On Friday, September 27, the Vintage Gals activity group of the Lake Gaston Ladies Club dodged raindrops and visited Bacon’s Castle in Surry County and had lunch at Smithfield Station in Smithfield, VA. The group of 24 women had a fascinating tour of Bacon’s Castle led by a very knowledgeable docent and learned so much about Virginia’s Colonial history. Built in 1665, Bacon’s Castle is the oldest brick dwelling and the only surviving example of High Jacobean architecture in the United States. Originally the home of prosperous planter Arthur Allen and his family, the building was occupied during the political uprising of 1676 led by Nathaniel Bacon, known as Bacon’s Rebellion.