Specializing in Entertainment of an Historical Nature
(757) 391-0155
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Specializing in Entertainment of an Historical Nature (757) 391-0155 |
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Historic Walking Tours Join a member of Colonel Crawford & Company for an hour-long stroll along the cobblestone streets of Portsmouth’s Olde Towne district. Historic Trolley Tours Rain or shine, an historic trolley tour gives you “the whole nine yards”, covering Portsmouth’s Olde Towne District from end to end. |
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Who was Colonel William Crawford? Not much has been written about the Colonel’s personal life, but here is what is known about the founder of Portsmouth. Crawford was a wealthy merchant and ship owner who, at various times, held office as the Norfolk County presiding court judge, high sheriff, militia lieutenant colonel, and representative of the House of Burgesses. Because of his militia service, he is frequently referred to as “Colonel Crawford”. The Colonel established the City of Portsmouth in 1752 upon 65 acres of land on the Elizabeth River that were a part of his extensive plantation. (Source: City of Portsmouth website ) Colonel William Crawford is a character created by Eric Price while under contract with the City of Portsmouth in commemoration of its 250th birthday. Based on Portsmouth’s real-life founder, the Colonel is well versed in all things colonial and, of course, all things Portsmouth. After the celebration, Col. Crawford stayed on, creating his own troupe of colonial characters to educate and entertain the citizenry of “Faire Portsmouth”, as well as visitors from her neighboring cities and places beyond. “Col. Crawford has been a hit for the past two years, and I hope that his company will continue to expand in the years ahead!”- Sheila Powell Martin, Director Portsmouth Convention & Visitors Bureau “Colonel Crawford was a huge success. The women did not want to let him go. . . We had a great time.” - USS Coral Sea Reunion “His interpretation of the City’s founder has become so spontaneous, you begin to think of him as the Colonial colonel.” - Portsmouth’s Own Ida Kay Jordan in Portsmouth Currents |
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A Captivating Collection of Colonial Characters. . . for your entertainment and education Not limited to the Colonial Period of history, the Colonel can provide costumed performers for most any historic period from Adam & Eve to the present day. Characters will look and act their part. Add period décor and music, and your party guests or event participants will feel as though they’ve actually stepped back in time. Spice Up Your Reunion! Add some pizzazz to your military or high school reunion with costumed performers who can sing, dance, and share anecdotes from that special place in time you’re all there to remember. Need a Keynote Speaker? A keynote address from Colonel Crawford is guaranteed to entertain. The message covers America’s pre-Revolutionary period up to the present, and can be tailored to suit any event from government/military to corporate to private gatherings. Traditional music, song, and dance may be added. High Tea & History Long before the Boston Tea Party, Colonel William Crawford’s fleet of merchant ships brought exotic teas from the Orient by way of Europe. Join Colonel Crawford and Company as we return to a more gentile place in time, before calorie-counting and busy schedules. NO rushing here! Relax. Listen to parlor-style music and amusing tales of our colonial past while enjoying your tea and crumpets in the company of other civilized folk such as yourself. To enjoy a scheduled event, contact the Portsmouth Visitor’s Center at North Landing (757 393-5111) for date, time, and location. Or to tailor a high tea to suit your own taste, please call Colonel Crawford directly at (757) 391-0155. (Photographs courtesy of Milliner Photography)Web Page by JP |