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Tanya Bickley Enterprises Robert Chandler 
Speaking in the vernacular of the day and always in character, Mr. Kidd captivates young people. He brings to life his work as an upholsterer in England, his voyage to Virginia, life at the Governor's Palace, his impressions of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the effects of non-importation of English goods on his business, and other matters that concerned the everyday life of people in the colonies just before the outbreak of the War for Independence from England. He also illuminates the realities of the day: keeping a fire going all year for cooking; no indoor plumbing; bathing once or twice a year; diseases that limited life spans to half of what we know; outhouses where one had to watch for snakes and black widow spiders.
Joseph Kidd lived in the Palace with the Governor's other eleven male servants while he completed his work on the Palace. Botetourt hired Kidd to be his Groom of the Chambers. From 1768 to 1769 he served as footman for the Governor when there were guests for dinner, bringing him in contact with such persons as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and George Wythe. After leaving the Governor's residence, Mr. Kidd rented from George Washington the property known as Custis Square. It was a large house and Mr. Kidd operated it as a boarding house. After Governor Botetourt's sudden death in 1770, Kidd placed ads in the Virginia Gazette. They shed light on the other activities he became involved with. For older students who require more sophisticated material, Mr. Chandler portrays Benjamin Powell who was an undertaker in Williamsburg. An undertaker was one who undertook contracts, usually as a builder. Powell lived in the city with his wife Annabelle and their two daughters and was the second largest land holder in James City County. He had several apprentices and numerous slaves. He added the steeple to Bruton Parish Church in 1770 and received the contract to build the lunatic hospital in Williamsburg which was completed in 1773. Powell also served as the Keeper of the Keys of the Capitol Building from 1769 through 1776. Through his responsibilities at the Capitol he became familiar with the Burgesses as well as the men serving on the King's Council. He would have been at the Capitol to hear Patrick Henry give his speech against the Stamp Act in 1765. When Governor Botetourt dissolved the Burgesses in 1769 because of the Townsend Duties, Powell would have been witness to the reactions of the members of this elected body. He was at the Capitol when Governor Dunmore dissolved the Burgesses because of their declaring a day of fasting and humiliation to show support for the Bostonians when Parliament closed the port because of the Boston Tea Party. He was also there when Virginia's Assembly in 1776 voted to pass a resolution to request that their delegates meet in Philadelphia to consider a declaration of independence. Bob Chandler is a native-born Virginian and has always had an interest in 18th century social history. His family traces their roots in Virginia to 1622 when one of his ancestors was killed in the Indian Uprising of 1622. Mr. Chandler studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and performed in the Catkkills and on tour. He moved to Dallas, Texas where he appeared in television commercials and then on to Los Angeles where he lived for more than 20 years and did mainly film work. But his love of Virginia drew him back home. Bob and his wife Carlotta live in an original 18th century home in historic Williamsburg. Bob is also a recording artist and knows how to put over a song, particularly torch songs and songs of love. During the months of January, February and March, Mr. Chandler is available to perform away from Williamsburg. When in residence at a school, he not only gives academic assemblies but also makes classroom visits and meets informally with students and faculty, upon request. |
