September 1876
Isle of Wight Observer:
Sept 2nd 1876: NARROW ESCAPE – A young man named John RICHARDS, of Oakfield, had a very narrow escape from drowning on Tuesday evening. It seems that being rather “elevated,” he ventured to the east side of the pier in a canoe without any paddles, and, not being able to get back again he jumped over and attempted to swim to the bathing stage. RICHARDS is a good swimmer, and no great anxiety was felt. As he neared shallow water he was seized with cramp. He was drawn out of the water in an insensible state. He remains in the Infirmary in a very critical condition.
Sept 2nd 1876: ENTERTAINMENT – That celebrated and versatile artist, Mr. MACLAGAN, from London and the Brighton Aquarium, will give his drawing room entertainment, entitled “Odds and Ends,” at the Victoria Rooms on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, next week. MACLAGAN gave one of his entertainments in Ryde a short time since, and made a very favourable impression.
Sept 2nd 1876: NEW TYROLESE SINGERS – This new and excellent company of lady melodists will appear at our Town Hall, in their national costumes, in two grand concerts, September 11 and 12, assisted by Mons. L. ANDRE, the celebrated baritone, Herr KRONBURG, the well-known performer on the zither, and la petite Eugenie (only four years of age). The company have had the honour of performing before the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Sept 2nd 1876: WINDOW BROKEN – During the height of the gale on Thursday (abut 1 o’clock) the pole which supports the awning over Mr. H. PACK’s shop in St. Thomas’s-square, came out, and the pole came with such force against the large plate of glass in the window that it was completely smashed. The window blind was also much torn by the violence of the wind.
Sept 2nd 1876: IMPORTANT TO CHEMISTS – The selling by chemists of what is known as Liebig’s Extract of Beef has been declared to be an offence against the excise, one of its ingredients being French port. Chemists cannot retail the mixture without possessing a wine license.
Sept 9th 1876: ROYAL REGATTA – The pole dance concluded the days amusements, the pole being lowered from a steamer moored off the pier, The pig was carried off by a man named John RICHARDS.
Sept 16th 1876: LAST EXCURSION – The last excursion of the Heather Bell to Alum Bay and Bournemouth, will take place on Tuesday next, if the weather permits. The Heather Bell will leave the pier at 10 in the morning, and a special train to Ventnor, calling at all stations, will be run in connection with the excursion. The fares to Bournemouth are, 4s. and 3s. ; to Alum Bay, 2.6d. and 2s.
Sept 16th 1876: PRESENTATION – The employés on the pier have testified their respect for their superintendent, Mr. J. W. FISHER, and their regret at his leaving, by subscribing among themselves to purchase him a testimonial, which was presented a few days since. It is a very handsome silver-plated tea urn, from Mr. THURLOW’s well known establishment, and bears an appropriate inscription.
Sept 16th 1876: APPEAL TO THE BENEVOLENT – Among all the bath chairmen of this town, we do not suppose there is one better known than John FRENCH, who has been for 49 years a resident here, and for nearly 40 years has drawn a chair. We regret to say that several months ago poor FRENCH happened to let a box he was according for a lady fall upon his leg, which was so severely injured that he has not been able to follow his usual avocation since, and has kept to his bed. The poor man has now nothing to depend upon, we trust those who have known him will do something to assist him. His address is No. 3 Melville-street.
Sept 30th 1876: NOTICE – is hereby given, that the partnership between the undersigned, Henry Charles HUGHES and Arthur DAVIS, as hardwaremen, at the American Stores, High-street, Ryde, in the Isle of Wight, has been dissolved by mutual consent, as from the 23rd day of September instant, and that the business will in future be carried on by the said Arthur DAVIS.