Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-11
VERY FINE ACTING.
A Smart ApriI-FOOI Joke Played at
the Old CAPITAL.
Williamsburg, Va, April 8, 1877.

Williamsburg, Va. April 8, 1887.
Since the days of Hallom and his
Virginia Company of Comedians at the
"Old Theatre" near the Capitol the peo-
pie Of the old burg have not been more
highly amused than they were last April
Fool s-day, nor has anything happened
that gave "the society denizens" more TO
gossip about. Members of the House or
BuN,esSes, the guests of the Raleigh
Tavern gentlemen from city and country
with flowing periwigs and enormous rut-
fies, wearing coats heavily embroidered
with gold thread; graceful danes, with
powdered hair looped-back gowns, all
glittering with gold and silver flowers,
were wont TO attend the "Old Theatre
and see the Virginia comedians act, and
after the performance the stalwart cava-
liers would repair to Apollo Hall, and, in
vino veritas, discuss the merits OF the
comedy. But since those days, long
agone. no event has caused more laughter
than the well-planned and successfully ex-
ecuted joke witnessed here last week.
Colonial Inn has risen in its beauty and
symmetry. and has taken the place Of the
noted Raleigh, OF blessed memory. At
this modern, handsome hotel the plot of
the April fool was laid, and thoroughly
consummated, much to the delight OF
the guests OF this charming resort, which
Is now much frequented by cultured peo-
pie, particularly from the northern cities,
who come and rest, as well as enjoy the
comforts Of Colonial Inn. During their So
journ here these guests visit the interest
ing historic places, and see the relics Of
I'VE olden tyne OF Williamsburg and
vicinity.
The people Of this reunited Union owe
an everlasting debt OF gratitude to tho
Society for the Preservation of Virginia
Antiquities. which is now attracting so
much attention in Williamsburg and else
where. 1t was here that this society, n
few years ago, was formed by small
band of noble. true, heroic ladies, who,
midst many disbursements, persevered
and overcame formidable obstacles, and
now they rejoice that their society has
acquired a national reputation, and is
making rapid progress throughout the
United States. In time n beautiful monu- |
ment we believe, will be erected in memo |
ry Of these noble. patriotic ladies OF VIII |
liamsburg, who first organized this splen- |
did society.
BY permission, I will attempt to tell |
this Aprll-fool joke. The perpetrators |
as well as the victims were astonished |
as well as completely fooled and en- |
joyed the whole affair.
Colonial Inn, at all times bright and |
brimfu OF fun, most ably assisted by her
friend, Mrs. Mamie Wise Mayo, some |
weeks ago, planned a joke upon the |
genial Jack Spencer, her husband, and |
also upon Rev. Mr.. Roberts, the able rec
tor of Bruton parish church. Mrs.
Spencer, arrayed in costly dress, and |
handsomely gotten up. acts the character |
of rich invalid lady. Mrs.
ttrf. -
4 southern cline, and, hearing of the at
resort, and DESTROYS Of seeing the relics
here, is accompanied by her typical
yankee maid," Mrs. Mayo. with white
apron on and costume BETTING q veri-
table bddie of wealthy northern lady.
AS the hotel omnibus passes a noted
house on Palace Green OH It's return
from meeting the train, these smart
ladies. the driver we'll posted. enter this
omnibus and land at Colonial Inn, where
the polite landlord receives the welcome
guest and her maid, who are both weh
yelled, and with voices disguised, are
taken care of by Mr.. Spencer. The "in-
valid" as well as biddie, act their parts
completely, AMI are shown the
most attractive rooms, but biddie Is
cheeky and garrulous and very solicit
tous about her lady's health, and the
landlord is much set back by the Yankee
maid. my lady" is pleased that there
are electric bells. but threatens to leave
the hotel as she found no elevator
there. But the ready and obliging Jack
Spencer says: Madame, We have old
Virginia maids, residents here. strong
and healthy. who will help you up ana
down the steps. and will make You
comfortable" Madame" is in
dignant at being carried To the third
story, but Mr.. Spencer says: II will
let you select rooms wherever you please
and / am sure We Will be able TO
please you In every respect. and our
old Virginia, old-fashioned colored maid
servants will at all times render you
any assistance" To which my maid"
listens attentively, now and then say
ing something pert to Mr.. Spencer.
which was not pleasant, but he had
no idea OF losing the "rich" guest.
So all was arranged, and my lady was
left in her beautiful bed-chamber, and the
landlord goes to his offica. to be recalled
in few moments to tho room by the
electric bell" and there he found his
wife and her friend. Mrs Mayo. The
Joke was perfect, and Mr.. Spencer
could hardly realize how II had been
carried on so successfully. After awhile.
friends are sent as messenGsrs to the
rector. who was informed that - very
wealthy lady from Boston. q good Eds ]