Christmas Shockwave - Were Christmas cards were first referenced in 1829?

 

Christmas Shockwave - Were Christmas cards were first referenced in 1829?

On Wednesday the 2nd of November 2023, I went to a talk by Steph Mastoris, Head of National Waterfront Museum, Swansea on Christmas Cards. During this talk he elaborated on Sir Henry Cole’s and John Callcott Horsley’s card in 1843. This has been accepted as the first commercial Christmas card. He then showed a article from the Hampshire Chronicle from Monday 07 December 1829, on Page 6 [1]. In the Weddings and Engagements section, announcement reads

“A Cordial Welcome.— We learn that the "Olde Winchester" Christmas and New Year greetings, designed by Mr. A. Clements, of Northgate Studio, are receiving a most cordial welcome from Christmas card buyers”

This predates Sir Henry Cole’s card by 14 years.

As Sherlock Holmes said “The game’s afoot”. [2]

So the first check was this fact referenced anywhere else? Unfortunately, the quote was referenced in other locations, including, The Oxford Handbook of Christmas [3]. They all used the Hampshire Chronicle.

I found a Reddit discussion [4] that suggested the original article was misdated from 100 years later.

So reassessment of the Total Passage started with the first announcement

“The engagement is announced between Mr. Geoffrey Hugh Mitchell, The Buffs and King's African Rifles, son of the late Hugh McP. Mitchell and Mrs, Mitchell, of 14, Kensington Park-road, London. and Elizabeth Ursula, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Crawford, Avonmore, Shawford, Winchester”

A search of the records on www.ancestry.com [5] found the Marriage announcement on July 4, 1931, of the couple. A search for century earlier showed no such marriage.

Also, the King's African Rifles were formed in 1902. [6]

It can therefore be concluded, using Occam’s Razor, that the Hampshire Chronicle was simply misdated by 100 years, a simple mistyping of an 8 when an 9 was required.

 

 

References

[1]

Hampshire Chronicle - Monday 07 December 1829 Page 6

Website

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000231/18291207/036/0006

 

The relevant passage

Weddings and Engagements.

 A Cordial Welcome.—We learn that the " Olde Winchester" Christmas and New Year greetings, designed by Mr. A. Clements, of Northgate Studio, are receiving a most cordial welcome from Christmas card buyers, sales already nearing the 2000 mark. Large numbers have been sent abroad friends interested in Winchester.

Total Passage

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Weddings and Engagements. The engagement is announced between Mr. Geoffrey Hugh Mitchell, The Buffs and King's African Rifles, son of the late Hugh McP. Mitchell and Mrs, Mitchell, of 14, Kensington Park-road, London. and Elizabeth Ursula, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Crawford, Avonmore, Shawford, Winchester.

A marriage has been arranged, and will shortly take place, between Capt. Kenneth Edward Previte, Royal Marines (retd.), eldest son Col. E. j. Previte. V.D., T.D., arid Mrs. Previte, Fox Hill House, Keston, Kent, and Frances, only daughter of Major-General Sir John Clapper, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., and Lady Capper, House, Bramdean, Alresford. 

The engagement announced Mr. Lancelot Austin, son of the Rev. and Mrs. W. A. Garrard, Elmhurst, Romsey, and Miss Muriel Walsh, younger daughter Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh of Hemsworth, Yorkshire.

An engagement announced between the Rev. Briar; Gclland Crowlev, youngest son the late Cedric E. Crowley, Chilbolton Rectory, Hampshire, and of Mrs. Crowley, Killcrby, Great Malvern, and Eileen Edith Singer Hill, youngest daughter of the late Vice-Admiral George Hill, Stoney Hall. Shropshire, and stepdaughter of Mrs. Hill. Chart Sutton, Kent. 

The Marriage of Miss Florence Edith Blanche Stone, eldest daughter Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Stone, of Badger Farm, St. Cross, Winchester, with Mr. Charles Donald Hewlett, only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Hewlett, of 38, Middle-read. Sholing, Southampton, took place at St. Cross Church. Winchester, Saturday. Nov. 30th. The Rev. H. A. Collins officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore gown of old gold satin, and carried bouquet bronze chrysanthemums and lilies (the gift of the bridegroom). The bridesmaids were Miss Dorothy Stone (sister bride). Miss Ethel Stone (cousin of bride), and Miss Phillis Hewlett (cousin the bridegroom). The two former were dressed in biscuit beige, and Miss P. Hewlett in almond green. They carried bouquets of bronze and yellow chrysanthemums (the gifts of the bridegroom). The best man was Mr. Claude Hewlett (cousin of the bridegroom). A reception was afterwards held at St. Cross Parish Hall, where about 60 relatives and friends of the bride and bridegroom were entertained. The happy couple were the recipients about 70 pretty and useful wedding presents. 

Mayor and Mayoress Visit Schools. During the week the Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester (Councillor and Mrs. Collis) have paid visits to several of the elementary schools Hyde, Western, St. Thomas, St. Faith and Stamnore. At Hyde, St. Thomas and St. Faith the Mayoress presented small replicas the King Alfred Statue. 

 Brotherhood - Mr. J. Blackall. Southampton, was the speaker at the Winchester Brotherhood on Sunday, place of Mr. Kenneth Lindsay. His subject was “Stars and Men." Mr A. T. Edmonds presided. To-morrow (Sunday) the speaker will be Mr. Vernon Howard. M.A., formerly master at Peter Symonds School. He will speak The wonders of the Universe." 

A Cordial Welcome.—We learn that the " Olde Winchester" Christmas and New Year greetings, designed by Mr. A. Clements, of Northgate Studio, are receiving a most cordial welcome from Christmas card buyers, sales already nearing the 2000 mark. Large numbers have been sent abroad friends interested in Winchester.

Meteor.—A meteor of extraordinary brightness and which lit the whole sky and countryside, was seen in the Winchester district at 6 p.m. on Monday. The Astronomer Royal, Greenwich, considers that the meteor must have considerable height it was observed the counties of Essex, Hampshire, Hertford, Kent and Middlesex. 

Hospital Donation. The list of donations, &e acknowledged by the Royal Hampshire County Hospital this week includes sum of' £295 16s. 8d.. being the proceeds of the Thanksgiving Fund for the Recovery of H.M. the King. 

WINCHESTER RED TRIANGLE CLUB BAZAAR As supplementary our report last week we should like mention that Mrs. Alwyn T. P. Williams was present at the opening ceremony. The Mayoress of Winchester's stall realised £25 17s. Mrs. George Meigh was one the helpers at this stall. Amongst those who sent gifts or donations were Mr. Alex Devine. Lady Selborne. Ladv Cooper, Lady Shelley-Rolls, the Countess of Northbrook, Sir George and Lady Hennessy. Lord Northbrook. Sir Henry Durstall, Mrs. Johns. Mrs. Fetherstonhaugh, Mrs. McNabs. Mrs. Hcdgson, Mrs. A. Bowker. Miss Frost. Mr. W. Havward, The Bishop of Southampton and others. Mr. C. H. Spicer and the Domestic Bazaar also gave prizes for the Whist Drive. 

The Dansant —The Committee of the Ladies' Guild wish to thank all who contributed to make the afternoon so successful. Thanks are especially due to Miss Peggy Whiteley and her talented pupils who came from Southsea to help tbe cause; to all tbe members the Guild who contributed liberally with homemade cakes, &e, for the tea. and above all, to Mrs. Richards and her helpers for the excellent commissariat arrangements. The expenses amounted to £12 12s. Id. Tickets, donations. &c.. brought £64 2s. 6d.. so that cheque for £51 10s. has been forwarded to headquarters. A report of the event is given in our 9th page. 

[The rest need re-editing]

St. Cross Women's Association. The annual exhibition ;'ml s.-ile '' members' work, suitable Jot Christmas resents, was held in the Parjf-h ICdl Tuesday. when was a splendid rhow o'' needlework. hand weaving, knitting. &c. well as many fancy artir-l'vs t'.ie way of bi-'c-a-brac. iftc. A special feature was number Christmas cards p.nd ralendf «. of which those were noteworthy. fart was. the whole, show of which the Association well h?. proud. - ' was also fin" dis-plav of homemade cakes, sweats, mincemeat, jams. &c ami every department stood business was 'lone. A 2d. dip articles members w?s patronised. *s usual, this, was in the charge Miss Miller. Teas ,v-=vr>. in the small room Miss Butt f»nd the Tea Committee. Those soonsible for various stalls were :—- "Wrs. Tullis fhon. treasurer). Mrs. Mis. Benvis. Mrs. Brown, Mis Croft. Mr". Fox, Afrp. Mrs. T-Toebii' Mrs. Knii-ht. Mrs. Medley. Mrs. Pd-ro. Mrs. Pinnick, Mrs. Bay. and Miss Tullis. Olivers Hall. social and dance was. held the Hall Thursday, and the weather there was very good attendance. "The evening started off with a and soon the fun began. A splendid varSfcty of music was provided, the programmeX including spot dances, novelties, Paul j\nes, and many others. The hall was decorated, and the curtains were. tjrVrougb the kindness of the Ladies' Club. for the first time. The hall now owns through the kindness of near neighbours. A very hearty vote of thanks passed the Refreshment Committee, toVMr. and Mrs. Hillier (who so ably arranged the social) and their Committee, and the band, three rousing cheers beins g>yen. Mr. Mr. W estcott and Mr. acted M.C.'s for the evening. Sr. Cottage Garden Society.—The annual general meeting was held St. Faith's Parish Hall on Tuesday evening, the Master St. Cross (the Veil. Archdeacon Daldy) presiding. It was then decided that next year's show should be held on Thursday, July 24th. the proposition Major L. Russell, seconded by Air. E. Sherwood, the Master of St. Gross was re-elected President of the Society, and the whole of the Vice-Presidents were also re-elected. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. A. H. Dawkins)'"-having read a letter from the Rev.. 11. A. Collins, resigning his post as Chairman of the Committee, as he is shortly leaving St. Cross, moved a heartyvote of thanks to him for his services during the past six years (hear, hear). The. President seconded, and it was carried unanimously. It was decided to revert to the pre-war practice of the President being Chairman of the Committee;" and the Master said he would be very glad to do so 'if he might have a Vice-Chairman, as found it so difficult to get to Committee meetings. Major L. Russell was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman. Mr. F. E. Pearce was re-elected Hon. Treasurer and Mr. A. H. Dawkhis Hon. Secretary. The Committee was elected to comprise : Mr. W. Alien. Miss Barber. Mr. R. J. Croft. Mr. C. Cross. Mr. T. H. Fox. Mr. H. Gaiger. Miss Hyde. Mr. C. Kingsburv, Mr. 11. Mr. G. M. Mathews, W. Mattineley, Mr. T. G. Messeneer, Miss Miller, Mr. W. Page, Mr. F. Ray, Mr. E. Sherwood, Mr. G. Ward and Mr. C. Young. New Theatre. —The last two performances by the Ail Star Variety Company. who have appearing at the" New Theatre (North Walls), will given night 6.30 and '8.30. Next week *' Series," the 100 per cent, comedy, musical, and dance shew, will occupy the boards. As will be seen our advertisement columns, the company includes several London stars," among whom are Leslie Sears, Bert Ray, and many others. This is one the greatest comedy chows touring. FOR COUGHS 'and COLDS . balsas! hokey

 

[2]

“The Adventure of the Abbey Grange” by Arthur Conan Doyle

 

[3]

The Oxford Handbook of Christmas - Page 46 https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Xy8DEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA46&lpg=PA46&dq=%22Mr.+A.+Clements%22+%2B%22Northgate+Studio%22&source=bl&ots=cMszHrwaic&sig=ACfU3U0rei2QL8U7x2tSrZFkHDZd1JMiMA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjz5PTO_siCAxXrYEEAHRqFBXUQ6AF6BAgOEAM#v=onepage&q=%22Mr.%20A.%20Clements%22%20%2B%22Northgate%20Studio%22&f=false

 

[4]

Reddit discussion

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/k6inyt/ive_always_heard_that_the_christmas_cards_were/

 

[5]

“The wedding of Mr. Geoffrey Hugh Mitchell and Elizabeth Ursula Crawford on July 4, 1931 can be found on https://www.ancestry.com 

Link

https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/7773548?token=7b22746f6b656e223a224e6c6a366a366e6c72484c66736b4767314f705737664b682b32424a7178766c4359747a3950782b3654343d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d&fbclid=IwAR0e5OFhQUhS1XD5KKZnS9OlbVPUGmnPtwLMhY_05WShUOZsogq5W9ZGU74

 

[6]

The King's African Rifles Wikipedia entry at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_African_Rifles

 

 

100 Puns

I have been challenged to post 100 puns over 100 days. Can I do it?

[Travel] Quick London things

This blog is dedicated to Kyle and Stacey

You have London in front of you, it's evening and you have 30 minutes to do something.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Here are some ideas.

1. The Eye at Sunset

2. A pint of Best in any decent Pub.

3. Make a call from London's first red phone box
Off Piccadilly in the courtyard arch of the Royal Academy. There is telephonic history. There is a sheltered red kiosk which was the first.

4. Ride the Tube, you could even visit Mornington Crescent.

5. Row on the Serpentine
Rent one of the boats (available from March to October) and have fun messing about on the oldest boating lake in the capital or read poetry to each other.

6. Museum Dip. Choose a Museum, set your alarm for 30 minutes, enter and be out before the alarm goes off. Much harder than it sounds.

7. Check out the city from the crest of Parliament Hill
Best visited at sunrise or sunset.

8. Tuck into pie and mash
Two pies, a mountain of mash and a lake of liquor for under a fiver.

9. Do the Monopoly pub crawl
That’s 26 pubs, in order. It would have to done over several nights.

10. Walk along the Embankment for 30 minutes.

[Tech] A movie Company is born.

I have been playing with, and teaching myself, video editing.
Anyone suggest a good FREE editing package.

Windows Movie Maker is simple, and frustratingly restricted.
But it’s been fun learning and my Youtube account is growing.
You can find it here

So to celebrate, I’ve created OMMS Productions©,
Spielberg watch out :-) , NOT.

[Politics\Humour] What does Nick Clegg stand for?

David Cameroon, whenever he enters the room.

A work collegue got me with this one today. Ouch.

[Poetry] A HayFever Sufferer

Billowing Pollen
Coughing, Blocked nose, Streaming eyes
A holiday ruined

[Politcs] My reaction to that coalition

After much soul searching I have compartmentalised my reaction into 3 sections.
1. The Public Good.
2. The Party Good.
3. My personal reaction.

1. The Public Good.
a. Unquestionably a good thing. The public gave no one party a majority so the logical conclusion is a coalition government.
b. The coalition should be a stable government provided the Tories don’t stab the Liberal Democrats in the back, or front, or side, etc.
c. The public want some Tory policies but not all of them (or at least didn’t want Labour ones) and with a coalition the worst excesses of Tory policies are mitigated by a good dose of Liberalism.
d. The public will see coalition government in action.

2. The Party Good.
a. The Liberal Democrats bang on about PR, which will possibly lead to a balanced parliament, which will possibly lead to a coalition government, so they now practice what they preach.
b. This is a killer for me. No party elected in third place, that supports the Governing party, survives for long in a non-proportional system. Witness the Australian Democrats and others around the world.
c. The party is throwing itself of the Tory grenade and, I fear, we won’t benefit. For example, I bet it’s left to Laws to give the bad news on where cuts will fall. [This was written before but published after today’s news]

3. My personal reaction.
a. This is nightmare for me; I have always seen the Labour Party as the competition and the Tories as the opposition.
b. I don’t trust the Tories to stab the Liberal Democrats in the back; I hope to God there are some honourable members of that Party so we will see.

[Politcs] My shortest post.

PR?