Monday, October 20, 2003
BALTIMORE SUN
George Washington was cool. Thomas Jefferson had it going on. OK, maybe not. But our forefathers did wear tinted spectacles, the accessory we know today as the ever-popular and attitude-adjusting sunglasses.
It turns out that neither Elvis nor Michael Jackson invented sunglasses -- they've been known to the Western world since Marco Polo traveled to China in the 1270s. Back then, sunglasses didn't have side pieces to fit over the ears. Instead, wearers had to put ribbon through rings at the sides of the glasses to keep them in place.
Get a taste of what it feels like to be colonial cool by picking up your very own pair of 18th century-style tinted spectacles just like George and Thomas used to wear at Williamsburg, Va. The reproduction Colonial sunglasses are suitable for bothadults and kids and come in blue or green. They cost $9 and can be purchased at www.williamsburgmarketplace.com. For information or to receive a catalog, call (800) 414-6291.