A couple of months ago, there was an inquiry about "birthnight" celebrations in colonial Virginia. I don't recall who asked about them. Today, while looking for something else in Virginia Cavalcade, vol. II, no. 4 (Spring 1953), I ran across the following article by Elizabeth Dabney Coleman: "Long Live the King! Royal Accessions and Birthdays were Celebrated Heartily in Colonial Virginia." (pages 5-7). On page 6 is the following statement: "The whole town of Williamsburg was illuminated in 1752 on the anniversary of the birthnight of King George II." This is followed by a description of the festivities and some more information on related customs and practices. Hope that helps whomever was looking for something on this topic. Eric G. Grundset Library Director DAR Library 1776 D St., N.W. Washington, DC 20006-5392 202-879-3313 [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html