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Spinet in the Geddy House

A character interpreter plays a spinet. The spinet located in the James Geddy House was built in Colonial Williamsburg by modern tradesmen using colonial methods.

Entertainment at the Geddy House

Adults and children alike enjoyed the spinet like the one found in the dining room of the James Geddy House. As indicated in the following letter to the editors published in the December 22, 1768, Virginia Gazette, Anne Geddy, daughter of James Jr., delighted at least one special admirer when she played on the spinet:

Ah me! Mr. Dixon,
A dear little vixen has caught me! and I could for her die!
Those lines pray set
In your next Gazette,
I'm a friend, Sir, to you and to Purdie

On Miss Anne Geddy singing, and playing on the Spinet:

When Nancy on the spinet plays
I fondly on the virgin gaze,
And wish that she was mine;
Her air, her voice, her lovely face,
Unite with such excessive grace,
That nymph appears divine!
A smile or kiss, or amorous toy,
To me can give but little joy,
From any maid but she;
Corelli, Handel, Felton, Nares,
With their concertos, solos, airs,
Are far less sweet to me!
Ye fates who cause our joy, or grief,
Oh! give my wounded heart relief,
Let me with her be blest;
Oh! Venus, soften the dear maid,
Oh! Cupid, grant thy powerful aid,
And pierce her youthful breast.

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