One of the many Christmastime memories people have is frequently a decorated store window. In New Westminster, people remember the Woodward's corner at Sixth and Sixth and Santa proudly and prominently dominating that corner. The Vancouver Woodward's series of windows remain a favourite to see each year - it is wonderful that they were saved many years ago.
Others remember window displays in downtown New Westminster at Woolworth's, Kresge's or David Spencer. People have told us that seasonal window decorations were always special and were sought out each Christmas at stores such as Henry Morey (bookstore), Johnston's Shoes, W. H. Keary (real estate and insurance), J. J. Johnston (real estate), Gifford's jewelry store, and Ryall's Drugstore. These and others spent a great amount of effort dressing their front windows.
We recently came across another Christmas window, an award winner back in 1913.
The detailed description of this window came to light while we were researching the history of the Westminster (Trust) Building.
The store window was for W. E. Sinclair Shoes, which was located to the right of the entrance to the building.
Today that would be Amicus Lawyers, with Waves coffee being to the left of the entrance.
The award in the "holiday window display competition" was from the Shoe and Leather Journal of Toronto and we learn from a newspaper account that there were 29 entries from across Canada. The Journal reportedly felt "that the windows of this city (New Westminster) compared very favourably with those of larger cities."
The "exceptionally attractive, well arranged and unique window" featured primarily men's and women's pumps and dress shoes in a representation of a home library.
There was a fireplace of red brick effect prepared from red wallpaper and white show card. The fire itself was created from a mound of coal and a pair of electric light bulbs.
Also in the window was a library desk to the right and an easy chair to the left.
We would love to find a photo of this 1913 display.
