Remember the game Trivial Pursuit? I was thinking how fun it would be, for us history lovers at least, to play one that was historical in nature. If you know of any I'd love to hear about them! Tying in past and present, here is the finale of the spring show for Washington Old Time Fiddlers that Paul took part in this week. He's at the far right holding his fiddle in front of him, looking away from the stage. He calls his violin "Lucy" for some reason and loves her to death, especially when he's not practicing;) If you click on the picture it enlarges quite nicely, if you want a wider view.You'll see quite a few female violinists onstage here, something of a no-no during the 18th-century. Here's a bit of trivia I loved stumbling across in my research, taken from a copy of the Virginia Gazette April 1, 1775:
Ladies who are inclined to play the GUITTAR may be instructed on that instrument by a lady lately arrived - Inquire of the Printers hereof.
Ladies were encouraged to play keyboard instruments or guitars ("lap instruments") because it was considered improper for a lady to raise and expose her arms as would be necessary when playing the violin or flute. I have my Roxanna Rowan in The Colonel's Lady heeding this advice, only I won't tell you which instrument she plays. You'll just have to read the book!
Have you come across any interesting historical trivia in your reading or writing? I'd love to hear it here!
Happy April 1st!