January 1867
Isle of Wight Observer:-
Jan 5th 1867: ST. MARIE’S CHURCH – The birth of the new year, like many of its predecessors, was ushered in by ringing of the bells of this church, by permission of the Rev. Dean PHILLIPS, the pastor.
Jan 5th 1867: YORK HOTEL – For sixteen years past Mr. OLDFIELD, the much-respected landlord of this far-famed establishment has invited his friends to partake of his hospitality on New Year’s Eve, and, as usual, did the same on this occasion. A sumptuous repast was served up, and all was bright and happy within the walls of the York hotel. The toast of “Absent friends” was given in sparkling champagne.
Jan 5th 1867: THE WEATHER – We have often heard it remarked that the winters are not, now-a-days, what they formerly were. At length, however, we have one of the old-fashioned sort. The hills at the south of the Island were covered with snow on Monday, and on that night there was a general fall throughout the Island. This is the time to remember the poor and needy, when good food, clothing, and shelter are especially necessary.
Jan 5th 1867: SNOWBALLING – A somewhat amusing scene occurred opposite Mr. DASHWOOD’s shop in Union-street. A coachman, driving a pair of horses with considerable difficulty, was watched by a young urchin about 10 or 11 years of age, with a covered basket, in which were a number of ready-made snowballs, with one of which he took aim and struck coachee on the cheek, he immediately “skedaddled.” Had one of Mr. PUNCH’s comic artists been present the countenance of the coachman would have afforded material for a very amusing picture.
Jan 12th 1867: NATIONAL SCHOOL – On Friday last the parents of the children who attend these day and Sunday schools partook of an excellent tea in the Victoria-rooms, to which they had been kindly invited by the Rev W. H. GIRDLESTONE. Above 300 sat down, and after having done justice to the good things set before them, the tables were cleared, and the Sunday school prizes given to the successful competitors.
Jan 19th 1867: RAILWAY PROSECUTIONS – A large bill has been posted at the Pier-gates giving a list of persons’ names, with a description of their calling and place of residence, who have infringed the laws.
Jan 19th 1867: LECTURE – The Isle of Wight Philosophical Society held its usual monthly meeting at its rooms, Melville-street, on which occasion Mr. Jabez HUGHES delivered an interesting lecture on “Photography, with a consideration of the scientific principles on which it is based.” He said, when the history of the nineteenth century comes to be written—when the causes have to be assigned for the stupendous advances made during that period—the historian will have to point to steam, electricity, and photography.
Jan 19th 1867: QUADRILL BANDS – Messrs. CONDUIT & CHIGNELL beg to inform the Gentry of the Island that they have succeeded in organising a band, the members of which comprise the principle performers in the county, and that they are now prepared to accept engagements for any number. The music performed will be the newest and most popular of the day. Music Saloon, 78 and 79 Union-street, Ryde.
Jan 26th 1867: JUBILEE – Fifty years ago on Sunday last our venerable townsman, Blackall SIMONDS esq., took unto himself a wife. The anniversaries of the wedding and birthdays of Mr. SIMONDS are invariably celebrated by a gift of bread to the aged poor of the town and neighbourhood. To celebrate this jubilee, Mr. WRIGHT received orders and supplied 70 gallons of bread to as many poor persons.
Jan 26th 1867: CONSEQUENCE OF THE GALE – Great fears were entertained on Sunday and Monday last that the schooner “Jane” belonging to Mr. James FAIRALL, of Ryde, with 100 tons of coal on board, would become a wreck. On Monday she was bumping about close to the Pier, with the water over her deck. Fortunately, however, the weather having moderated, she was released from her dangerous position.