Written accounts, usually in old newspapers, can be great sources of information about businesses such as stores and offices along a particular street in the early years of a community.
These are frequently straightforward stories with names and various details. For some holidays, especially Christmas, the descriptive pieces can offer wonderful images of an early row of storefronts.
Recently we were reminded of such an item, but one with a difference. The bits and pieces of information are more colourful and somewhat lighter in context than we usually see.
The article, passed along by the late Thomas Lascelles of the Oblate Order, is from The Month, a publication of the Catholic Church, from 1892, and features some local businesses of downtown New Westminster. A selection of items from this article follow, with the first one showing clearly that this is a look around town with a difference.
First we are taken to Front Street and the general store of Charles McDonough, who we are told, has "everything that you wish to buy."
But then we learn a wonderful extra detail: "There is only one thing which the genial proprietor won't sell, his long flowing beard."
Next we hear of Stephen Manahan who sells "the most savory meats." We also learn of his recent marriage: "Although he but lately entered the connubial state, he lost neither his smile nor his strict attention to business - far from it."
James Wise also had a grocery store nearby, and we are told that he is a "good-natured proprietor."
E.J. Newton had a leather and saddler shop, and we are reminded of the importance of such an item. "A saddle is just the thing you want when you have a horse to go up the hills of the city."
The story then leads us away from Front Street: "After climbing up the rather steep hill to Columbia Street we see before us an endless variety of stores and warehouses."
A dentist and bank are near Sixth and Columbia streets, and this elicits a very colourful comment: "Dr. Holmes draws some teeth out very elegantly, and fills others with gold, while below him the Bank of British Columbia draws your money from your pocket without putting in gold instead. But a safe bank it is, well-trusted, and there is nothing 'wild' about its management."
Nearby were two pharmacists, Mr. Herring and Mr. Curtis, who "will dispense to you every medicine that any of the medical celebrities of the Royal City will prescribe for your health or for your sickness, as you like it. It is safe to take these gentlemen on their word. Their medicines always have effect. But that is the doctor's business."
We will bring you more of these descriptions in a few weeks starting with an interesting point about Mr. Murchie, the undertaker. Truly a great account from November 1892.
