We are already at the end of November. When we were much younger, this was a special time because the calendar would soon change to December when so much seemed connected to Christmas and the upcoming New Year – at school, at home, in the neighbourhood, everywhere. It wasn’t as conspicuous then as it is today, but it was still a dominant part of the days.
It is rare to come across a reference to “Christmas” or “the holidays” from New Westminster prior to the 1890s, until well into the month of December. A couple of exceptions might have had to do with ordering Christmas cakes and confections from a bakery, or special meats from a butcher. A shipment of cards, specific seasonal items or calendars for the New Year might also draw some attention.
Recently, we came across one of those wonderful historical exceptions to what we have just said, when we found some strong “Christmas” references at the end of November of 1884 in the local Royal City paper.
The first was an ad for the watchmaker’s shop of Mr. McNaughton in which many of his items were described in detail and there was included the lines “A musical clock or a handsome watch is a very desirable Christmas gift” and “For Christmas gifts call at McNaughton’s in the Colonial building.”
The issue also had a bakery advertisement encouraging an early start to ordering the requisite holiday sweets. Mr. A Diebel, whose bakery was on Front Street, prompted residents to “order your Christmas cakes … cream cakes, sponge cakes or any other form of holiday confectionery, plain or ornamental … he will be glad to receive orders for cakes in every variety.”
Although it was interesting to see these in late November of 1884, there was one other that stood out even more. It was in a prominent position at the top left corner of the page and headed “Christmas.”
It started “Signs of the great Christian Holyday (sic) are already visible in the stores of the Royal City.” We then learn that “Hall has received the first shipment of Christmas cards and books.”
Mr. Diebel, whom we have already noted, was apparently very good at his trade and is featured with a description of something that must have been quite wonderful to see: “Diebel on Front St. exhibits a Christmas cake which is really a work of art – a castle fit for a fairy...”
Diebel had also created a railroad-themed piece in sugar art, obviously another of his skills. “His railway to Port Moody in sugar would sicken the Coal Harbour knaves. It is a sweet reality.”
This latter comment was aimed at the ongoing efforts and discussions related to the CPR and their coming train.
There was also a lengthy description of a beef display at the Dickenson shop.
All items of interest from the papers of late November, 1884.
