18th.jsp) April 27, 1749, was a grand day in London. The War of Austrian Succession, along with King George’s War, the War of Jenkins’ Ear, and the First Carnatic War had all come to an end. In celebration, a grand illumination of fireworks was displayed at Green Park. There it was accompanied by a performance of George Frederic Handel’s famous “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” penned especially for the occasion at the request of King George II himself. It is said that over twelve thousand people paid admission for the show (Image: https://findery.com/ChiefCurator/notes/royal-fireworks-of-1749) Bavin found trouble again on April 27, 1749. At the Sign of the Nag’s Head tavern, he ordered “Bumbo,” a rum drink. There was a grand celebration happening that day, keeping the tavern busy. That might be why tavern-keeper Joseph Warwicker used a valuable “silver pint-mug” to serve Bavin his bumbo. Perhaps Warwicker had to use any and all vessels available. The silver pint-mug went missing. Constable John Lyon searched for Bavin. After being spotted, Bavin flung the stolen tankard into a nearby pond. However, a young boy dove in and retrieved it. Bavin was found guilty and sentenced to transportation, which meant serving multiple years in America as a convict servant. He was sent to Maryland in August of 1749. Two years later, Bavin escaped his master. He plotted with John Conner, another convict, to steal money from Charles Cole, an Annapolis merchant. They raised a ladder to climb into Cole’s house. Conner served as lookout. Banner tied Cole to his bed at gunpoint and threatened to “blow his Brains out.” He tried beating Cole into telling him where his money was, “giving him several bruises.” Ironically, Cole was saved by John, a man he had enslaved. John had awoken in an adjoining house and seen Conner at the base of the ladder. Conner threatened John, telling him that if he made any trouble, “he would shoot him Dead.” Undeterred, John found a musket, leveled it out his window, and fired at Conner. Conner fired back with his own piece, “loaded with Slugs.” The brief gunfight alarmed Bavin, who fled out the window, leaving Cole tied to his bed. The pair fled Annapolis and sheltered along the South River Road. They hid in “the almost impenetrable Fields of Pines near the Town.” There they doubled down on their life of crime. The writers of the Maryland Gazette lamented that “almost every Day, since the Attempt made at Mr. Cole’s, has brought a fresh Account of some new Villainy” committed by Conner and Bavin. The South River Road was a prime location for highway robbery. With eight roads converging at London Town and its ferry crossing, the South River was a bottleneck of colonial travel. With the thick pine forest to hide in, and a remarkably well travelled route, the area provided both coverage for the highwaymen and many potential travelers for victims. Near the banks of the South River, the mounted and armed pair dragged a man off the road. They only released him after he proved he didn’t have any money. Another potential victim escaped them by spurring his horse and outpacing his pursuers. They robbed enslaved men of the goods they were carrying to market. These were likely goods the men themselves had grown, raised, or manufactured as an extra source of income. It had become so dangerous to travel between the South River ferry and Annapolis that the Gazette warned its readers not to travel that way “except in Companies and with Arms.” Even the watchman at the Annapolis City Gate wasn’t safe. The pair boldly tied their horses in his sight. Although had his pistol not misfired, perhaps the pair’s story would have ended right there. Annapolis residents sent “several Companies…at sundry Times, with Fire Arms and Dogs, to search for them.” Feeling threatened, Bavin and Conner left for less perilous hunting grounds. Taking their horses and guns, they traveled out west to Frederick, where they robbed again. However, the pair underestimated the Fredericktonians. The day after their first robbery, “a Number of Men went out” and “found a large Bay horse tied to a Bush, who had just been fed with Oats and was in good Order; and just by him there lay three Saddles, and hard by, on a Bush, hung a loaded pistol.” Bavin and Conner escaped, but they were short a horse and had lost a valuable weapon. With the law closing in, they split up. Conner returned to his master (“a Gentleman at Elk Ridge”) on August 8 and made “a free and full Confession.” He was thrown into the town’s “gaol.” The next day, Bavin snuck into Annapolis and was discovered. At gunpoint, he returned to his master. Where Conner was penitent, Bavin was demanding. He told his unnamed master that “he would not have him lost by him, but should be glad to be sold out of the Country” so that he could escape by water. Hiding away in the cellar, he waited for a ship to carry him away. Instead, the master informed the authorities. The next morning, a group of men armed with pistols stormed the basement, “where he was surprised and taken.” Dragged to the “gaol,” Bavin was “strongly Iron’d and chain’d to the floor” to prevent his escape. On September 16, 1751, Thomas Bavin was tried and entered a plea of not guilty. When Conner took the stand to testify, Bavin objected. In English law, the word of a convict was not admissible evidence. Unfortunately for Bavin, Maryland law permitted the testimony, provided it was also against a convict. At this moment, Bavin must have known he would hang. There was no one to speak for his character, and no mitigating evidence to save him. He changed his plea to guilty, and “ask’d Pardon of the Court for giving them so much Trouble.” Before his execution, Bavin “applied himself to reading good Books, and was visited in Prison by several Divines to assist him in the work of Preparation.” On Friday, November 4, 1751, Bavin was set to hang. On his way to the gallows, continued to read. Standing beneath the rope that would end his life, he prayed for half an hour, and then gave a speech to the assembled crowd “to take Warning by his untimely and shameful End, and to lead quiet and peacable Lives.” He was then hung outside of Annapolis City Gate, the very same he had tried to boldly enter only a few months before. Bumbo Bumbo was a popular inexpensive drink of rum, water, and sugar. It was considered a “lesser punch” because it didn’t contain citrus fruits and spices, so popular in colonial punches. Thomas Jefferson’s ledger books contain scattered references to the beverage, purchased at the races or at taverns. Because bumbo was such a common drink, there are no exact recipes from the colonial era to guide the recipe we have provided. It was mixed differently in every tavern according to people’s money and their tastes. Bumbo Recipe 2 oz of dark rum 1 oz water 2 sugar cubes Sprinkle of nutmeg Combine all ingredients into a shaker with lots of ice, mix until completely cold and serve. Highwaymen Story Sources: “Thomas Bavin, Theft > grand larceny, 11th April 1749,” Old Bailey Online, note: dates were recorded incorrectly, and the trial was actually held that May, . “Thomas Bavin, Theft > grand larceny, 14th October 1747,” Old Bailey Online, . Jacob Simon, Handel: A Celebration of his Life and Times, 1685–1759, National Portrait Gallery, London: 1985, page 212. Maryland Gazette July 3, 1751, page 2. Maryland Gazette July 17, 1751, page 2. Maryland Gazette July 31, 1751, page 2. Maryland Gazette August 14, 1751, page 3. Maryland Gazette September 18, 1751, page 2. Maryland Gazette November 6, 1751, page 2. Peter Wilson Coldham, The King’s Passengers to Maryland and Virginia, page 121. Bumbo Sources: https://americanhistory.si.edu/sites/default/files/Clarke_Chocolate%20and%20Other%20Colonial%20Beverages.pdf, “Memorandum Books, 1768,” Founders Online, National Archives, accessed September 29, 2019, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/02-01-02-0002. [Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Second Series, Jefferson’s Memorandum Books, vol. 1, ed. James A Bear, Jr. and Lucia C. Stanton. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997, pp. 43–84.] Select Drink Recipe Sources for the Series: Alderman, Clifford Lindsey, "Of Drinks & Drinkers," Early American Life, December 1975, pgs 87-88, 91 - 93 Bullock, Helen, The Williamsburg Art of Cookery or Accomplished Gentlewoman's Companion: Being a Collection of Upwards of Five Hundred of the Most Ancient and Approv'd Recipes in Virginia Cookery, Colonial Williamsburg and Dietz Press: Richmond, VA, 1938 Carr, Eve, "Home-Grown Treats," Mid-Atlantic Country, December, 1986 pgs. 34 - 35, 58 Gaspee Days Committee, www.gaspee.org/colonialrecipes.html Mackin, Jeanne, "Flowing Bowl," Americana, pgs. 39 - 41 Stief, Frederick Philip, Eat, Drink, & Be Merry in Maryland, Johns Hopkins Press: Baltimore, MD, 1932 Tilp, Frederick, "Tips on Tippling from Tidewater Maryland," Maryland Magazine, 1978, pgs. 14 - 17 #bumbo #highwaymen #thomasbavin #johnconner #southriver

Arisamea ringens (Jack-in-the-pulpit) Intertwine with nature for The Lorax is right that “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, it’s not going to get better. It’s not.” On Earth Day today, I want to take a moment to take a look at some unique species found at London Town. They have common names which make it easier to remember them and that might also help find a deeper, maybe an imaginative connection with nature for all ages. Mature Arisaema (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) (sp. thunbergii?) Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema species is an ephemeral that prefers moist dense shade. London Town has quite a display of Arisaemas. This is one plant that defies all norms of a flower, with its unique shape and shades. It can even change sex from one season to the other! Young Arisaema (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) waiting to unfold and open up. Young Arisaema ringens (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) ‘Pulpit’ is in reference to the artistic spathe, and 'Jack' is in reference to the inflorescence stalk inside. When in full bloom, it seems as if 'Jack' is standing tall above the ground, ready to give a sermon. When female, it is also referred to as ‘Jill.’ A species with ample to explore and is filled with awe for all. Illicium sps. (Star Anise) flower Illicium sps. (Star Anise) fruit Star Anise, Illiciums sps., have fruits in shape of a star and flavor (of edible species) close to Spanish Anise. Delicate flowers, fruit spice that’s used in Chai, evergreen foliage and a promising long lasting shrub aren’t the only attractive characteristics of the Star Anise. Illiciums date back to the cretaceous period, about 100 million years ago, when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Both Arisaema and Illicium habitats are considered rare in the wild, with fragile habitats. Young fronds of Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Most all children know about the dinosaurs, but not even a handful know about the ‘dinosaurs of the plant world’, eg. the Illiciums, Ginkgos and even the primitive Magnolias that date back 80 million years ago. ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ (as Richard Louv quotes it) is apparent not only in children but even in adults. Mature fronds of Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). Tall open fronds resemble Ostrich Plumes. Intertwining with nature can begin in numerous ways. Finding ‘awe’ in nature isn’t hard, and in a botanical oasis like London Town Gardens, it is easy! Whether a plant is unique or simple, if you dive deeper, one can easily use an imaginative mind to wander. ‘Ostrich Fern,’ for example, is a simple yet stunning fern that is abundant at London Town. ‘Ostrich’ is in reference to the long feathered, yet upright look of each frond that looks like Ostrich plumes. Now the reference to an Ostrich is 'awe-fully' good enough for even a child to connect with and certainly much easier than the Latin name, Matteuccia struthiopteris! Hope you find your ways to intertwine with nature and get your #GreenThumbs in the dirt this #EarthDay. Sharing today are pictures of some unique and simple London Town's Gardens treasures and some stunning views. Happy Earth Day! Azalea glade view through the winter walk Azaleas under the Oaks and Maples

This week is National Volunteer Week, so we have two posts focused on London Town's amazing volunteers. Unfortunately, like everyone else, our volunteers aren't currently allowed onsite, so we miss them greatly. Sign a Virtual Thank You Card to the Volunteers Add a post to a virtual thank you card to our volunteers. You can just add a note, or you can include a photo or video.Add your thank you post here! Volunteer Profile: Verne Oland How do you volunteer at London Town? I volunteer as a docent at the Brown House with occasional forays through the historic area. How long have you been volunteering? 4-5 years Why did you get started volunteering? Several reasons: life-long interest in the history of the Americas; curiosity about the area where I now live and the Chesapeake region generally; a desire to use the the learning and communication skills developed over years of teaching; a desire to pass on accumulated information; and a wish to remain (somewhat) useful in old age. What's your favorite thing about volunteering here? Volunteering here is fun!!  When there are people around, there is so much to learn--from both staff and visitors. And when there are no visitors? It's a serene space, to just "be". With COVID-19, London Town sadly hasn't been able to have volunteers onsite. What do you miss the most about volunteering here? Again, the interaction with people, the feeling of being useful and the sense of connection to the past. Anything else you want to share? I actually have a strong belief that knowledge of our complicated past can help us understand and deal with  present situations-- and maybe help  guide us to better times. Or not. But it's worth a try. Volunteer Profile: Lynn Clark How do you volunteer at London Town? I volunteer in the William Brown House and the Historic Area. I also lead group tours, stuff envelopes,  and help prepare for the Privateer Party [London Town's annual fundraiser]. How long have you been volunteering? I started volunteering in the Spring of 2015? I think! Why did you get started volunteering? After I retired from teaching, I wanted to do something interesting, helpful and related to history, which I have always enjoyed, but which would allow me the time to help with grandchildren, travel, etc. I had not been to Historic London Town, even though I live in Edgewater. I saw in The Capital Gazettethat volunteers were needed and decided to check it out.  It turned out to be a perfect opportunity, and here I am! What's your favorite thing about volunteering here? Some of my favorite things are the very dedicated staff and the way they interpret and present the history of London Town and the people who lived there. I think that children and adults can have a more realistic understanding of the history of our country if they can relate to the people of that time period: their everyday lives, their struggles, jobs, roles, and how they interacted with each other, how they lived and worked together. I appreciate the new knowledge that is shared with us during workshops and volunteer refresher courses. The stories of the people of London Town are expanding, growing and sometimes changing, due to the research that is being done. I enjoy sharing the stories with the visitors and interacting with them. I hope they learn from me, I learn from them also. With COVID-19, London Town sadly hasn't been able to have volunteers onsite. What do you miss the most about volunteering here? I miss being on site in the Spring, in the beautiful gardens and most of all the people. Anything else you want to share? Thank you to the staff for making volunteering at Historic London Town and Gardens a learning, enjoyable and interesting experience! Thanks to Verne and Lynn for sharing their experiences! Learn more about volunteering at London Town at www.historiclondontown.org/volunteer. In Thursday's volunteer appreciation post, discover some of the amazing projects volunteers have completed in the gardens - and get another chance to sign the virtual thank you card.

Flip Welcome back to another "A Sin and A Secret." Mix yourself a drink based on a colonial recipe and then curl with a completely true, completely salacious story. Enjoy a new #ASinAndASecret post every week. William Grant was a remarkably unlucky man. He was a Scotsman who happened to get caught up in the Jacobite Uprising of 1715. The Uprising began after James Francis Edward Stuart attempted to take the British throne from the recently crowned King George I. Thousands supported his attempt. William Grant was not a supporter. He was a laborer in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, living on the Earl of Mar’s Land. Unfortunately for Grant, the Ear of Mar was a fervent supporter of the Jacobite Uprising and attempted to form a regiment of his vassals in Aberdeenshire – including William Grant. The Earl of Mar’s men arrived to conscript Grant into the regiment for an invasion of England. However, Grant and several of his neighbors fled their homes and hid in the hills. In retaliation, the Earl of Mar “sett fire to their houses, and corn-yards.” Parties of Jacobite soldiers were sent after the men, capturing Grant and at least fourteen of his neighbors. Images: The House labeled L is the one in which William Grant was barricaded during the battle of Preston. Source: https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/a-map-and-plan-of-the-town-of-preston# Filling ones ranks with kidnapped men who don’t support you is not an ideal way to form a regiment. Thus, the Earl of Mar decided to leave most of his regiment in Scotland, taking only a single company to join the invasion of England. William Grant’s ill-luck continued – he was in that single company, forced to march towards Lancashire. It was in Lancashire that the reluctant, kidnapped Jacobites were surprised by the sudden arrival of trained British soldiers. In the battle that ensued, Grant, and his fellow Aberdeenshire laborers, barricaded themselves in a house, for what became days of street to street fighting. The British gained the upper hand and set the house alight, forcing Grant and his fellows to surrender in much the same way that they had originally been forced to join the rebellion. On November 14, 1715, all 1,467 Jacobites surrendered to the English. Held in deplorable conditions, fifteen men (including Grant) made an appeal for release because they had been forced to join the rebellion. A hearing was held, and witnesses called, all in support of the prisoners. But the court was not swayed. Grant and his fellow conscripts were sentenced to transportation. Transportation meant 7 years unpaid labor in the Colonies as a convict servant. William Grant arrived in Annapolis on August 20, 1716. His servitude was purchased by Thomas Davis, a notoriously quarrelsome tavern keeper in London Town. Grant’s neighbor and fellow conscript William Davidson also wound up in London Town, along with four other Jacobite servants, all of whom appear to have been volunteers to the cause. There our information ceases. What became of these hapless tenant farmers in Aberdeenshire, we cannot say. The only thing that is sure is that they were indeed unlucky men. In honor of William Grant’s many trials through fire, we have paired this story with the colonial drink Flip. Flip is a drink with a custard base, rum, and beer. If made in the historical method, it also requires a red-hot poker to heat and froth the mixture! Flip 1-2 eggs 2 – 3 oz rum 1 tbsp sugar or molasses 8-10 oz beer, preferably a brown ale Optional: red hot poker Optional: grated nutmeg for garnish Beat to combine: 1-2 eggs, 2 - 3 oz rum, and 1 tbsp sugar/molasses. Add 8 - 10 oz warm beer, especially a brown ale. Traditionally, one would stir with a red-hot poker, known as a flip-dog or loggerhead, to froth the mixture. Today, you can warm the beer on a stove top until it begins steaming. Pour the beer in to the other ingredients slowly and pour the combined mixture back and forth until well blended. Optional: sprinkle grated nutmeg on top at end. William Grant Sources: “General History of the Highlands: 1715,” Electric Scotland, accessed November 1, 2017, . A.W. Purdue, review of The Last Battle on English Soil, Preston 1715, Johnathan Oates, in Northern History, Volume 53, 2016, Issue 2, page 275. Allardyce, James, ed. Historical Papers Relating to the Jacobite Period, 1699-1750, Volume 1, New Spalding Club: 1895-1896, pages 55-58 Maryland State Archives, Anne Arundel County Court Judgment Record, C91-4, Liber TB2, August Court 1715, Folio 93. Maryland State Archives, Provincial Court Land Records, 1709-1719, Volume 720, page 396, . Prisoner Rolls, Preston, #149 from “Jacobite Prisoners in Lancashire, Winter 1715/16,” . Reid, Stuart, Sheriffmuir, 1715, Frontline Books: 2014, pages 93, 163. Select Drink Recipe Sources for the Series: Alderman, Clifford Lindsey, "Of Drinks & Drinkers," Early American Life, December 1975, pgs 87-88, 91 - 93 Bullock, Helen, The Williamsburg Art of Cookery or Accomplished Gentlewoman's Companion: Being a Collection of Upwards of Five Hundred of the Most Ancient and Approv'd Recipes in Virginia Cookery, Colonial Williamsburg and Dietz Press: Richmond, VA, 1938 Carr, Eve, "Home-Grown Treats," Mid-Atlantic Country, December, 1986 pgs. 34 - 35, 58 Gaspee Days Committee, www.gaspee.org/colonialrecipes.html Mackin, Jeanne, "Flowing Bowl," Americana, pgs. 39 - 41 Stief, Frederick Philip, Eat, Drink, & Be Merry in Maryland, Johns Hopkins Press: Baltimore, MD, 1932 Tilp, Frederick, "Tips on Tippling from Tidewater Maryland," Maryland Magazine, 1978, pgs. 14 - 17