Sometimes, when looking back on the history of this city, it is of added interest to see what the community did for leisure and entertainment. It is often easy to think that because things seemed a little rough and ready, maybe there wasn’t much time given to lighthearted fun.
Well, after looking into such things, we can safely say that there was actually a lot of time spent in lighthearted fun in a variety of settings both formal and casual. The following examples come from the Royal City of 1876:
In one instance, we find the start of a dancing class, with the advertisement’s wording showing an indication of real interest. “At the solicitation of a number of young ladies and gentlemen of New Westminster I have concluded to open a dancing school on Monday next…when those wishing instruction can attend…7 to 9 p.m., Monday and Saturday each week…terms moderate, W. H. Edwards.”
Another social activity in 1876 was a ball in favour of the Royal Columbian Hospital, which was held in the elaborately decorated drill hall. After a long description of the facility, we learn that about 100 people began to arrive around 9:30 p.m. for the fundraising evening. There is a selective list of those in attendance with there being many husbands and wives as well as fathers and daughters. Included were Mr. and Mrs. Withrow, Captain and Mrs. Spaulding, and Captain and Miss Irving.
“The ladies’ dresses were elegant and tasteful, and completed the general effect of the entertainment, while the music, under the able leadership of Mr. Bushby, lent a charm to the whole…the refreshments were ample and excellent. Dancing was kept up until 2 o’clock with great vigor and all appeared to enjoy the occasion.” Apparently all involved with the event were pleased with how it worked out and it was expected that, after expenses, a sum of about $150 would be raised.
For those who enjoyed a spot of Scottish culture, a special evening of “grand Scottish entertainment” under a program title of “A Nicht wi’ Burns!” was to take place in the Good Templar’s Hall. For this evening presentation a Mr. JC Fergusson, “The Scottish Lecturer and Vocalist,” was to be in town at the hall to “deliver his famous lecture on Scotland: Her Poetry, Her Humor, Her Music, and Her Song.”
