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Decision 1771 at Kenmore Five historical interpreters were on hand at Kenmore on Saturday to discuss 18th-century elections Date published: 10/31/2004 By BILL FREEHLING To run or not to run? That was the question facing Fielding Lewis at Kenmore yesterday. Five historical interpreters gathered at the historic Fredericksburg home to debate whether Lewis should run for the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1771. People visiting Kenmore yesterday could speak with the interpreters and learn about 18th-century politics. "People today have very little understanding of life in the 18th century," said Diane Nolan, who played the role of Katherine Weedon. "We are hoping to bring these people to life and show [visitors] how they served," she said. Lewis, played by Bob Bailey, served in the House of Burgesses in the 1750s. Interpreters portraying George Weedon and Charles Washington wanted Lewis to replace Benjamin Grymes, whom they saw as a man out to line his own pockets. "Lewis is a man of known repute," said George Weedon, played by Skip Nolan. "He will look after the interests of the northern part of the county." Taxes and foreign relations were important issues of the time--as they are today. The interpreters said that in 1771 most American colonists weren't yet thinking of breaking ties with England. But dissent had begun, fueled by high taxes without adequate representation. Virginians were struggling to get a fair price for tobacco, and they wanted representatives who could fight for improvements. Lewis decided not to run in 1771. Kenmore was still under construction. His wife, Betty Washington Lewis--George Washington's sister--was about to have her 11th child. The five interpreters visit Kenmore monthly, Diane Nolan said, always addressing a different topic. They chose politics yesterday because the election is days away. Eighteenth-century elections were a far cry from today's polls. In 1771, Virginia's Colonial governor could call an election for the House of Burgesses whenever he desired. Few could vote, the interpreters said. The franchise was limited to white men 21 or older who owned or leased 100 acres or more. Smaller counties such as Orange and Caroline might have had just 125 voters, while bigger ones like Fairfax had about 2,000. But voter turnout tended to be good. The interpreters said about three-quarters of those eligible sometimes voted. There were no secret ballots. Votes were taken orally--so everyone within earshot knew his neighbor's political persuasions. There also wasn't around-the-clock media attention. Word spread slowly, mostly through the mail and conversations at local taverns. The five interpreters--who also included Dal Mallory and Susan Bailey--were dressed in the clothes of the day. Men wore linen suits and wool hats. Women had on long gowns and petticoats, with caps to keep their hair in place. Three days before what many are calling the most important presidential election in years, it was a reminder of how far back in time politics stretch. To reach BILL FREEHLING: 540/374-5424 bfreehling@freelancestar.com
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