Please cry for us in Alexandria.
Try this job description, Old Towners, and see if you're even slightly interested: First, you need a loud mouth. Next, an authoritative persona. You must appear to be an authority figure. You've really got to like Old Town, because you're likely to be out in the worst kinds of weather. You've got to have a sense of humor. Perhaps it would help you get the job if you are a little bit looney (just kidding). Well, call if you're interested.
The City of Alexandria is searching for a new town crier. The city's most recent town crier was John I. Yagerline, who passed away in April after having served since 1998.
Can you shout but still be understood clearly? Do you have a sense of humor that can stand up to the extremes of cold and heat? Are you available for most city-wide commemorative events? Answering yes to any of these questions means you could be Alexandria's next town crier.
One of the earliest Alexandria town criers on record is Peter Logan, an African American man who served here in the early 19th century. Logan was a respected member of the community during his later years and served as the town crier, and on holidays as the town piper.
Logan purchased his and his wife's freedom about 1799 from Bernard Bryan, and then managed to purchase his two children. In 1810, the Logans lived in their own home with five other freed blacks in the Bottoms neighborhood. Originally a ship carpenter, Logan operated his own boot and shoe black business.
The job description doesn't mince words. For example, it says applicants should have a powerful voice, lungs of steel and a willingness to make public appearances in early 19th century attire. Applicants must possess excellent public-speaking and writing skills, a sense of humor and a love of children, parades, crowds and tourists. The ceremonial duties of the new town crier include reading proclamations, announcing upcoming events and acting as master of ceremonies at special events. A letter expressing your interest should be sent to the Office of Historic Alexandria, 220 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. A city panel of judges will review applications and finalists will be chosen for a cry-off in City Council chambers in mid-July. Town crier applicants will be judged on call content, clarity, sustained volume, and deportment. Helpful experience includes Toastmasters and activity with community theatre. Historic Alexandria staff will assist any potential applicant with information on sources for appropriate attire. Mayor William Euille and a panel representing city organizations will select the town crier.
One final requirement for applicants: You must be able to change clothes in a phone booth and have krypton in your veins.
More next week!
<1b>— Bob Feldkamp