The Restoration

An undated image of Williamsburg before the Restoration began in 1926. An ox cart on Duke of Gloucester Street drives past the Greek Revival Baptist Church, erected in 1856 on Market Square. The Powder Magazine can just be seen through the church's Doric portico.

Looking west down the Duke of Gloucester Street about 1890. The Prentis Store and the Ludwell Paradise house appear on the right and the steeple of Bruton Parish Church and the cupola of the Courthouse appear in the distance. -- Visual Resources Collections

Original telegram from John D. Rockefeller Jr. (David's father) to W. A. R Goodwin giving his consent to purchase the Ludwell-Paradise House. This was the first building purchased for the Restoration. This image appears in the book, "Restoring Williamsburg" --Corporate Archives Collections

W.A.R. Goodwin (l) & John D. Rockefeller, Jr., stand in back of the George Wythe House just prior to the start of the Restoration in 1926. -- Visual Resources Collections.

Colonial Williamsburg Restoration staff members on the steps of the Robert Carter House (the offices of the Williamsburg Holding Corporation), c. 1931. Individuals pictured are: Back Row - Mr. Dimmitt, A.A. Shurcliff, Webster Todd. Next Row - William G. Perry, J.O. Brown, W.M. Macomber, Kenneth Chorley. Next Row - V.M. Geddy, R.E. Parker, Robert Trimble, J.W. Geddes, A.H. Hepburn, Rudy Bertheau. Front Row - Tom DeLouise, Dr. Goodwin, George Coleman, Col. Arthur Woods, C.O. Heydt

Mr. W.A.R. Goodwin and Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. with Robert Trimple and Arthur Shurcliff (right) on Palace Green. ca. 1928 or 1929. (For publication with credit given the VA State Chamber of Commerce, Neg. #2008-11)

Construction progress in The Business Block: Block 22, Building 9A, Casey Inc, east elevation. Photograph taken January 9, 1931. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and this site is currently home to the College of William & Mary Bookstore and Cafe and Barnes & Noble. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Interior view of the new post office work space during construction of the Business Block, January 1931. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and this building is currently home to The Christmas Shop. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Interior view of the construction progress of the Allen Byrd House (now Lightfoot House) during The Restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Southwest bedroom over kitchen, 1939. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Construction progress in the Business Block, Block 23, building 30A, shops #9-10, Photograph dated January 2, 1931. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Colonial Williamsburg's Business Block in 1931. This building was originally known as the Arcade Building and home to the Williamsburg Post Office. A Navy Recruiting Station sign sits on the sidewalk out front. Today the area is known as Merchants Square and this building houses The Christmas Shop. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Construction progress in The Business Block: Block 23. This building (white) was originally known as the Arcade Building and home to the Williamsburg Post Office. Next to it sits the Williamsburg Drug Company, also known as Rexall's Drug. Photograph dated November 3, 1930. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and these buildings are currently home to The Christmas Shop and The Trellis Restaurant. Todd & Brown Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Construction progress in The Business Block: Block 23. This building (white) was originally known as the Arcade Building and home to the Williamsburg Post Office. Next to it sits the Williamsburg Drug Company, also known as Rexall's Drug. Photograph dated December 4, 1930. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and these buildings are currently home to The Christmas Shop and The Trellis Restaurant. Todd & Brown Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Construction progress in The Business Block: Block 22, Building 9A, Casey Inc. Photograph taken February 16, 1931. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and this site is currently home to the College of William & Mary Bookstore and Cafe and Barnes & Noble. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Construction progress in The Business Block: Block 23, shops 4-8. Photograph dated June 16, 1930. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and these buildings are currently home The Precious Gem and R. Bryant. Todd & Brown Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

View of construction progress on the Business Block, buildings #4-8, January 2, 1931. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Interior view of the new post office work space during construction of the Business Block, January 1931. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and this building is currently home to The Christmas Shop. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.

Construction progress in The Business Block: Block 22, Building 9A, Casey Inc. Photograph taken January 2, 1931. The Business Block is now known as Merchants Square and this site is currently home to the College of William & Mary Bookstore and Cafe and Barnes & Noble. Frank Nivison Photography Collection -- Visual Resources Collections.