Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
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Benevolent Birthday Gentleman

Silver Tea Service

    We have been requested by a benevolent gentleman, retired from business, and who up to within a recent period served in the capacity of a Commissioner, to publish the following, which we do with great pleasure. We are happy to say that this gentleman, who, although attaining the ripe old age of 80 years on the 8th inst., is still in the enjoyment of excellent health:

“To the aged.- Any friend in the Town of Ryde, or within one mile of its boundary, who have on the 8th August, 1869, reached the age of 80 years, may, on the 9th or 10th inst., by giving in their names and age at Comden and Son’s, pastrycook, No. 1 St. Thomas’s-square, receive a one shilling plum cake; and the oldest lady, in addition to the cake, a quarter-pound of tea and one pound of loaf sugar; and the oldest gentleman, in the habit of smoking, a quarter-pound of tobacco and six pipes; or, in lieu of tobacco, half a pound of coffee and one pound of sugar; and should there be a bachelor, who has been plodding alone for 80 years, he shall, in addition to the cake and the frouas of the ladies, receive half-a-dozen of ginger beer. Do not require personal application, by proxy will do.”

Two weeks later the results of the invitation “to the aged” were published in the Isle of Wight Observer. 41 people applied and their  ages were between 80 and 93.

Source: Isle of Wight Observer 7 & 21 August 1869

Picture source: tea service & pipe from clipart