Once again with spring comes the events and celebrations of Easter.
Depending where you are, they might include fields of flowers and fragrant bouquets, festivities and dinners, stylish new hats and parasols, evening strolls or fanciful processions, church services and choral evenings, or even enjoying Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in Easter Parade.
In our local history there are many examples of recognition of this time of year.
Dedicated to the ladies of New Westminster and district, Mrs. Townsend advertised in 1877 that she had new millinery and fancy goods. From late March onward, this ad noted that she would have "new and fashionable goods for the coming seasons, to arrive direct from London and Paris."
In early April of 1879, another promotion noted the receipt of a huge array of goods via a ship's recent arrival: "first shipment of spring goods consisting of all the newest shades in silks, satins, velvets, ribbons, flowers, feathers, millinery, hats and bonnets" and the list goes on.
The spring needs of the lady of the house were well cared for.
In another ad, Mrs. Wise "begs to inform the ladies of New Westminster and vicinity that she has just received, by express, a choice assortment of ladies' hats, caps and etc., elegantly trimmed in accordance with the very latest styles."
This particular advertisement also includes an interesting comment regarding the store itself. "During the construction of her new establishment expressly erected for this purpose, her showrooms are over Mr. Wise's store, where she invites her lady friends and patrons to call to examine her stock. Opposite Irving's wharf, Front Street, NW".
While there are few detailed accounts of religious services, the local papers did carry many references to the day and its quiet, holiday-like attraction.
"Yesterday being Good Friday, the stores, generally, were closed, and the streets assumed the appearance of Sunday."
Or "the day was duly observed by our city lieges." Or "was generally observed by our citizens as a public holiday; services were held at Holy Trinity, St. Paul's and the Catholic churches."
Easter and spring also mean flowers, plants, and the new growth of crops in the valley and there was always much to bring this to the community's attention.
"The weather continues magnificent, clear, bright and warm. Vegetation in every form is looking beautiful, the gardens are gorgeous with spring flowers, the only indication of the early portion of the year; otherwise it has all the appearance and warmth of summer."
And there was another reference to items, quite collectible today: "call and see the Easter cards, handsomely painted by a young lady of B.C., and the special assortment of Prang's Easter cards, at W. H. Keary's Pioneer Book store."
Louis Prang was a very popular American printer of items including cards. Wonder who the "young lady of B.C." was.
Happy Easter.
