Queen Elizabeth who? Frances Moore has lived in Williamsburg since before Elizabeth II took the throne. In this time Williamsburg has expanded but that’s okay with Moore. Virginia’s colonial capital remains true to its origins.
p. Moore, 83 this year, has worked at the College Shop for the past 48 years. In this time Williamsburg has literally changed before her eyes, “It was a small town. It’s just not a small town anymore.”
p. “So the surrounding area which used to be nothing is built up now you know. Condominiums, motels, hotels. But there are so many people that really like the atmosphere of Williamsburg that they return and make their home here,” she said.
p. Yet Moore has grown to accept the change of scenery. Gregarious by nature, she loves meeting people. Those she met over the years are “very interesting people.” Moore appreciates Williamsburg’s expansion because of the new business and attractions that it brings. “So I don’t think that has hurt Williamsburg. I think that has helped it,” she said.
p. Moore has come into contact with people from all over the world in her time at the College Shop. She owns a business card signed by John Wayne, who visited once. And while the rest of Williamsburg anticipates the arrival of Elizabeth, that’s old shoe to Moore.
p. “I saw the queen and her husband when they were here in 1957. They rode the carriage right down DoG Street. I was standing on the street very close to her. Which was very exciting. I’m hoping to get to see her again. I’m not sure if I will or not with so many people, but it’s exciting. I was impressed with the queen mother too. She was so beautiful. Her skin was not even a blemish. Her skin was so beautiful,” she said.
p. At 83, Moore has no plans to leave Williamsburg in the near future. For now she will continue to work at the College Shop and travel, a pastime she enjoys with her spouse. And she looks forward to meeting more new people.
p. “I left Williamsburg for three years. When I came back I said I’m never leaving again. I liked it because it’s centrally located. I like the people in this area. But I after I came back I said I might go on a trip but I’ll never go again,” she said. “I just always liked the atmosphere of Williamsburg. I like working in the public.”