Another great year has flown by. It seems only a short time ago we were all worrying about the new millennium and its scary implications and now here we are, heading into 2013.
To wrap up 2012, we would like to offer some historical references to winter and the New Year - a couple about the cold, and a couple about something most of us get at the end of one year to keep track of the next.
A traditional image of winters past in stories and cards is of horse-drawn sleighs and landscapes of sparkling snow.
From 1888 we find: "Sleighing between this City and Vancouver is very fair. Yesterday several people came over in sleighs and they are of the opinion that, barring the cold, the jingle of the bells is far sweeter music than the rattling of wagon wheels."
From 1891 we find another: "A few sleighs with the merry musical bells were noticed on the streets, and the boys were out in full force pelting each other with snowballs."
Makes you think of the holiday song, Winter Wonderland: "Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland."
And now for that "something else" we all get at year end - a calendar or appointment book.
We take these for granted today whether we are considering the vast selection of hard copy products or similar items for our computers and cell phones.
But in year's past they were unusual and noted in the press.
In 1900, a local stationery store had two on offer, apparently for free - one with a very special added feature.
"Two calendars, as serviceable as they are handsome, are being distributed by Messrs Major and Pearson, local agents of the old reliable fire companies (note: this means fire insurance companies), the Phoenix of Hartford, and the National of Ireland. The Phoenix calendar is particularly bright being in two colours."
An appointment-type ledger book was sold by TR Pearson & Co in 1882 but, for its day, it was somewhat expensive.
"No man in business should begin the New Year without the Excelsior Business Record. It saves time. It saves money. It saves temper. It costs only $3.50 and it lasts 10 years. Send for it. Call and see it. Examine it. Buy it. Use it, and you'll never regret it."
Sounds a little like the hard sell that often accompanies some of the current versions.
We wish you all the best in health and happiness in 2013 and we look forward to much more history and heritage in the Royal City.
