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Planning a Wedding in a Pandemic: Tips on How to Manage and Hang on to Hope

4/10/2020

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Photos by Ashlee Nicole Photography
You think you have it all figured out. You have the venue and the dress. Your save the dates and invitations are sent out to your guests. The pre-wedding jitters have set in as you envision your day all coming together. Then, an unthinkable pandemic happens, closing everything around you. You anxiously watch the news, looking to get some sort of hope that your wedding will still go off without a hitch, but unfortunately, Covid-19 has impacted everything that you thought was going to happen. For many couples, this is an extremely trying time in what is supposed to be one of the happiest moments of their lives. What does all of this mean for your wedding, and how do you manage planning a wedding during the Covid-19 outbreak?
Consider a Possible Postponement 
 May 9th was supposed to be a special day for bride Autumn Freeman and her fiancé Joel Miller. However, due to Covid-19, everything changed. "The day we actually decided to postpone was very draining. I had so many mixed emotions. I felt extremely sad because I was so ready to celebrate our marriage with everyone in less than two months. After we called our vendors, I called my dad immediately and started to cry," Autumn said. 
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Autumn and her fiancé are not the only couple in this boat. As of March 15, 2020, the CDC recommended that all scheduled weddings be postponed for at least 8 weeks, and that recommendation is changing by the day. Weddings that are scheduled for May are not likely to take place as normal, and June and July are still very questionable. With that said, many planners are recommending those who have weddings scheduled for the summer months consider postponing. Though this is a hard decision, it may bring couples a sense of relief that they don't need to worry about it for a few months. Autumn says, "Even though I was sad we had to postpone, I also felt beyond relieved. For weeks leading up to our decision I was stressed to the max." 

If you have decided to postpone, then the question remains, "When do I reschedule?" With all the uncertainty, it can be hard to decide on a date that will hopefully be Covid-19 free. Many experts agree that the wedding should be pushed back a far as possible, even though this can be uncomfortable to the couple. This may seem sad and daunting, but it actually may give you the freedom to have things as close to as how you originally planned them a possible. Autumn and her fiance had a May 9th wedding planned, but now it has changed to January 30, 2021. Though this isn't ideal, the couple is able to keep their venue and their original Saturday date. Many venues want people to know that rescheduling your wedding is a difficult task. Weddings may be booked every weekend, especially in the spring and summer months. Postponing every client is a very hard task, but in times like these, there may not be another choice. Some wedding experts are even predicting the popular Saturday date for a wedding to be a thing of the past after the pandemic. Not everyone can reschedule for the same Saturday date, so perhaps a smaller wedding on a Wednesday or Thursday will be popular. Those dates are more likely to be open at the venue of your choice. 

This situation remains volatile and will continue to change, so choosing a date farther in the future could ease your stress more. Follow the CDC for up to date information. 
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Invitations and Save the Dates 

Many brides and grooms have already sent out their invitations and save the dates to their guests. So what do you do if you have already done this and need to inform your guests of a change? First, it is important to have your new information completely solidified before mailing anything to your guests. Many couples, including Autumn and Joel, are considering sending out RSVP cards with the new date on them. This not only allows your guests to see the new date, but also gathers information about any guest list changes.  
Another option is an announcement on your wedding website. If you don't have a website, you may consider getting one. Websites like theknot.com offer couples free wedding websites that allow couples to post details and collect RSVPs. After you finalize your new date, you can post the details on your wedding website for your guests to see. 
The most important thing is to inform guests that changes are being made and that you will be in touch so that they have time to plan. Most wedding experts recommend at the very least to give the people on your guest list a call to inform them of changes. 

Connect with Vendors 

The key to getting through wedding planning during this crazy time is maintaining communication with your vendors. From your flowers to your venue, it is important to work with your vendors to make decisions. Both sides need to be open with each other to ensure a solution be met. Many wedding experts are recommending couples ask their vendors what the worst case scenario would be in order to prepare for the worst. First and foremost, contact your venue with any concerns you have and postpone if need be. If you decide to go another direction and change venues, finalize where you want your wedding to be. Then, ensure that the new date fits with your other vendors, including floral providers and caterers. Many couples are reporting that vendors are being flexible during this time, including Autumn and Joel. "The venue was very helpful with rearranging everything, and all change fees were waived. We asked what was still available and wanted our wedding to remain on a Saturday, so we had to go pretty far back." She also says, "I think the biggest advantage we had on our side was time." Though they had to reschedule, getting ahead of things and communicating with their venue eased a lot of stress, and ensured that they still had their desired Saturday date. Being open and honest with what you want is the key to finalize your rescheduled wedding details the way you want them. 
Another option in connecting with your vendors is to hire a wedding planner. Many couples who didn't have a wedding planner in the beginning of this pandemic are now opting to hire a planner. This helps the couple deal with the stress of planning,  and also gets another person on your side. A wedding planner's job is to ensure that your day goes as planned, and often will contact your vendors for you. 
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Consider Your Guests 

If you decide to postpone your wedding you need to come to the realization that your guest list will be different than originally thought, especially if you have already sent and received your RSVPs. Some guests who may have been able to come on the original date may not be able to make a date later in the year. The opposite situation could also occur, and those who may not have been able to make the original date could be able to attend the new date. The new guest list is another reason to consider sending out new RSVP cards. 
Brides and grooms must also take into consideration what the state of the country will be after the pandemic. If your wedding involves a lot of travel for your guests, it may be hard for them to afford travel or take off work to travel. 

Follow CDC Guidelines 

Regardless of what decisions are made during this pandemic, it is extremely important to comply with CDC and other government guidelines. It can be very tempting to go through with your wedding as planned, but at this time that is not feasible or recommended. Following CDC guidelines is required, and though it may seem like an impossible thought to change your plans, it is likely to ease your worries if you get ahead of the situation. By following these guidelines you will not only help to keep yourself healthy, but also those you love.  For additional links on this topic, see the resources at the bottom of the post. 

Hang on to Hope 

Planning your wedding is supposed to be one of the most exciting times of your life. It is easy to get caught up in the disappointment of Covid-19, but it is important to not give up hope. When I asked Autumn if she had any words to other brides who are going through this trying time she said, "Although postponing the wedding of your dreams is heartbreaking and not an easy decision to make, keep reminding yourself that everything is going to be okay. Everyone will understand and support your decision. Take advantage of the extra time. Maybe now you can save up for that videographer you wanted before and couldn't afford. You will still get your happily ever after, even if it takes a little longer." 
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Written by UNCW English student and Bellamy intern, Hailey Morrison

Sources
Photographs supplied by Autumn Freeman and taken by Ashlee Nicole Photography
 https://www.ashleenicolephoto.com/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/wedding/planning/a31673827/how-to-plan-weddings-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
https://www.brides.com/what-to-know-about-coronavirus-and-wedding-planning-4799160
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https://www.theknot.com/content/postpone-wedding-guidelines
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Say "I do" at a Gorgeous Wilmington Wedding Venue

3/12/2020

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Wilmington, North Carolina has no shortage of beautiful wedding venues that offer a wide variety of options and qualities that brides and grooms are looking for.  Venue size, guest capacity, location, and theme are all important aspect that brides and grooms should consider before settling on a venue. It is said that the venue should carry the personality of the bride and groom, so while choosing a venue make sure that it has a deep connection to you and is compatible with what you want your wedding to look like. Luckily, Downtown Wilmington offers several excellent choices, with several different "personalities." 
The Bellamy Mansion Museum
The Bellamy Mansion Museum is the perfect destination for weddings. Celebrate your wedding at this Wilmington wedding venue!
The Bellamy Mansion Museum offers the perfect, unique but traditional vibe for your wedding. Get in touch with your historical side at our gorgeous venue that was built in the late 1850s. Have your ceremony outside in the gardens, on the porch, or in the formal parlors. Wherever you choose, it is sure to be a beautiful sight! With a wedding rental, the Bellamy offers access to the grounds, the grand porches, and also the two main levels of the mansion.  If you are worried about parking in busy Downtown Wilmington, fear no more! The mansion offers a parking lot with 30 spots and ample free street parking for you and your guests. This wedding venue is a house frozen in time, and your wedding here would be timeless.
Wedding packages include evening wedding rentals, discount for military and enrolled students, rentals for wedding ceremony only, and also rentals for the reception only. Photo session packages are also offered, and at a discount to military, non-profit organizations, and students.
For more information and pricing, email the development director at weddings@bellamymansion.org.   
For more information on the Bellamy Mansion click:                                               
https://www.bellamymansion.org/venue-details1.html

The Brooklyn Arts Center and The Annex 

The Brooklyn Arts Center and The Annex are a wedding venue located in Wilmington, NC
​Located in Downtown Wilmington near the Cape Fear River is another gorgeous gem that would be the perfect location for your wedding, reception, or even both! The Brooklyn Arts Center and The Annex are two separate buildings, both renovated to hold ceremonies. The church is over 130 years old, and features 60-foot ceilings, and beautiful arched windows. With church rental, clients also get use of the Manse House bridal suite, private courtyard, and balcony, all of which make perfect photo backdrops. The other option is to rent the Annex. The Annex, a converted schoolhouse turned wedding venue, offers brides and grooms a more personal option for their ceremony, fit to accommodate wedding parties of 140. Ample street parking is also provided for wedding parties and their guests. 
For more information on the Brooklyn Arts Center click:  https://www.brooklynartsnc.com/weddings/
The de Rosset House- The City Club of Wilmington and St. Thomas Preservation Hall
The de Rosset House-The City Club of Wilmington and St. Thomas Preservation Hall are wedding venues in Wilmington, NC
This is another beautiful venue that offers brides and grooms a more personal experience. If you have a smaller wedding party planned, 10-150 guests, this venue would work perfect for you. This venue has a history of hosting fun events in Wilmington, as it was the premier location for parties and socialization starting in 1841 as The City Club. Today, brides and grooms will get the opportunity to host their wedding in a perfect example of old southern style. The City Club of Wilmington also hosts many events at the St. Thomas Preservation Hall. As a restored church built in 1847, this venue features classic brick work and beautiful arched stained glass windows. Brides and grooms are able to have both their wedding and reception at this location. 
For more information on The de Rosset House, City Club of Wilmington click: 
https://www.cityclubofwilmington.com/
Ironclad Brewery
Ironclad Brewery is a wedding venue in Wilmington, NC
If you are looking for a venue that holds a large number of people but is still very unique in style and will have your guests talking about it for years to come, try Ironclad Brewery. This venue can hold over 400 people, with two separate floors and bars. This location is big and offers a unique aesthetic that modern brides and grooms are looking for.  Guests will enjoy drinking craft beer while dancing the night away. The interior brick walls give off an old-fashioned vibe to your wedding. This venue doubles as a brewery, so guests will get the unique backdrop of beer crafting materials. The rustic light strands and chandeliers  show a cool contrast between the dark colors of the floors, walls, and bars with the brightness of light, and they make for excellent pictures. If you are worried about parking for your 400+ guests, there is a parking structure just across the street.  This venue is sure to fulfill all your needs! 
For more information on Ironclad Brewery click here:  
https://www.ironcladbrewery.com/plan-event
Wrightsville Manor 
Wrightsville Manor is a wedding venue in Wilmington, NC
Wrightsville Manor is truly an authentic location. Located on the outskirts of Wilmington near Wrightsville Beach, this venue is something to behold! Featuring a gorgeous, large entrance, lawn, fountain, brick and stone fireplace, and chandeliers, this venue is breathtaking. Brick work and large windows dominate the outside of the venue, creating eye-catching photo opportunities, as well as the swing and beautiful large oak tree. With rental, brides and grooms get 3,000 square feet of space, the outdoor patio and lawn, access to bridal suite, and a catering prep area. Onsite parking is also available to guests. 
For more information on Wrightsville Manor click here:               
https://wrightsvillemanor.com/
Burgwin-Wright House 
The Burgwin Wright House is a museum and wedding venue located in Wilmington, NC
The Burgwin-Wright House is the perfect location for brides and grooms that want a more quaint wedding party of 100 guests or less. This house was built in the 1770s, and has historic views. Though this venue is smaller than others in comparison, it is no less breathtaking. Guests will enjoy wandering throughout the house and the colonial-styled gardens. Exchange vows underneath the iconic arched arbor with a view of the orchard, or choose one of the other seven locations on site to hold your vow exchange. This location is quite versatile, and allows the bride and groom to chose how to use the space that they rent. 
For more information on the Burgwin-Wright house click: 
https://www.burgwinwrighthouse.com/
Written by UNCW English Student and Bellamy Intern, Hailey Morrison 
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​Information and Photo Resources  
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/542402348844138608/ (Bellamy Mansion) 
https://www.bellamymansion.org/photographs.html
https://www.brooklynartsnc.com/weddings/the-annex-and-1910-suite/ 
https://www.brooklynartsnc.com/weddings/church-and-manse-suite/ https://www.ironcladbrewery.com/plan-event 
https://www.cityclubofwilmington.com/the-city-club-of-wilmington-wedding
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgwin-Wright_House#/media/File:House_Front.jpg  
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58542864  
Wilmington Wedding. Burgwin Wright House www.amyallenphotography.com 
https://taralinephotog.smugmug.com/Weddings/Fowler-Wedding/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/129126714287117949/ -City Club 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/143552306852760135/ -Ironclad Brewery 
Krista Stevens Photography, www.kristastevensphotography.com-Wrightsville Manor Slideshow
Vertical Sync Films (Ironclad Brewery Slideshow)
https://www.eventective.com/wilmington-nc/burgwin-wright-house-and-gardens-666199.html (Burgwin Wright House Slideshow) 
 
 

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English Pirates & Naval Commodores

2/20/2020

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     Though these two men never stood side by side and their voyages never caused them to cross paths, Blackbeard and Isaac Hull mark are unified in their position as two prominent figures in Wilmington's history and North Carolina's former Deputy State (Underwater) Archaeologist Mark Wilde-Ramsing's career. Our very own Cape Fear River and neighboring waters were frequented by these men and their vessels, beginning with Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge in the early eighteenth century, and later in the mid-nineteenth century by Isaac Hull's namesake, the USS Commodore Hull.  The journeys that these two ships and their crews took on the waters bordering Downtown Wilmington were significantly different in their geography, motivation, and on-board lifestyle. Through the remains of an eighteenth century pirate ship and a nineteenth naval vessel, we are offered a lens into two tremendously different tales; not only of two captains, but of their crewmen and the citizens of historical Wilmington.
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      Queen Anne's Revenge, pictured to the left, is speculated to have been constructed in 1710. As a 200-ton frigate used firstly as a French merchant ship, then later as a privateer fleet in the Triangular Trade, she was appointed as Blackbeard's flagship upon her capture in 1717. In May 1718, having been Blackbeard's flagship for just under a year, she was run aground in Topsail Inlet.
     
​     After her discovery in 1996, Mark Wilde-Ramsing's archaeological research confirmed that the wreckage was in fact that of Edward Teach's flagship. The archaeological record shows that when QAR was run aground, the process was slow and allowed enough time for Blackbeard and his crew to safely evacuate and take their belongings (or, rather, Blackbeard and a few men to claim the entire loot and leave the majority of the crew with nothing). 
      While many of the men's more personal and valuable belongings were taken off the ship by the crew, the materials left on the ship and discovered by Mark Wilde-Ramsing provide insight to the lifestyle and every day practices of the men on the ship. Among the loaded cannons and general weaponry, a unique conglomeration of items were found that tell us about the beliefs, practices, and routines of not only the men on the ship, but of society. 

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A urethral syringe recovered from the QAR; this syringe, in particular, contained mercury and is believed to have been used in the treatment of syphillis.
     One of the ​most significant discoveries was the collection of medical and surgical equipment left on the ship. What makes the discovery of these so poignant is that it reveals both information surrounding eighteenth century medicinal practices and shows that Edward Teach was conscious that the health of his crew was key. Prior to this discovery, little was known about how illness was recognized and/or treated on ships like the QAR. Aside from the revelations of the shocking treatments and medicines used (for example, mercury-infused mixtures in syringes, like the one pictured above), the equipment's French origins and first-hand accounts of crew members reveal that Blackbeard had captured French surgeons, formulating a crew dedicated strictly to maintaining the health of his men. This recovered equipment paints a picture of the surgeon's responsibilities, treatments and recipes, and the cognizance of Edward Teach in maintaining his ship and crew.
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     Jumping into the mid-eighteenth century, the recovery of the USS Commodore Hull similarly provides a unique scope into history and lifestyle of life on the open waters. The USS Commodore Hull, originally the civilian ferryboat Nuestra Señora del Regla, was built in New York City, then later purchased by the Union Navy in 1862. She was re-outfitted as a gunboat, and was utilized in the North Atlantic blockade and the Seige of Plymouth. After being heavily damaged in the Siege, she was repaired and further utilized throughout the Civil War, only to be abandoned here in the Cape Fear River in Downtown Wilmington in late 1886. 

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A letter aboard the USS Commodore Hull, posted on September 11, 1861 in Pendleton, SC.
     Akin to the discovery of Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge, the artifacts recovered from the USS Commodore Hull offer a scope into the landscape of the eighteenth-century waters in which she voyaged. Including recovered materials that tell us about life of the members on the ship, letters like the one above speak to the journey of the ship itself. Letters like these help paint a picture of the logistics of the ship's journey through their postage and content. Mail like that of the above picture are significant indicators in identifying contraband on captured blockade runners; the CSA postage shows us ​a timeline of the journey from Charleston, SC to New York that the ship took.
     Despite the height of their journeys being taken hundreds of years ago, these ships aren't done yet; even in their wreckage, sites like that of Queen Anne's Revenge and USS Commodore Hull can tell us the tales of the waters they sailed, the crews that called them home, and the citizens that saw them from the riverbanks and coastlines. To hear more about the discovery of the wreckage and the archaeological treasures they have to offer, attend Dr. Mark Wilde-Ramsing's lecture tonight, March 5th, at 6:30 PM here at Bellamy Mansion. As usual, doors open thirty minutes before the lecture, at 6:00 PM, and are first come, first serve!
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Written by UNCW Anthropology student and Bellamy Mansion Intern, Payton Schoenleber.

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Frederick Douglass: The Journey that Made Both a Hero & a Villain

2/13/2020

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Frederick Douglass in his early 30's (circa 1847-1852)
When we learn or hear about Frederick Douglass today, his name is often preceded or followed by words like 'hero' and 'inspiration.' Albeit true considering the success and power of his activism in a structure that was designed to marginalize him, in his day, Frederick Douglass' name wasn't always accompanied by such admiration. As a free and educated young black man, originally born into slavery (the child of a slave and her slave master), many citizens of the Confederacy thought of Douglass not as a hero, but a villain. 
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An article from the Fayetteville Weekly Observer reporting on the death of Frederick Douglass, referring to him as the ultimate enemy of the South and whites.
     As a leading activist in the effort to end slavery, while Frederick Douglass was harrowed as a hero and treated (relatively) as an equal in the Union, the South, rather, viewed him as undeserving of not only the title of hero, but of recognition at the expense of Confederate soldiers. Being a former slave, they questioned and invalidated his qualification both during his life, as a leader in the abolition movement, and in his death, to be recognized before Confederate heroes, like Robert E. Lee and George Washington, mentioned in the excerpt from the Fayetteville Observer to the left.
     How can a man be so equally loved and hated? In developing an understanding for the divide that existed between the Union and Confederacy, in regard to ways of life and opinions on Frederick Douglass himself, we can start by looking into Douglass' journey from boyhood to manhood, uneducated child to young author, voiceless slave to social reformer and orator.
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     Douglass, born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, was born into slavery in Maryland around 1818. Young Frederick experienced a tumultuous childhood in slavery and was no stranger to separation: having been separated from his mother in his infancy, then from his maternal grandmother at the age of six, and again relocated to a plantation in Baltimore around the age of eight, he developed an independence and self-sufficiency that his Baltimore slavemaster's wife, Lucretia Auld, recognized and cultivated. Though forbidden, Lucretia began not only teaching Douglass how to read and write, but treated and tended to him more so as an equal than a slave.
PictureAn illustration of Lucretia Auld, slavemaster Thomas Auld's wife, teaching a young Frederick Douglass the alphabet.
 Despite abruptly ending their tutoring sessions at the command of Douglass' slavemaster, Thomas Auld, the independence that had originally drawn Lucretia to Douglass only grew; in secrecy, Douglass continued to educate himself in any way that he could. He furtively collected and studied any materials he could get his hands on.
  Douglass's passion for knowledge didn't stop after his youth; years later, Douglass began hosting private Sunday school classes for fellow slaves, marking the beginning of his philanthropic work. The hosting of these classes was pivotal in marking a transition from a self-propelled desire for knowledge, to his developing a passion to educate and liberate others. Douglass's private Sunday meetings went relatively unnoticed for a six-month period before they were found out by their slave-owners and Douglass was subsequently sent to Edward Covey, or rather, the "slave breaker."
     The irony behind Covey's title as the "slave breaker" can be found in the first sentence of Douglass's autobiography, stating: "You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man."  Covey broke not the slave, but the slavehood, of Douglass. Five years after his relocation from the plantation in which he hosted his Sunday schools, at the age of 20, Douglass became a free man by a journey that took him less than 24 hours to complete. Resettling in an abolitionist hub in Massachusetts, Douglass attended and later led segregation protests, joined abolitionist organizations, became a licensed preacher, and cultivated his oratory skills that led him to become one of the greatest speakers of his, and arguably of all, time.

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Douglass's anti-slavery speeches, where he cited his own trials and tribulations as a slave, were attended by many in Europe.
     Perhaps one of the most significant tenets of his dedication to ensuring equal rights was Douglass' commitment to intersectionality. Not only a campaign-leader for the  abolition of slavery, but for women's suffrage, Douglass's activism was especially remarkable for its inclusiveness. Douglass's awareness for issues outside of his own, despite having a story that would have made it so easy to concentrate on issues concerning those strictly affecting him, are part of what makes Douglass's activism so profound and, at the time, so influential.
     Douglass went on to travel abroad, write five autobiographies (and countless other important works), fight for emancipation and suffrage, deliver the Emancipation Memorial speech, serve as president and chairman of newspapers and governmental positions before dying of a heart attack at home at the age of 77. Through following his journey from slavery to freedom, we concurrently watch the journey of a young boys' hunger for and acquisition of knowledge, grow into the desire to share his wealth. Douglass' humble beginnings in contrast to the accomplishments he had accumulated by the time of his death in 1895 were what painted him to some, a seasoned hero, and to others, an unqualified villain.  
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To hear more about the life and work of Frederick Douglass and celebrate his 202nd birthday, come join us at Bellamy Mansion tonight (Thursday, February 13th) for a free lecture given by Dr. Bill Lawson from 6:30pm-8:30pm. There will be limited seating, so doors open at 6:00pm!

Written by Bellamy Mansion Intern and UNCW Anthropology student, Payton Schoenleber.

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A Very Victorian Wedding

2/10/2020

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With wedding season just around the corner, brides and grooms are busy picking out their rings, dresses, food, and venue. We thought it would be fun to look back and take a closer look at Victorian America, and how some of these aspects that brides and grooms are looking at now could parallel with back then. Though only one of the Bellamy daughters ended up married, several sons tied the knot, and it is very likely that the family attended many weddings given their high wealth and status in Wilmington.

The Courtship
Before a wedding could take place, a courtship began. Between the months of April and July, new couples would start off their courtship under the watchful eye of a chaperone,  usually a female family member. The couple would meet together, but only speak and perhaps share a walk on a sunny day. When the courtship was successful, an engagement followed which lasted between 6 months and 2 years. 
This stark contrast to modern dating was meant strictly as a predecessor to an impending marriage that would eventually happen. After all of the formalities were completed, wedding planning could commence! 

​The Ring 
The phrase “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” applied in the Victorian Era, and maybe even more so than today. In addition to wearing jewelry, mostly which was a gift from her now husband, it wasn’t out of the ordinary for the Victorian bride to wear a dazzling tiara depending on the family’s financial status. Gorgeous gemstones also became more and more popular in this era. Rings in gold and silver with intricate bands containing elaborate designs sometimes featuring animals like snakes were popular among those who could afford them. Similar to today in western culture, the more jewelry one owned, and  the better the quality, the higher one's social status. 
The Dress
Brides today focus on finding that perfect dress to wear to their wedding. Whether it be sleeveless, sequined, have lace or have an open back, the dress is often the main showcase of the wedding. Today, that dress will typically come in a shade of white or ivory. This fact was the same for our Victorian Era brides. It wasn’t until after Queen Victoria got married in 1840 that the idea of having the color white on your wedding dress became extremely popular. Much like today, it is popular to style yourself after the royals. For example, look how Meghan Markle's wedding dress style flew off the racks!
The bride pictured below on the left is wearing a white gown, however it is still laced with red, flowery vines. Color combinations such as white with a pop of red flowers or lace were popular in the Victorian Era, and could even be seen as a prediction on what was to come for the wedding dresses we see today. Much like the bride in the photo below, it is a trend to add floral patterns or lace to the wedding dress today. 
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Victorian bride wearing an ivory dress with pops of red floral and lace
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Queen Victoria wearing the white dress that started the trend still used today. Dress also covered in floral pattern with lace sleeves
The Food 
For many couples today (and their guests), food and catering are one of the most important parts of the big day. This was no different in Victorian Era America. In those days, wedding receptions were known as “wedding breakfasts” regardless of what time of day the wedding was held. Here, the food that was served also was a sign of social status. If a family had just come into their wealth (considered “New Money”), the food was more abundant and elaborate. However, if the family was more established in society, they did not need to go through the process of preparing large meals for their wedding guests. Their wealth was already known, so it was considered rude to show off with an abundance of food. However, the food that was served was always delicious and well prepared, such as pastries, tea, and other snack-like items. One element that was always elaborate and often times over the top was the wedding cake. Like the white wedding dress worn by Queen Victoria, the elaborate wedding cakes we have today can be attributed to her. Not only did her cake show wealth, but also a rebellion of traditional one tiered cakes common during this time, and also featured an elaborate cake topper. 
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Queen Victoria's wedding cake (1840)
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In her memoir Back With The Tide, Ellen Bellamy remembers the family celebrating the wedding of 2 cousins in the mansion. She describes this saying, “I can remember how beautiful everything was, especially the long table set in the dining room laden with everything conceivably good!" (Bellamy 39). She goes on to describe what was served saying, “Hot food and drink brought on from the kitchen across the hall. My father being such a strict temperance man, would have no cocktails (unheard of in those days but now an introduction to every feast) or any strong drink, not even wine—but plenty of coffee, tea, and chocolates (Bellamy 39). Since this celebration wasn’t the actual weddings of her cousins, it is hard to say what social rules the family followed during this party. However, considering that Ellen was only about eight at the time of these "wedding celebrations," the fact that she remembers anything at all suggests that it was an elaborate enough affair to stick in her memory for decades. 

The Utensils 
For those families who were proving their wealth and had an abundance of food to be served at the wedding breakfast, table utensils were absolutely vital. For those who were wealthier, utensil sets were often given as gifts. Regardless of what financial scenario a family was in, table utensils were very popular in the Victorian Era. For "New Money" families, these sets would be out in full force on wedding day. Beautiful, articulately designed silverware to be used for particular foods were common and collected. Silverware sets were sold for a high price, so collecting various different sets was a sign of wealth. Each piece was designed for a particular purpose. For example, a table may have many different fork-like objects however, only one fork was designed for strictly ice cream, while another fork would be only for pastries. The incorrect usage of any of these utensils was not only considered rude, but also an indicator to bad social standing. That being said, a wedding was a very important place to make sure you were all caught up on the current table manners.  
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PictureExamples of various fork-like silverware options

The Etiquette
PictureVictorian etiquette book
In addition to the proper use of utensils, there were other social mores developing around celebrations and feasting in this era some of which remain germane today, and many others which we would consider archaic or even rude by today's standards. What was considered polite was always changing, so luckily for people back then, a trusty etiquette book would help keep you from embarrassing yourself at a wedding or other social events. These books would list out some of the rules as followed: In the Victorian Era,  it was extremely improper for guests to speak to any sort of servant at all, not even to share a compliment about the food. In addition to this rule, it was also improper for the bride and the groom to sit down while their guests were standing up.  It was also the Victorian Era that brought on the infamous rule of keeping one's elbows off the table. Elbows on the table was considered one of the worst possible manners a person could have.
Interestingly enough, today, it is considered extremely rude to completely ignore the paid help, yet at the same time the idea of elbows on the table has slightly relaxed around the country. Thankfully, you are unlikely to be more or less shunned from society and party going if you find yourself accidentally resting your elbows on the dinner table in most circumstances.



​Though it feels like so long ago, several traditions and customs of Victorian Era America have carried over into the wedding traditions that we know today. From the dress, to the rings, it is easy to see where our traditions came from. One main factor that still reigns as true in society today as it did in society back then is that money plays a critical role in how the wedding ceremony is shown.
 Written by UNCW English Student and Bellamy Intern, Hailey Morrison 

                                                                                                             

​                                                                                                                   Works Cited

Bellamy, Douglas Ellen. Back With The Tide, edited by Janet K Seapker, Bellamy Mansion Museum of  History and Design Arts, 2002.
Cordea, Otilia Diana.“The Victorian Household and Its Mistresses: Social Stereotypes and  Responsibilities.” Journal of Humanistic and Social Studies. 2011.
https://doaj.org/article/811e9714d6cc421b97c37115605c2d25
Stewart, Claire. "ALL IN GOOD TASTE: THE VICTORIAN WEDDING BREAKFAST." Phi Kappa   Phi Forum, vol. 97, no. 3, 2017, p. 20+. Gale General OneFile, https://link-gale- com.liblink.uncw.edu/apps/doc/A512184828/ITOF?u=wilm99594&sid=ITOF&xid=8fb6a8fe. Accessed 3 Feb. 2020. 
Turner, Noel. American Silver Flatware. South Brunswick,  A.S. Barnes, 1972. 
“Victorian Betrothal Rings, Victorian Era Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings.” , Victorian Era Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, victorian-era.org/victorian-betrothal-rings.html.
“Victorian Wedding Fashion – 27 Stunning Vintage Photos of Brides Before 1900.” TheMindCircle, 25 Dec. 2019, themindcircle.com/victorian-wedding-fashion/.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrc-leiden.nl%2Ftrc-needles%2Findividual-textiles-and-textile-types%2Fsecular-ceremonies-and-rituals%2Fqueen-victorias-wedding-lace&psig=AOvVaw1acQvgw0TGlX9MgDuZ4LJg&ust=1581442118741000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAMQjB1qFwoTCOiGlJbBx-cCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO 

https://daily.jstor.org/englands-obsession-with-queen-victorias-wedding-cake/ 

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Christmas Cards of the Victorian Period: Beautiful to Peculiar

2/3/2020

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 With the holiday season over, everyone has put away their Christmas decorations or still needs to put them away. Depending on how sentimental one is, people are also putting away Christmas cards from loved ones. Some may not think much about a Christmas card other than it is an easy way to give a Christmas greeting to people. However, the history of commercially produced Christmas cards is more intriguing than one would think. By the mid-1800s, Christmas cards started being developed as a quick and cheap way to send a greeting to the people you care about. For card publishers of the time, there was an effort to make the images on Christmas cards stand out. It is not known what kind of Christmas greetings the Bellamy’s sent to loved ones, but this was a tradition taking form during the first Christmas they spent in the mansion in 1861. 
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R.H. Pease's Christmas Card (1850s)
In the United States, the commercial printing of Christmas cards began with R.H. Pease in Albany, New York in the 1850s. The subject of Pease’s cards were associated with what we would call modern Christmas traditions, such as Santa, reindeer, and other Christmas fare. By 1870, it was Louis Prang who had helped to popularize the Christmas card in the United States. Prang was a German native who immigrated to the United States in 1850. He first got work as a wood engraver for an art department, and Prang eventually formed a business with a partner doing lithographic and copper plate manufacturing. Prang become the sole owner of the business in 1860 and named it L. Prang and Company. With this company they would print items like business cards, mailing labels, and advertisements. Prang had made improvements to his business by introducing multi-colored lithographic printing and using zinc plates. Around this time Prang started to make a series of over-sized cards called “Prang’s Illuminated Christmas Cards.”
Prang’s business became incredibly successful. In 1875, Prang’s company began printing Christmas greetings on their cards--an idea of a business partner’s wife. Many of Prang’s first cards were quintessential of Victorian cards which were small and printed on one side. Along with that the art also reflected Victorian aesthetics. Cards included imagery of flowers, children, birds, or landscape scenes. Eventually Prang started to make Christmas cards with imagery that we associate moreso with Christmas today such as holly and mistletoe. Prang also increased the size of the cards and decorated both sides of the card. Prang saw that there was a potential to produce and market cards beyond Christmas themes. He used greeting cards as a way to introduce fine art into the homes of the masses on a small but affordable scale. This cheap cost was thanks to Congress standardizing mail delivery which made it more reliable, cheap, and faster to send mail. 

​With companies printing out a great deal of Christmas cards concentrated on the aesthetic and finer arts of the time, there were some Christmas cards that stuck out more than the others. Some cards had strange designs that range from dead robins, dancing frogs, and little girl heads on flowers. Not much is known as to why these cards were designed for Christmas. One explanation from Katie Brown of York Castle Museum is that many of the cards during this time period were meant to be conversation pieces. Victorians collected cards they had received and put them into scrapbooks. Another explanation for the peculiar iconography, is due to mail delivery being more affordable for people. When mailing of letters and cards became cheaper, the production of cards simultaneously became cheaper. This cheaper production leads to a wide variety of imagery for consumers. For Victorians there was more of an interest in having a multitude of images presented on their cards. They were not concerned necessarily with seeing typical Christmas images. Victorians were interested in animals, and during this time Charles Darwin’s On the Origins of Species and changed what people thought about animals.
Looking at the images above we can see that they were some whimsical and bizarre pieces. We see that Christmas cards came at both ends of the spectrum around this time. Either showcasing the fine arts or just being downright silly. The aesthetic cards of the Victorian period are more comparable to modern Christmas cards, but I do not think you would find cards today with dead birds on them. Who knows maybe Hallmark might try to bring back designs of dead birds and or daisyheads. 

By: Thomas Thompson, Bellamy Mansion Intern and UNCW History Major 

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A Scope into the Speculation: Wilmington's Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1862

1/28/2020

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    Part of what makes the Bellamy Mansion’s history so unique is the trials and tribulations faced in the short time period after the mansion’s construction in 1859 and the family’s move into the mansion itself in 1861. While an integral part of the Bellamy’s history is centered around what it represents for both pre and post-Civil War life in America, it is also significant in the introspection it provides into the lives of Wilmingtonians during the Yellow Fever of 1862.
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    Having just moved into their Wilmington mansion in 1861, the commencement of the Civil War that same year in April brought with it not only warfare and heightened tensions between the Union and the Confederacy, but a deadly disease to one of the most essential Confederate blockade-runner bases: Wilmington. With many of these ships sailing from tropical locations, primarily Bermuda and the Bahamas (in which Yellow Fever originates and thrives) the epidemic is now known to have been brought by the ships not from their crews, but by bringing with them infected mosquitoes from tropical areas. Albeit Yellow Fever has no cure, the disease causing nausea, fever, and in extreme/late cases, fatal heart, kidney, and liver conditions, it is easily identifiable and manageable with modern medicine; though, back in 1862, the outbreak of Yellow Fever caused mass speculation and hysteria with its swiftness in claiming the lives of hundreds of Wilmingtonians. In Ellen Bellamy’s “Back with the Tide,” she reinforces the strength with which Yellow Fever ravaged Wilmington with her statement that over half the population of Wilmington fled (including the Bellamys themselves), and of the 1505 cases, 43% of them died of the fever.
PictureDr. William T. Wragg, a prominent practitioner from Charleston, SC, was brought into Wilmington to help identify the cause of and treat the Yellow Fever epidemic. In 1864, he wrote a report for the Confederate States Medical and Surgical Journal, titled "Report on the Yellow Fever Epidemic at Wilmington, N.C in the Autumn of 1862."
With modern medicine and technology that allows us to better understand and therefore treat Yellow Fever in today’s day and age, the lack of understanding in the 1860’s - even by the most qualified and educated doctors, like Dr. Bellamy - of the fever’s origin and the manner by which it spread caused a panic to concurrently spread with the infection. Upon identification of Yellow Fever, doctors, news writers and reporters, and the general population alike theorized how the disease found and spread through Wilmington. Between accounts of the infection in newspapers and the opinions of doctors and physicians, like that of Dr. William T. Wragg in the excerpt to the left and below, multiple theories surrounding the root and continued persistence of the disease developed.

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In his 1864 report in the Confederate States Medical and Surgical Journal, Dr. Wragg cites a ship, the Kate, as the source of the epidemic, and the city’s sanitation as a noteworthy proponent in the disease’s rampage.
At this time, across much of the Union and Confederacy, newspapers functioned as a primary source of communication and information; in reporting updates on Yellow Fever, this was no exception. News articles reported fervently on the epidemic, recounting the lives it affected and claimed through both imagery and articles giving advice on how to avoid and treat the disease. Despite the media's constant reassurance that there be no need for panic, many newspapers inserted illustrations of the disease that provided shock value and further perpetuated the hysteria surrounding the spread of the infection. Below are some of the depictions found throughout newspaper articles depicting Yellow Fever.
PictureRaleigh’s Semi-Weekly Standard speculates that the city of Wilmington itself is infectious, and the risk of being infected only occurs upon direct contact with the city – not its citizens.
     Through the speculation of doctors, physicians, and the public, the general consensus seemed to be that the poor sanitation of the city and intermingling with the sick were the primary proponents in the spread of the infection. In response, many families fled Wilmington to surrounding, uninfected counties. The families who had the capability to flee – like the Bellamys – were extremely fortunate; those who remained in the city by the end of the fall of 1862 essentially belonged to three categories: soldiers commanded to remain stationed there, slaves (for example, Sarah, a Bellamy slave, who was appointed to maintain the mansion in the family’s absence), and the sick who were unable to leave.
​Speculation on the origin and spread of the disease didn’t cease in Wilmington, however. Newspapers from surrounding counties, like the Fayetteville Semi-Weekly Observer or Raleigh’s Semi-Weekly Standard, also weighed in on issues concerning the epidemic.

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The Fayetteville Semi-Weekly Observer proposes the sanitation of Wilmington – like many speculated at the time – to be one of the driving factors behind the epidemic’s rampage through the city.
Looking back through the first-hand accounts of Wilmingtonians, like Ellen Bellamy, to the outside perspectives of neighboring county’s newspaper reporters, we’re able to follow not only the disease in terms of the infection itself, but the simultaneous spread of somewhat of a hysteria.  We’re able to look back on these 19th century newspaper articles and medical journals and see how these theories manifested themselves in helping shape our modern understanding of Yellow Fever, and how clouded understanding of the disease affected the city that the Bellamy’s had just come to call home.

To learn more about the theories following the epidemic at the time, who it affected, and its immediate and lasting impact on Wilmington, attend our free lecture by Dr. Kimberly Sherman on Thursday, January 30th at 6:00 PM. Though it is free, there is limited seating – so doors open at 6 PM!

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Written by UNCW Anthropology student and Bellamy Intern, Payton Schoenleber.

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Mardi Gras at the Bellamy Mansion

3/26/2019

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Stylish guests arrayed in masks and beads trailed into the house, the sound of jazz and the smell of savory food pouring from the open doors. The rooms were alive with laughter as guests tried their hand at various casino games and sipped signature cocktails. The spirit of Mardi Gras had descended over the historic house for the night. “In this house, laissez les bon temps rouler!”

On Saturday, March 2, 2019, the Bellamy Mansion Museum held its first Mardi Gras Casino Night. With a crowd of over 78 guests in addition to the staff and reporters from Stars News and Salt Magazine, the historic house was brimming with merriment and mirth. The house and its courtyard were themed for the occasion: lights of purple and green illuminated the night, string lights and a warm fire pit transformed the courtyard into a cozy square, each room of the first and second floors of the house were fitted with entertainment, and beads were strung everywhere. The Bellamy had pulled out all the stops.

Each ticket to the event included game chips, raffle tickets, complimentary drink tickets, food, beads, and a night of fun. There were casino games from roulette and blackjack to poker and craps, live music by Sylvia Ritchie, hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, bourbon tasting courtesy of Heaven Hill, exciting raffle prizes, and a wine pull. The raffle included prizes such as tickets to Orlando Seaworld and Busch Gardens, a staycation at a downtown B&B with Rx dinner, a $200 bottle of bourbon courtesy of Heaven Hill, and so much more.
For the event, the Bellamy had food catered by Diamond Food Enterprises. The staff of the community-oriented catering company was cordial and courteous throughout the evening, attending to the culinary needs of the guests and serving flavorful hors d’oeuvres. Served were dishes like jambalaya, pasta alfredo, cocktail shrimp, banana rum pudding, and sausage bites.

The signature cocktail of the evening, provided by one of the event’s sponsors, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, was The Big Easy—a transformative drink made with Tito’s vodka, key lime juice, Sprite, and “magic blue ice” made with butterfly pea flower. When added to the drink, the blue ice causes the drink to gradually change colors from clear to purple. This is because the butterfly pea flower reacts to the pH level of the liquid it comes in contact with, such as turning purple in the presence of the citric acid found in key lime juice and Sprite. The drink was a popular choice among the guests for its magical quality and taste.

The night was enjoyable even for the Bellamy staff working the event. For the first part of the night, I worked the registration table with the Event Coordinator, Carolyn Gonzalez. I got to see every guest that arrived in their lovely festive attire. The catering staff graciously offered us hors d’oeuvres while we worked, and the food tasted even better than it looked. Once all the guests were checked in, I wandered through the house to watch the guests’ revelry, try the different foods available, and help wherever needed. Although I was there to help host the event, I could not help but fall under the spell of Mardi Gras, enjoying the event throughout the evening.

The proceeds from the event went towards the Bellamy Museum’s free community programming, such as lectures, workshops, art exhibits, Family Fun Day, Nights of Lights, and scholarships to the museum summer camp. As a night of great fun that contributed to programs that benefit the Wilmington community, it was certainly not an event to be missed.
 
Disclaimer: Casino gaming tables were provided for entertainment purposes only. No prizes were awarded for table winnings.


Written by Bellamy Mansion Museum intern and UNCW English Major Ashley Merklinger
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Unveiling a NC Highway Historical Marker for William B. Gould

11/23/2018

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On November 13th, 2018, a gathering of individuals could be seen on the steps of the Bellamy Mansion Museum. On the street in front of them, a covered marker was waiting to be revealed. The occasion was the unveiling of a new North Carolina Highway Historical Marker for William B. Gould (1837-1923), an enslaved plasterer who escaped to his own freedom in 1862 and subsequently served in the United States Navy where he fought against the Confederacy until the end of the Civil War. Some of the guests in attendance for the unveiling ceremony included Gould’s descendants, as well as descendants of Henry Taylor, an enslaved carpenter presumed to have worked at the Bellamy mansion as well. This official state historical marker was the culmination of years of research, efforts on the part of local historians like Beverly Tetterton, Gould family members, and the Bellamy Mansion Museum staff. ​​
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Unveiling William B. Gould's North Carolina Highway Historical Marker
North Carolina Highway Historical Markers, erected and managed by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, “designate places, events, or persons of statewide historical significance” (ncmarkers.com). In order to be chosen for a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker, individuals or places must fulfill all the criteria listed by the program. The rules are put in place as a way to ensure that NC roadways are not littered with markers along their entire length. As well, this keeps the significance of these markers by limiting marker eligibility. The criteria states, “subjects of primarily local or regional, as opposed to statewide, significance are not eligible for state markers. An individual cannot be considered for a marker until twenty-five years after his or her death. Structures are not marked for their individual architectural value. Rather, an individual or historic event associated with a site is more likely to receive consideration” (ncmarkers.com). In placing the marker, Department of Transportation rules must be followed regarding their placement alongside a roadway. As for the applications, roughly 100 are received each year, yet only around 10 applications are approved to be recipients of a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. ​
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William B. Gould I's marker
Son of Englishman Alexander Gould and enslaved Wilmington woman Elizabeth Moore, William B. Gould I is known for his plasterwork at the Bellamy mansion, his subsequent escape from slavery, and his service in the US Navy. As an enslaved worker for Nicholas Nixon, Gould learned the trade of plasterwork and also learned to read and write despite laws prohibiting slaves from doing so. On September 21, 1862, Gould escaped with other slaves during one of Wilmington’s yellow fever epidemics. They rowed down the Cape Fear River and boarded a Union vessel named the U.S.S. Cambridge. Within days of this escape, Gould began recording his life in a diary, one that was later lost to the family and discovered by William B. Gould III in 1958. Decades later, William B. Gould IV published these memoirs under the name Diary of a Contraband: The Civil War Passage of a Black Sailor. Gould I joined the US Navy and served with them during the Civil War. After the war’s end, Gould I married Cornelia Read, a freed black woman also from Wilmington and moved to Massachusetts, where he settled down with his wife and family and continued working in the plastering trade, as well as becoming an important local figure in and around Dedham until his death in 1923. His six sons followed in their father’s footsteps and served in the military; all served in World War I, except for his oldest son who served in the Spanish-American War. The connection between Gould I and the Bellamy mansion was not tangibly established until 1995 when the staff of the Bellamy Mansion Museum found a section of molded plaster during renovations that had the initials “WBG” inscribed on the back. This allowed historians to connect Gould with the intricate craftsmanship that was done on the house’s plaster, giving him due credit for his work.
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William B. Gould I (seated) and his six sons
During the marker unveiling ceremony, descendants of William B. Gould I came from as far away as Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, and California to honor their ancestor, including three generations of William B. Gould’s namesakes—the IV, V, and VI. William B. Gould IV, Gould’s great-grandson and Professor Emeritus at Standford Law School, spoke during the ceremony which he followed with a lecture later that evening at the Bellamy mansion where Gould IV discussed his great-grandfather’s life and legacy. ​

Written by Bellamy Mansion Museum intern and UNCW English Major Kasey Baker

Works Cited:
Bishir, Catherine W.
The Bellamy Mansion. Raleigh, Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina, 2004. Print.

——. “Gould, William B. I (1837-1923).” North Carolina Architects and Builders, NCSU Libraries, 2015. Web. Accessed 19 Nov 2018. http://ncarchitects.lib.ncsu.edu/people/P000320.

“Criteria for Historic Markers” and “Placement …” ncmarkers.com, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 2008. Web. Accessed 19 Nov 2018. http://www.ncmarkers.com/Home.aspx

“Gould IV to lecture on Civil War ancestor.” starnewsonline.com, GateHouse Media, 23 Oct 2018. Web. Accessed 19 Nov 2018. https://www.starnewsonline.com/news/20181023/gould-
Iv-to-lecture-on-civil-war-ancestor.


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“We had dances and other socials durin’ Christmas times...”

11/16/2018

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The Christmas season brings with it traditions that have often been celebrated for generations. Many traditions such as trimming the tree and caroling originated in the 19th-century. For Ellen Bellamy, she recalled 19th-century Christmas celebrations at “Uncle Taylor’s” house, where a feast was planned for over two dozen people and, "the table extended from the front windows to the back. They prepared for this dinner for weeks.” Ellen remembered being amazed by “a pyramid of glass which extended up to the top of the ceiling and was decorated with flowers and fruit.” It is thanks to Ellen’s recollections that we know what the holidays were like for the Bellamys and their prominent extended family. However, what was Christmas like for their enslaved workers? While we have no documentary evidence of what Christmas was like for the men, women, and children enslaved at the Bellamy mansion, there is written evidence of what enslaved people throughout the antebellum South and here in North Carolina experienced during the holidays.
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Ellen Bellamy
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"Uncle Taylor's" house, located on the other side of First Baptist church
Slave-owners were often more lenient and generous with their enslaved workers around the holidays, such as in the number of passes they gave out to their slaves. These passes allowed enslaved individuals to travel off their owner’s property and into town or to other nearby plantations, which allowed them to visit friends or relatives on nearby plantations. Without a pass, enslaved workers risked the chance of getting caught by patrols and being whipped. Since there was more travel happening around the end of the year, “planters were usually more liberal in issuing passes during the Christmas season“ (Wiggins 206). However, during this time the amount of nighttime patrols were increased to capture runaways.

In Southern cities, contracts for work began on or around January 1st for enslaved individuals. Christmas was a time when they could be with their loved ones before being hired out for months or even the entire year to another family or business. Sometimes the enslaved worker was contracted to someone in another city or even another state. Slave-owners gave these incentives in order to quell any thoughts of slave rebellions or escape during the holidays. Enslaved worker Henry Bibb recalled making plans to run away at the end of the year, but before he could act on his plans, Bibb’s master gave him the option to get married. Bibb remained and the marriage festivities consumed his time, as he says “Our Christmas holidays were spent in matrimonial visiting among our friends, while it should have been spent in running away to Canada” (Bigham).
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"Plantation Frolic On Christmas Eve." Library of Congress.
Other “traditions” that occurred around the Christmas season were those of slave-owners giving small gifts and feasts to their enslaved workers. Slave-owners filled up enslaved children’s stockings on Christmas day with small knickknacks like fruit and nuts, and Christmas was when enslaved individuals received their one pair of shoes for the year. As Emma Blalock recalled in Slave Narratives: A Folk History in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, “We had plenty homespun dresses and we got shoes once a year, at Christmas Eve. I ken ‘member it just as good. We got Christmas Holidays an’ a stocking full of candy an’ peanuts. Sometimes we got ginger snaps at Christmas. My grandmother cooked them.” Slave-owners giving gifts to their enslaved workers was a way to show to the world how affluent a family was. This was especially seen during the Civil War when “consumer shortages threatened to interrupt their performance. Slave-owners desperately sought even the paltriest gifts for slaves, knowing that their pretensions of power hinged in part on their being able to repeat past gift-giving” (Bigham). In addition, the Christmas season was a time when slave-owners gave special food and alcohol to their enslaved workers in celebration. Food and alcohol that was given, though not all together at once, included turkey, pigs, sweets, nuts, rabbits that they were given permission to catch, whiskey, eggnog, brandy, cedar, wine or beer. With these feasts, “whole hogs, sheep, or beeves were cooked and the slaves ate peach cobbler and apple dumplings, and frequently got drunk.” (Blassingame 107).

However, there were former slaves who reported that their owners never gave them time off for Christmas or New Year’s. As Charity McAllister says in Slave Narratives, “Dey did not give us any holidays Christmas in Harnett County. Dat was ‘gisnt de rules.” While some reports say that most slaves were given anywhere from a day up to a week of time off during the holidays, this was not a guarantee, especially in the case of slaves on plantations or slave-owners punishing slaves for misbehavior earlier in the year. The entirety of the holiday experience was based upon the master and what they deemed appropriate. For some slave-owners, the enslaved worker’s celebrations during Christmas were seen as entertaining, such as their dancing, and often slave-owners had the workers sing or play the fiddle for them on Christmas day.
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Decorated tree in the Urban Slave Quarters at the Bellamy mansion
While the holiday experiences of enslaved workers at the Bellamy mansion are unknown, at the Bellamy Mansion Museum visitors can experience the fully decorated mansion as well visit the decorated original slaves quarters. The decorations in the slave quarters are designed according to the research mentioned in this article, as well as other research on the experience of enslaved workers during the holiday season throughout North Carolina.

Written by Bellamy Mansion Museum intern and UNCW English major Kasey Baker

Special thanks to former Bellamy Mansion intern
Alyson Mayernik for her research on this topic, which was used in the writing of this article. 
Works Cited:
-Bigham, Shauna, and Robert E. May. "The Time o' all Times? Masters, Slaves, and Christmas in the Old South." Journal of the Early Republic 18, no. 2 (Summer, 1998): 263-288. https://search- proquest-com.liblink.uncw.edu/docview/220950705?accountid=14606.
-Blassingame, John W. The Slave Community: Plantation Life in the Antebellum South. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1940.
-“Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936 to 1938.” Library of Congress, online collection. Accessed 12 Nov. 2018. Web.
-Wiggins, D. “Good Times on the Old Plantation: Popular Recreations of the Black Slave in Antebellum South, 1810-1860.” Journal of Sports History 4. Fall 1997. 260-284.


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