August 1876
Isle of Wight Observer:
Aug 5th 1876: THE THEATRE – During the past week the Theatre has been tolerably well patronised, the cooler evenings having tempted more people to attend. The piece played on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, was the “Streets of London,” which was placed upon the stage in excellent style.
Aug 5th 1876: TEA PARTY – On Monday afternoon the children belonging to the Primitive Methodist Sunday School, Star-street, had their annual tea meeting in a field at Week’s, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Jas. BUTLER. After tea various sports were engaged in, and the party broke up soon after 8.
Aug 5th 1876: DEPREDATION & THEFT – A certain individual or individuals have defaced the word “Webberia,” painted in large letters upon a board within the boundary of that freehold. The offence was accompanied by one of a graver nature, viz., night stealing of turnips and other vegetables. These offences have been twice perpetrated.
Aug 5th 1876: RECREATION GROUND – We think our Mayor deserves great credit for the regard he has shown for the little urchins of the town. We do not see why the children should not be allowed to follow their natural instincts and play, and the only thing wanted is some place where they can do so without interfering with the comfort or convenience of their elders. The piece of ground which His Worship has rented in the Marshes is not everything which could be desired, but we believe it was the best he could get.
Aug 5th 1876: VESSEL OFF RYDE – The “Mary Ellen,” steamer, of Carnarvon, from Gothenburg for Meath with deals, anchored off Ryde during the week with sails split.
Aug 12th 1876: TREAT TO WORKMEN – The workmen employed in Mr. J. HARRINGTON’s leather factory had their annual treat last Saturday, when their kind employer took them to Freshwater in two large Waggonettes. A capital dinner was provided at the Royal Standard Hotel, to which ample justice was done. After enjoying themselves in various ways they started for Ryde again, which they did not reach till past 10 o’clock.
Aug 12th 1876: A BRAVE ACT – A few evenings ago a son of Mr. Alfred PURNELL, about 12 years of age, was fishing on the pier, when he unfortunately fell over in deep water. Being observed by Mr. Antwerp PRATT, of the Promontory, he at once jumped into the water and succeeded in catching PURNELL as he came up the second time, and swam with him to the breakers. Eventually s boat put off and brought them safely to shore.
Aug 19th 1876: MR. ARTHUR SKETCHLEY – We are pleased to announce that the humorous creator of Mrs. BROWN will give an evening entertainment in the Town Hall on Wednesday next. Those who heard Mr. SKETCHLEY read last year we are sure will make every effort to hear him again.
Aug 19th 1876: TOMB OF A WATERLOO HERO – A very handsome monument, to mark the resting place of the late Robert MILLIGAN, Esq., of Eastridge, has just been erected in our pretty Cemetery. It consists of a fine base of Bristol stone, with four panels, surmounted by a chaste cross in white marble, with the initials “J.H.S.” The last panel bears the inscription.
Aug 26th 1876: TOURNEE – A new lawn game has peen patented by Mr. John HARINGTON, of Fairlawn. The game of Tournee is somewhat similar but far superior to croquet, and embodies many of the best principles of billiards. It may be played by any number of persons either separately or as partners, and the game requires but little practice for the attainment of skill.
Aug 26th 1876: MESSAGE FROM THE SEA – Mr. W. ANDREWS, the Southampton and Isle of Wight Company’s agent at Ryde Pier, sends us the following letter, which he states was in a bottle picked up by his son on the beach at Quarr Abbey on the evening of the 16th instant:- “Ten miles off Brest. Dearest Carrie, our little boat, which started on the 10th, has two or three times nearly capsized. We are now in another squall, and I am afraid there is no hope—Ever your own true friend, K.C.B.”