Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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January 1860

Isle of Wight Observer

Jan 7th 1860: THE YEAR OF GRACE 1859 – The retrospect of the past year cannot be otherwise than gratifying to the inhabitants of the Isle of Wight; inasmuch as it was a year of extraordinary prosperity. The circumstance which stands out most boldly in relief is the effect which resulted from the cheap railway travelling; A circumstance of national importance, in fact a great sign of the times, has been developed in the Island, namely the formation of a rifle corps; The bill of health in our locality has shown a great absence of epidemic disorders, but smallpox has prevailed to an unusual extent; The past year has been very prolific with the shipwrecks on our coast.

Jan 7th 1860: THE NEW PIER – The commencement of the re-building of that portion of the new Pier which was washed away by the gale in October last, began on Thursday. The new piles are much larger than the old ones, so that they will be down further into the sand and still be much higher out of the water.

Jan 7th 1860: MOTHERBANK – This unrivalled anchorage has been much frequented again of late, and that too, by ships of very large tonnage. Flags of nearly every nation are constantly to be seen flying, and this, of course, gives a little impetus to the provisions trade.

Jan 7th 1860: ENTERTAINMENT – Mr. James CALDWELL hospitably entertained a large number of tradesmen and others at his residence, Beechlands, on Wednesday evening, placing a noble suite of rooms at their disposal. The musical department was conducted by Mr. AUSTIN and Mr. SALTER, and dancing was kept up till an early hour. The health of the venerable General, Mrs. SULLIVAN, and other branches of the family, was drunk with honors. It was a first rate affair.

Jan 14th 1860: HOTEL WAITERS AT WATERING PLACES – A movement is going forward at Oxford, its object the employment of college servants in the vacation. It is a pity that much more of the extra labour required in the watering places of the Isle of Wight could not be supplied in a similar manner.

Jan 14th 1860: SOUP KITCHEN – This valuable help to the poor recommenced its operations on the first Monday of the year. We take this opportunity of reminding the wealthy that subscriptions in aid of funds will be received at the Banks, and as each subscriber is at liberty to recommend who the recipients of his bounty shall be, it is almost superfluous to say that no distinction is made on religious grounds. On producing a subscription ticket each recipient receives, on payment of a penny, a quart of really nutritious soup and a pound of bread.

Jan 14th 1860: ADVERTISEMENT – The Lady’s Newspaper & Pictorial Times, greatly enlarged and improved, is published every Saturday, price Sixpence, free by post. It contains choice engravings of passing events–Designs of the latest Paris Fashions–Worktable Patterns–Portraits of Eminent Persons–accompanied by descriptive letter press.

Jan 21st 1860: CUTTER YACHT “EXTRAVAGANZA” – This yacht 48 tons, has been purchased by D. TRANT Esq., of the R.V.Y.C. Her spars and canvas are to be reduced, and no expense will be spared to try her qualities in the coming regattas of 1860.

Jan 28th 1860: THE GAS COMPANY – We understand several of our streets, which have hardly recovered their proper state since their dreadful tearing about during the water blunder, are going again to be broken up to lay larger gas pipes in consequence of many private houses in Spencer-road and Pelham Fields lighting their basements with gas.

Jan 28th 1860: FESTIVITIES – Colonel and Mrs. Cortlandt TAYLOR, of Sydney Terrace, entertained a large and distinguished party at the Masonic-Hall on Tuesday evening. Previous to the commencement of the festivities one of the gentlemen stood forward and read the Queen’s Speech, which had been received by Electric International Telegraph. The majority of the “wealth and beauty” of Ryde and the environs were present on the occasion and amongst the gentlemen were a great number of military and naval officers. The musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr. JONES. The supper tables were literally loaded with every delicacy that the most fastidious taste could desire; while tea and coffee followed in proper succession.