narrow streets there's a good possibility they may find themselves on the corner of Featherbed Alley and Duke of Kent Street.

The notable location is the 18th century Mitchell House owned by the St.

George's Historical Society since about 1920. Welcoming arms lead you to a small entrance porch with benches either side of the front door.

Meet a hospitable face behind a door of tourism, retired Royal Air Force Captain Moray Ridgeway age 89, one of the curators greeting people for the past twelve years at the William Michell house, built circa 1734.

He is a gracious host, with a twinkle in his eyes, who shares a wealth of information about the past when you tour Mitchell House and the adorning gardens.

The gardens are beautifully maintained with various plants and trees. There are two lovely coconut palm trees. Mr. Ridgeway said: "Leave a coconut where it falls.'' He explained that a coconut is delicate. Leave it alone and it will sprout a tree.

Mr. Ridgeway delights in describing the many artifacts and explaining the home's architectural features. His enthusiasm makes you feel like you are the first person to take the tour! A very polite, scholarly gentleman who likes to talk and is very friendly and kind to visitors. "I walk around and introduce our visitors to all the portraits and give them as much history as possible. I'm part Irish and probably talk too much,'' he advised with a chuckle.

Some of the portraits include people like John Till, Mayor of St. George's -- who literally whipped people into order -- from 1819 to 1823. Needless to say he wasn't very popular and died mysteriously.

Mr. Ridgeway projects his good sense of humour throughout the tour and he amuses visitors by sharing all the dazzling history.

The original owner, William Mitchell, was a successful merchant and a militia officer. He married Mary Tucker of Southampton and died in 1749. Widow Mitchell inherited the home and left it to her great niece, Marianne Smith until 1820 who left it to her niece, Elizabeth Moore.

In 1842 the home was purchased by William and Isabella Archer, former slaves.

Following Isabella's death in the late 1860s the home fell into the hands of the Crown and eventually it was operated as a hotel and tavern.

During the years 1900-1914 it was known as the Commercial Hotel ran by George and Annie Wailes. George Jr. inherited the property and mortgaged it, and lost it six years later to Claude McCallan.

In 1920, concerned citizens purchased the home and founded the St. George's Historical Society who has owned it since.

An interesting aspect of the architecture is seen in the five roofs and four chimneys. Mr. Ridgeway explained: "It is thought that as each room was built, a separate roof was constructed. The roofs are enormously heavy. Walter Mitchell, William's uncle, tried to build a hurricane proof house so he used slabs of stone instead of slates and each stone slab is cemented to its neighbour.'' The many interesting artifacts have been donated for the last half of this century. There is a hand carved four poster bed complete with a feather mattress, a watchman's rattle, vases and dishes, a French Bulle clock (one of the first electric clocks invented), historic documents, clothing and many other objects.

One of the most fascinating rooms was the old kitchen with its wide hearth and array of cast iron pots and brick baking oven. Mr Ridgeway explained: "In those ancient days the cook would get the brick oven really hot. The fire would be extinguished and the bread would actually cook by the heat of the brick.'' The hand carved wooden bath tub sits near the fireplace where water could readily be boiled for the bath. When the bath was finished the water was thrown out the back door.

Just outside the kitchen door is a raised water tank where a bucket on a rope would have been for cooking, bathing and doing laundry.

Mr. Ridgeway shared the questions he is most asked by tourists following his tour: Where should we go next? He directs them to the other museums in St. George's such as the Tucker House Museum on Water Street.

Where's the beach? He directs them to Fort St. Catherine to see the fort and enjoy the beach and Tobacco Bay. "Sometimes they drop back by to thank me for my suggestions,'' he added.

Where's a good place to eat in St. George's? He gives them a run down of the various restaurants on the square, on the wharf, and about town.

When Mr. Ridgeway was asked how tourism could be improved upon in St. George's he responded: "More contact should be made with our visitors. Everyone should make a point of being polite and pleasant to the tourists.

"It would be helpful if the Tourism Department would publish a St. George's brochure listing all the historical sites to visit in St. George's, and list the restaurants, the beaches, churches, with transportation information and maps for walking about all in one brochure, about St. George's. Then they wouldn't have all these bits of paper to drop along the road. The same thing could be done for Hamilton and Somerset.'' Mr. Ridgeway trys to keep fit and remain young looking. He has traveled around the world and has seen a lot of changes during his long life.

His hobbies are walking, swimming, and sailing. He is a history buff and occasionally writes magazine articles. "I enjoy what Bermuda has to offer. It is a unique place. I love Bermuda and I appreciate each day.'' St. George's Historical Society was registered as a charitable organisation in December, 1997. The officers are: Interim President, Michael Jones, Vice-President, Freda Olivey, Secretary, Carla Hayward, and Treasurer, Tony Saunders.

The society also has a garden committee of twelve people and about 160 loyal members.

On Sunday, July 26, following the St. Peter's service, the society held a reception attended by the Governor and Mrs. Masefield. The affair, organised by Jean Gallagher, was held on the lawn of the Mitchell house to commemorate Somers Day.

Mitchell House curator, Moray Ridgeway