From the obituary in the Gleaner, April 26, 1912
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Mr. Sollas had a passion for the drama and opera, and for years was agent of the old Theatre Royal, and responsible for the coming of many high-class English Operatic Companies to Jamaica. It was certain that he was to be the agent of the Ward Theatre now nearing completion, and it is known that he was making arrangements to open that fine structure, with a strong Company under the celebrated actor Mr. Matheson Lang. He was known far and wide by the theatre going public as our "only impresario."
In connection with the new Theatre, Mr. Sollas was the originator of a scheme to place a life size statue of Colonel Ward, (the generous donor of the Theatre) in an artistic marble canopy in front of the "House of Amusement." For months past Mr. Sollas had been working with might and main for the successful carrying through of this, his pet scheme, and with every prospect of a realization of his very laudatory project. 
the old Theatre Royal, on North Parade, in a photograph in 1885
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It seems that Aaron Mendes Sollas was born circa 1869, the second son of David and Hannah Mendes Sollas, but I have not yet located the record of his birth, though I have record of the births of most of his siblings. I have found no account of his childhood and education; he first appears on the Jamaican scene when he features as a baritone on the programmes of concerts in the early 1890s.
1891-1892
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Daily Gleaner, December 5, 1891
Concert at the Theatre Royal. If a large audience, enthusiastic applause and repeated encores are the criteria of a successful entertainment, it may be unhesitatingly affirmed that the Concert given on Monday evening, in aid of the Fund to erect a Pavilion for the St. Georges C. C. was a signal and brilliant success. The stage was artistically decorated by Mr. Rinaldo Nunes, the cricket field being the design appropriately selected. The first item on the programme was a Selection by the Band of the K I M which was well played. The next was a solo by Mr. Henriques, entitled "Martha," which was capitally rendered. Mr. O'Connor de Cordova then riveted the attention of the audience in a recitation entitled "Kisarine[?] Cups Race" by which he kept them interested to the close. Mr. J. Toone followed with a Comic Sung "The Shop Walker" and elicited great applause. A Violin Solo was given by Mr C. Chevolleau and although this gentleman was not at his best, the selection aroused great enthusiasm. Lieutenant Neale, R.N. made the hit of the evening with his topical Comic Song, the "gods" in particular enjoying the local allusions and the facial play. An encore was vociferously demanded, Mr. Sollas sang " The Deep Deep Sea" in a masterly manner and the first part of the programme was concluded with the Gobble Duet by Miss Nunes and Mr. Hurditch. The second part of the programme was opened by Mr. Sollas with "Our Jack's come home to-day " after which the clever little Pianist Master Solorzano played a selection. Mr O'Connor de Cordova scored a great success with his recitation "Lasea"[?] after which "Miss" Toone and Mr. Hurditch sang "Where are you going to, my pretty Maid." This duet fairly brought down the house and the artists were obliged to re-appear before the audience would be satisfied. Mr. Chevolleau gave a Clarionet Solo in good style, Lieutenant Neale convulsed his audience with another Comic Song and a Solo by Mr. Henriques concluded a most enjoyable evening's entertainment. |
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Miss McDermott, Miss Coverly and T. Ellis Jackson were leading members of the Kingston Choral Union, a choir of Black Jamaicans, who later, in 1906-8, toured the UK, becoming known as the Famous Jamaica Choir.
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From the second half of 1892 until early 1895 the name of Aaron M Sollas disappeared from the press - he appears to have abandoned his singing, perhaps to work on the setting up of the printery business, which was to be the basis of his life-time business career. The Gleaner obituary indicates that Sollas had been apprenticed to Mortimer DeSouza, the printer, for 9 years after leaving school; by the mid-'90s he was ready to go out on his own.
1895-1896
Aaron Sollas did not entirely give up singing, or his support for the Kingston Choral Union, but did venture into new fields with his printing.
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Daily Gleaner, December 7, 1895
Mr. Aaron M. Sollas has sent us a copy of his race book, which he has published this year for the first time. It contains the usual reports of the various race meetings of the year, and several of the latest Jubilee songs, along with "funny cuts," jokes, etc. We wish Mr Sollas a share of public patronage. |
1897
interior of the new Theatre Royal, opened in 1897
Errol Hill, in 'The Jamaican Stage, 1655-1900'.
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Errol Hill, in 'The Jamaican Stage, 1655-1900'.
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1901-1906
In 1901-Aaron Sollas got married;
- and formed a business partnership with Harold Cocking;
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May 1901
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1901
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Aaron Sollas was made an honorary member of the Jamaica Union of Teachers in 1905, along with other distinguished Jamaicans.
Frank Cundall
Robert Love
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Archbishop Nuttall
Dr Armstrong
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1907 - Earthquake January 14th
The earthquake and fire of mid-January 1907 affected Aaron Sollas at three levels at least - his business place was destroyed, the Theatre Royal was destroyed, as were the city's synagogues - he was involved in the recovery of all these aspects of his life.
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Daily Gleaner, February 18, 1907
The City Inspector has prepared the following annual return showing the number of premises destroyed by the fire and the assessed annual value of each premises. HARBOUR STREET 99½ Sollas & Cocking tenant annual value ₤92 |
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The Synagogue on Duke Street was severely damaged and had to be rebuilt -
Handbook of Jamaica, 1915
'The little synagogue in East Street' had been constructed in 1884 by a minority of the members of the old Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue on Princess Street, which had been destroyed in the fire of December 1882. They had refused to join in the amalgamation of the two main Jewish communities, which was symbolized by the building of the Synagogue on Duke Street. Between 1900 and 1906 the remaining Spanish and Portuguese congregation had abandoned their separate existence and the small Synagogue at 58 East Street had been closed up. In 1907 it was easier to rehabilitate that smaller building, which was used until the Duke Street Synagogue was rebuilt. The Gleaner was able to publish this brief notice on Friday, March 22, 1907 -'We are requested to state that service will commence this evening at the Synagogue in East street at 6.15 o'clock.'
When the corner stone of the new Synagogue on Duke Street was laid on April 11, 1911, Aaron M. Sollas was recorded as one of the Directors.
The Theatre Royal on North Parade was also irreparably damaged -
Theatre Royal, destroyed 1907
1908-1909
death of his father -
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1910
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- the company was however delayed in Barranquilla, and arrived a week late . . .
from full page advertisement, Daily Gleaner, December 22, 1910
1911
Daily Gleaner, June 17, 1911
1912
THE GLEANER; FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1912.
DEATH OF MR. AARON M. SOLLAS
Passing Away of "Our Only Impressario."
HIS BUSINESS CAREER.
The Great Love He Had for the Drama and Opera.
DEATH OF MR. AARON M. SOLLAS
Passing Away of "Our Only Impressario."
HIS BUSINESS CAREER.
The Great Love He Had for the Drama and Opera.
It is with deep regret that the "Gleaner" chronicles the death of Mr. Aaron Mendes Sollas, which sad event occurred at his late residence, No. 86 Duke St., at 12.15 o'clock yesterday morning. Mr. Sollas had been in bad health for some months past — he suffered greatly from indigestion —- and only recently returned from a trip abroad which, however, did not greatly benefit him.
While his family, and extremely large circle of friends were gravely concerned about Mr. Sollas' health, no one expected that his dissolution was so close at hand and the announcement of [his decea]se yesterday morning came a distinct shock to many in this community. Mr. Sollas bade good night to a very close personal friend at 11.30 on Wednesday night, and a few minutes later the family heard a call for help from his room. It was quickly responded to, and the gentleman's condition was found to be such that a hurried call was sent for Dr. Allwood. The medico was soon in attendance, but it was clear that Mr. Sollas was dying fast, and at 12.15, he expired, surrounded by the sorrowing members of his family.
Mr, Aaron Mendes Sollas was the second son of the late David Mendes Sollas of this city, and was born at Spanish Town a little over 42 years ago. After leaving school he was apprenticed to the printing establishment of Mortimer C. DeSouza and Co., where he spent nine years, during which period he thoroughly mastered all the essentials of the trade. On leaving Mr. DeSouza's establishment, he started business on his own account, and some years before the earthquake entered into partnership with Mr. Harold Cocking, the firm doing a large printing and stationery business. After the great disaster the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Sollas continued in the printing business right up to the time of his death, his establishment being in lower Duke Street.
Mr. Sollas had a passion for the drama and opera, and for years was agent of the old Theatre Royal, and responsible for the coming of many high-class English Operatic Companies to Jamaica. It was certain that he was to be the agent of the Ward Theatre now nearing completion, and it is known that he was making arrangements to open that fine structure, with a strong Company under the celebrated actor Mr. Matheson Lang. He was known far and wide by the theatre going public as our "only impresario."
In connection with the new Theatre, Mr. Sollas was the originator of a scheme to place a life size statue of Colonel Ward, (the generous donor of the Theatre) in an artistic marble canopy in front of the "House of Amusement." For months past Mr. Sollas had been working with might and main for the successful carrying through of this, his pet scheme, and with every prospect of a realization of his very laudatory project.
He married in 1902 Miss Irene Mordecai, a daughter of the late Ainsley Mordecai, merchant of Kingston, who predeceased him in 1908 leaving no issue. The deceased gentleman is survived by three brothers, Moses M., Joshua M. and David M. Sollas and three married sisters.
The remains were interred at the Jewish cemetery in Upper Orange Street, yesterday afternoon, the funeral being very largely attended.
As a mark of respect the flag over the establishment of Mr. Mortimer C. DeSouza, was put at half mast.
FURTHER MARK OF RESPECT.
We have been requested to state that although but an inadequate expression of condolence, there will be no entertainment held at Covent Garden until Sunday the 28th inst., owing to the much deplored death of Mr. Aaron M. Sollas. The late popular and ideal Theatrical Manager and agent was interested in the Kingston Choral Union, Jamaica Choir, not only as a musician, but as a genuine philanthropist.
While his family, and extremely large circle of friends were gravely concerned about Mr. Sollas' health, no one expected that his dissolution was so close at hand and the announcement of [his decea]se yesterday morning came a distinct shock to many in this community. Mr. Sollas bade good night to a very close personal friend at 11.30 on Wednesday night, and a few minutes later the family heard a call for help from his room. It was quickly responded to, and the gentleman's condition was found to be such that a hurried call was sent for Dr. Allwood. The medico was soon in attendance, but it was clear that Mr. Sollas was dying fast, and at 12.15, he expired, surrounded by the sorrowing members of his family.
Mr, Aaron Mendes Sollas was the second son of the late David Mendes Sollas of this city, and was born at Spanish Town a little over 42 years ago. After leaving school he was apprenticed to the printing establishment of Mortimer C. DeSouza and Co., where he spent nine years, during which period he thoroughly mastered all the essentials of the trade. On leaving Mr. DeSouza's establishment, he started business on his own account, and some years before the earthquake entered into partnership with Mr. Harold Cocking, the firm doing a large printing and stationery business. After the great disaster the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Sollas continued in the printing business right up to the time of his death, his establishment being in lower Duke Street.
Mr. Sollas had a passion for the drama and opera, and for years was agent of the old Theatre Royal, and responsible for the coming of many high-class English Operatic Companies to Jamaica. It was certain that he was to be the agent of the Ward Theatre now nearing completion, and it is known that he was making arrangements to open that fine structure, with a strong Company under the celebrated actor Mr. Matheson Lang. He was known far and wide by the theatre going public as our "only impresario."
In connection with the new Theatre, Mr. Sollas was the originator of a scheme to place a life size statue of Colonel Ward, (the generous donor of the Theatre) in an artistic marble canopy in front of the "House of Amusement." For months past Mr. Sollas had been working with might and main for the successful carrying through of this, his pet scheme, and with every prospect of a realization of his very laudatory project.
He married in 1902 Miss Irene Mordecai, a daughter of the late Ainsley Mordecai, merchant of Kingston, who predeceased him in 1908 leaving no issue. The deceased gentleman is survived by three brothers, Moses M., Joshua M. and David M. Sollas and three married sisters.
The remains were interred at the Jewish cemetery in Upper Orange Street, yesterday afternoon, the funeral being very largely attended.
As a mark of respect the flag over the establishment of Mr. Mortimer C. DeSouza, was put at half mast.
FURTHER MARK OF RESPECT.
We have been requested to state that although but an inadequate expression of condolence, there will be no entertainment held at Covent Garden until Sunday the 28th inst., owing to the much deplored death of Mr. Aaron M. Sollas. The late popular and ideal Theatrical Manager and agent was interested in the Kingston Choral Union, Jamaica Choir, not only as a musician, but as a genuine philanthropist.
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Covent Garden was a small theatre built on Sutton Street, after the earthquake of 1907, by T. Ellis Jackson, long time director of the Kingston Choral Union/Jamaica Choir, in part because the city was taking its time rebuilding the city's theatre.
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Daily Gleaner, April 30, 1912
Matters Discussed by the City Council Yesterday. TWO RECENT DEATHS. Passing Away of Mr. Councillor Wareham and Mr Sollas The Mayor said he also desired to announce the death of another gentleman who was connected with the Council. He referred to the Agent of the Theatre, Mr. Aaron M. Sollas. He was also an enthusiastic worker in the work he did. He, also, would be a great loss to the city and the Council would find it difficult to get one to fill the position left vacant by Mr. Sollas. Dr. Love said . . . In Mr. Sollas they had lost a very genial man: one who always had a good word for everybody. |
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Ward Theatre
1913 onwards . . .
a post-script - war against Germany had been declared on August 4th, 1914
J.R.R. = Jamaica Reserve Regiment
