Spinet is key part of Music in Botetourt exhibit at BCHS museum

The Hitchcock Spinet is home in Botetourt once again. It left the Botetourt County Historical Society in 2006 in really bad condition. Its new home for the next 12 years was housing at Colonial Williamsburg where it was lovingly restored by John R. Watson and others. Thomas Hitchcock built the spinet in London in the 1700’s. It belonged to the John Crawford family of Botetourt County circa 1740. Due to exposure to moisture, time and a late stint in a barn, the spinet fell into disrepair. The top was replaced and in sad shape. The keys were chipped and well, it was a mess.

Watson spoke at the BCHS Founder’s Day Dinner in November. He spoke of the restoration as well as by not making it playable, it was more to its true form. He said, “The spinet was featured in our exhibit and was seen by thousands while in Williamsburg.” During the restoration, it did receive a new top. The mouse hole in the middle remains. The keys are now black and white in the skunk tradition as the original piece had such keys.

The spinet is the featured item of furniture in the Botetourt County Historical Museum exhibit on Botetourt in Music. Other parts of the exhibit include Bluegrass music, choirs, and even musicians from the county.  It is a a very interesting exhibit. Well worth a visit!

The museum has a gift shop with a fine collection of books on the history of Botetourt, genealogy and even calendars on sale. For more information call 540-473-8394. Hours Monday through Saturday 10-2 pm. Sundays 2-4.

Hear a spinet, ( it is not this one) and wow, a colonial sound!