December 1858

Isle of Wight Observer

Dec 4th 1858: SCHEME FOR 1859 – In the Ferry Company asking for the powers that they do, we cannot fancy that it would be a very easy job to buy up the Ryde Pier interests, or the property for making an opening at the bottom of Union-street, and we cannot see how the revenue would be raised to pay for the outlay in erecting a Western Esplanade.

Dec 11th 1858: ADVERTISEMENT – W.BEAZLEY, the original newsagent, 65½ Union-street (under the veranda) and 149 High-street, begs to inform the nobility, gentry and inhabitants of Ryde and its vicinity, that he delivers all London morning papers in any part of the town, mid-day. Daily papers Lent to read, Posted, or Sent by coach, to any part of the Island. Agent for the “Isle of Wight Observer,” the “Penny Telegraph,” and “Morning Star.”

Dec 11th 1858: ODD FELLOWS – The 13th annual ball of the Loyal East Medina Lodge of Odd Fellows will take place on Monday the 27th at their lodge room, Star Inn, Ryde.

Dec 18th 1858: ENTERTAINING – Sir Augustus and Miss CLIFFORD entertained on Monday the Contess METAXÀ, Miss METAXÀ, Captain HANCOCK, R.N., Mr. and Mrs. PRICE, and Mr. and Mrs. RATCLIFFE.

Dec 18th 1858: BAZAAR – A bazaar in aid of funds for building schoolrooms in connection with the Independent Chapel, is to be held we hear, at the Victoria Rooms next week. We are not appraised of the day.

Dec 18th 1858: TRANSIT IN THE 19th CENTURY – Lovers of picturesque and defenders of aboriginal modes of travelling, would have been delighted had they been present on the Esplanade on Thursday morning. Most will be acquainted with the admirable contrivance attached to the boats for embarking and disembarking horses, cattle &c. One of the cattle with frontleg and horn tied down, was ordered to “walk the plank,” but the poor beast took to the water and swam round the ferry, and of course being tied, nearly drowned.