We often think of New Westminster in the 1860s as being a long way from the major cities of North America and the world.
This is, in the context of that time, absolutely correct. What isn't correct is to make the assumption that the city was isolated from the rest of the world. We have frequently referred to world connections to the city in the 1860s, and today we bring you another.
In October of 1862, the city of New Westminster was looking forward to a musical performance. An advertisement in the local paper proudly proclaimed "Grand Concert, Miss Belle Divine. This talented young vocalist and actress will give an entertainment at the Columbia Theatre, on Monday evening, assisted by Mr. Harry Taylor, the brilliant pianist late of San Francisco."
A search of music world information for the mid-1800s in California shows that Belle Divine was involved in a number of productions in "the city by the bay" and was well regarded. There were numerous musical, theatrical and other stage companies that travelled the West Coast giving performances or "entertainments" in many of the small towns along the way.
The paper reported when the duo arrived, "This accomplished and charming vocalist, who has been starring in San Francisco and Victoria, accompanied by Mr. Harry Taylor, the celebrated pianist, came up by the Enterprise last night, and make their debut before a New Westminster audience on Monday evening next."
We must remember that there were many people in the colonies at that time who had come from California and who were well acquainted with that state's performers.
Stories in the papers commented on the arriving singer and pianist, and the local media noted: "If we may judge by the encomiums heaped upon them by the press where they have performed, a rare musical treat is in store for those who visit the Columbian Theatre on Monday night." And did the local performance match up to the media buildup? A few days later a report sums it all up.
"Miss Belle Divine and Mr. Harry Taylor performed to a bumper house on Monday night. Last night the audience was not quite so large; but what they lacked in numbers they made up in enthusiasm. Miss Belle sang well; and was encored in every piece. They were assisted on the latter occasion by the New Westminster Glee Club, which contributed in no small degree to the success of the performance."
This little town was on the itinerary of many such companies that brought all manner of performance to the community. Belle and Harry did well in October 1862.
