Welcome to the new year of 2018. We trust you had an enjoyable time taking part in at least some of the festivities that bring an old year to a close and give a hearty kick-off to the sparkling new version that is ready to go.
In 1868, the city of New Westminster started off its new year with some special evenings that combined a festive celebration, recognition for the Rifle Corps’ competitions, a musical program, and support for the Royal Columbian Hospital.
The event apparently had about 200 people in attendance who came together to offer their community support as well as enjoy a wide ranging social gathering. Government House was the venue for the whole thing, with Mrs. Seymour, the governor’s wife, being prominent in the success of the program.
The weather had been quite cold and there was a considerable amount of float ice on the Fraser River. Some sections of thick ice interfered with river travel but didn’t seem to get too much in the way of the evening.
Earlier in the fall, the Volunteer Rifles had recognized the various winners of awards in numerous competitions, and the presentation of the awards was part of this celebratory evening. Challenge Cups and prizes were awarded under titles such as the Governor’s Challenge Cup, Honorable Mr. Birch’s Challenge Cup, Mr. J T Scott’s Challenge Medal, The Ladies’ Purse and so on.
The musical entertainment was the principal part of evening’s program that consisted of 12 songs, parts of songs and solos. The entire list of performers was so good that the reporter did not want to single anyone out, but he did note that Mrs. McNaughton-Jones and Miss Needham were “deserving of special mention.”
The evening included Mrs. Claudet “presiding at the piano with great ability” and the Orpheus Glee Club offering several pieces that were up to their ability. “The entertainment concluded with a very amusing drawing-room burletta, which was exceedingly well rendered, and, perhaps, to many, the best of the whole.”
The article noted: “At the close the folding doors were thrown open, and a general invitation to partake of refreshments was extended to the audience, an invitation of which very many availed themselves.” This was very well received and Governor and Mrs. Seymour were enthusiastically thanked.
And so the year 1868 got off to a very good start in this community, and we hope that you too are off to a good start in 2018. There is much planned for this “new year” – we hope to see you.
