between 1806 and 1822
From the 11th edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, first published in 1911.
MICHAEL SCOTT (1789-1835), British author, was born at Cowlairs, near Glasgow, on the 30th of October 1789, the son of a Glasgow merchant. In 1806 he went to Jamaica, first managing some estates, and afterwards joining a business firm in Kingston. The latter post necessitated his making frequent journeys, on the incidents of which he based his best known book, Tom Cringle's Log. In 1822 he left Jamaica and settled in Glasgow, where he engaged in business. Tom Cringle's Log began to appear serially in Blackwood's Magazine in 1829. Scott's second story, The Cruise of the Midge, was also first published serially in Blackwood's in 1834-1835. The first appearance in book-form of each story was in Paris in 1834. Both stories were originally published anonymously, and their authorship was not known till after Scott's death at Glasgow, on the 7th of November 1835.
MICHAEL SCOTT (1789-1835), British author, was born at Cowlairs, near Glasgow, on the 30th of October 1789, the son of a Glasgow merchant. In 1806 he went to Jamaica, first managing some estates, and afterwards joining a business firm in Kingston. The latter post necessitated his making frequent journeys, on the incidents of which he based his best known book, Tom Cringle's Log. In 1822 he left Jamaica and settled in Glasgow, where he engaged in business. Tom Cringle's Log began to appear serially in Blackwood's Magazine in 1829. Scott's second story, The Cruise of the Midge, was also first published serially in Blackwood's in 1834-1835. The first appearance in book-form of each story was in Paris in 1834. Both stories were originally published anonymously, and their authorship was not known till after Scott's death at Glasgow, on the 7th of November 1835.
Tom Cringle's Log (illustrated with Belisario prints.)
introduction
. . . and as I looked towards the piazza, which was gaily lit up, I could see it was crowded with male and female negroes in their holyday apparel, with their wholesome clear brown-black skins, not blue-black as they appear in our cold country, and beautiful white teeth, and sparkling black eyes, amongst whom were several gumbie-men and flute-players, and John Canoes, as the negro Jack Pudding is called; the latter distinguishable by wearing white false faces, and enormous shocks of horsehair, fastened on to their woolly pates. Their character hovers somewhere between that of a harlequin and a clown, as they dance about, and thread through the negro groups, quizzing the women and slapping the men; and at Christmas time, the grand negro carnival, they don't confine their practical jokes to their own colour, but take all manner of comical liberties with the whites equally with their fellow bondsmen.
This day was the first of the Negro Carnival or Christmas Holydays, and at the distance of two miles from Kingston the sound of the negro drums and horns, the barbarous music and yelling of the different African tribes, and the more mellow singing of the Set Girls, came off upon the breeze loud and strong.
When we got nearer, the wharfs and different streets, as we successively opened them, were crowded with blackamoors, men, women, and children, dancing and singing and shouting, and all rigged out in their best. When we landed on the agents wharf we were immediately surrounded by a group of these merry-makers, which happened to be the Butchers John Canoe party, and a curious exhibition it unquestionably was. The prominent character was, as usual, the John Canoe or Jack Pudding. He was a light, active, clean made young Creole negro, without shoes or stockings; he wore a pair of light jean small-clothes, all too wide, but confined at the knees, below and above, by bands of red tape, after the manner that Malvolio would have called cross-gartering. He wore a splendid blue velvet waistcoat, with old-fashioned flaps coming down over his hips, and covered with tarnished embroidery. His shirt was absent on leave, I suppose, but at the wrists of his coat he had tin or white iron frills, with loose pieces attached, which tinkled as he moved, and set off the dingy paws that were stuck through these strange manacles, like black wax tapers in silver candlesticks. His coat was an old blue artillery uniform one, with a small bell hung to the extreme points of the swallow-tailed skirts, and three tarnished epaulets; one on each shoulder, and. O ye immortal gods! O Mars omnipotent! The biggest of the three stuck at his rump, the point d'appuit for a sheep's tail. He had an enormous cocked hat on, to which was appended in front a white false-face or mask, of a most methodistical expression, while, Janus like, there was another face behind, of the most quizzical description, a sort of living Antithesis, both being garnished and overtopped with one coarse wig, made of the hair of bullocks tails, on which the chapeau was strapped down with a broad band of gold lace. He skipped up to us with a white wand in one hand and a dirty handkerchief in the other, and with sundry moppings and mowings, first wiping my shoes with his mouchoir, then my face, (murder, what a flavour of salt fish and onions it had!) he made a smart enough pirouette, and then sprung on the back of a nondescript animal, that now advanced capering and jumping about after the most grotesque fashion that can be imagined. This was the signal for the music to begin. The performers were two gigantic men, dressed in calf-skins entire, head, four legs, and tail. The skin of the head was made to fit like a hood, the two fore-feet hung dangling down in front, one over each shoulder, while the other two legs, or hind-feet, and the tail, trailed behind on the ground; deuce another article they had on in the shape of clothing except a handkerchief, of some flaming pattern, tied round the waist. There were also two flute-players in sheepskins, looking still more outlandish from the horns on the animals heads being preserved; and three stout fellows, who were dressed in the common white frock and trowsers, who kept sounding on bullocks horns. These formed the band as it were, and might be considered John's immediate tail or following; but he was also accompanied by about fifty of the butcher negroes, all neatly dressed-blue jackets, white shirts, and Osnaburgh trowsers, with their steels and knife-cases by their sides, as bright as Turkish yataghans, and they all wore clean blue and white striped aprons. I could see and tell what they were; but the Thing John Canoe had perched himself upon I could make nothing of. At length I began to comprehend the device.
The Magnus Apollo of the party, the poet and chief musician, the nondescript already mentioned, was no less than the boatswain of the butcher-gang, answering to the driver in an agricultural one. He was clothed in an entire bullock's hide horns, tail, and the other particulars, the whole of the skull being retained, and the effect of the voice growling through the jaws of the beast was most startling. His legs were enveloped in the skin of the hind-legs, while the arms were cased in that of the fore, the hands protruding a little above the hoofs, and, as he walked reared up on his hind-legs, he used, in order to support the load of the John Canoe who had perched on his shoulders, like a monkey on a dancing bear, a strong stick, or sprit, with a crutch top to it, which he leant his breast on every now and then. After the creature, which I will call the Device for shortness, had capered with its extra load, as if it had been a feather, for a minute or two, it came to a stand-still, and, sticking the end of the sprit into the ground, and tucking the crutch of it under its chin, it motioned to one of the attendants, who thereupon handed, of all things in the world, a fiddle to the ox. He then shook off the John Canoe, who began to caper about as before, while the Device set up a deuced good pipe, and sung and played, barbarously enough, I will admit, to the tune of Guinea Corn, the following ditty:
"Massa Buccra lob for see,
Bullock caper like monkee,
Dance, and shump, and poke him toe,
Like one humane person - just so."
Bullock caper like monkee,
Dance, and shump, and poke him toe,
Like one humane person - just so."
And hereupon the tail of the beast, some fifty strong, music men, John Canoe and all, began to rampauge about, as if they had been possessed by a devil whose name was Legion:
"But Massa Buccra have white love,
soft and silken like one dove.
To brown girl - him barely shivel,
to black girl - oh, Lord, de Devil!"
soft and silken like one dove.
To brown girl - him barely shivel,
to black girl - oh, Lord, de Devil!"
Then a tremendous gallopading, in the which Tailtackle was nearly capsized over the wharf. He looked quietly over the edge of it.
"Boat keeper, hand me up that switch of a stretcher," (Friend, if thou be'st not nautical, thou knowest what a rack-pin, something of the stoutest is.)
The boy did so, and Tailtackle, after moistening well his dexter claw with tobacco juice, seized the stick with his left by the middle, and balancing it for a second or two, he began to fasten the end of it into his right fist, as if he had been screwing a bolt into a socket. Having satisfied himself that his grip was secure, he let go the hold with his left hand, and crossed his arms on his breast, with the weapon projecting over his left shoulder, like the drone of a bagpipe.
The Device continued his chant, giving the seaman a wide berth, however:
"But when him once two tree year here,
Him tink white lady wery great boder;
De coloured peoples, never fear,
Ah, him lob him de morest nor any oder."
Then another tumblification of the whole party.
"But top - one time bad fever catch him,
colour'd peoples kindly watch him
in sick - room, nurse voice like music
from him hand taste sweet de physic.
Another trampoline."
"So alway come - in two tree year,
and so wid you, massa never fear
brown girl for cook - for wife - for nurse:
buccra lady – poo - no wort a curse."
Him tink white lady wery great boder;
De coloured peoples, never fear,
Ah, him lob him de morest nor any oder."
Then another tumblification of the whole party.
"But top - one time bad fever catch him,
colour'd peoples kindly watch him
in sick - room, nurse voice like music
from him hand taste sweet de physic.
Another trampoline."
"So alway come - in two tree year,
and so wid you, massa never fear
brown girl for cook - for wife - for nurse:
buccra lady – poo - no wort a curse."
"Get away, you scandalous scoundrel," cried I; "away with you, sir!"
Here the morrice-dancers began to circle round old Tailtackle, keeping him on the move, spinning round like a weathercock in a whirlwind, while they shouted, "Oh, massa, one macaronilt if you please." To get quit of their importunity, Captain Transom gave them one. "Ah, good massa, tank you, sweet massa!" And away danced John Canoe and his tail, careering up the street.
In the same way all the other crafts and trades had their Gumbimen, Hornblowers, John Canoes, and Nondescript. The Gardeners came nearest of any thing I had seen before to the Mayday boys in London; with this advantage, that their jack-in-the-Green was incomparably more beautiful, from the superior bloom of the larger flowers used in composing it.
The very workhouse people, whose province it is to guard the Negro culprits who may be committed to it, and to inflict punishment on them, when required, had their John Canoe and Device; and their prime jest seemed to be every now and then to throw the fellow down who enacted the latter at the corner of a street, and to administer a sound flogging to him. The John Canoe, who was the workhouse driver, was dressed up in a lawyer's cast off gown and bands, black silk breeches, no stockings nor shoes, but with sandals of bullock's hide strapped on his great splay feet, a small cocked hat on his head, to which were appended a large cauliflower wig, and the usual white false-face, bearing a very laughable resemblance to Chief-justice S----, with whom I happened to be personally acquainted.
The whole party which accompanied these two worthies, musicians and tail, were dressed out so as to give a tolerable resemblance of the Bar broke loose, and they were all pretty considerably well drunk. As we passed along, the Device was once more laid down, and we could notice a shield of tough hide strapped over the fellow's stem frame, so as to save the lashes of the cat, which John Canoe was administering with all his force, while the Device walloped about and yelled, as if he had been receiving the punishment on his naked flesh. Presently, as he rolled over and over in the sand, bellowing to the life, I noticed the leather shield slip upwards to the small of his back, leaving the lower story uncovered in reality; but the driver and his tail were too drunk to observe this, and the former continued to lay on and laugh, while one of his people stood by in all the gravity of drunkenness, counting, as a first Lieutenant does, when a poor fellow is polishing at the gangway, - "Twenty twenty-one twenty-two" - and so on, while the patient roared you, an it were any thing but a nightingales. At length he broke away from the men who held him, after receiving a most sufficient flogging, to revenge which he immediately fastened on the John Canoe, wrenched his cat from him, and employed it so scientifically on him and his followers, giving them passing taps on the shins now and then with the handle, by way of spice to the dose, that the whole crew pulled foot as if Old Nick had held them in chase.
The very children, urchins of five and six years old, had their Lilliputian John Canoes and Devices. But the beautiful part of the exhibition was the Set Girls. They danced along the streets, in bands of from fifteen to thirty. There were brown sets, and black sets, and sets of all the intermediate gradations of colour. Each set was dressed pin for pin alike, and carried umbrellas or parasols of the same colour and size, held over their nice showy, well put on toques, or Madras handkerchiefs, all of the same pattern, tied round their heads, fresh out of the fold.- They sang, as they swam along the streets, in the most luxurious attitudes. I had never seen more beautiful creatures than there were amongst the brown sets - clear olive complexions, and fine faces, elegant carriages, splendid figures, - full, plump, and magnificent.
Most of the Sets were as much of a size as Lord ----'s eighteen daughters, sailing down Regent Street, like a Charity School of a Sunday, led by a rum-looking old beadle - others again had large Roman matron-looking women in the leading files, the figurantes in their tails becoming slighter and smaller, as they tapered away, until they ended in leetle picaniny, no bigger as my tumb, but always preserving the uniformity of dress, and colour of the umbrella or parasol. Sometimes the breeze, on opening a corner, would strike the stern most of a set composed in this manner of small fry, and stagger the little things, getting beneath their tiny umbrellas, and fairly blowing them out of the line, and ruffling their ribbons and finery, as if they had been tulips bending and shaking their leaves before it. But the colours were never blended in the same set - no blackie ever interloped with the browns, nor did the browns in any case mix with the sables – always keeping in mind - black woman - brown lady.
1866-7
in between -
1870
The Victoria Market was only completed and opened on May 24, 1872, so it is interesting that it was opened up to the public for Christmas 1870. The tradition of the Christmas Market was already well established by then, and was kept up well into the second half of the 20th century. Sadly the Victoria Market and Pier were destroyed in the process of 'developing' the waterfront in the 1960s when -
'Casualties of the redevelopment process were the once famous Myrtle Bank Hotel, the picturesque finger piers jutting out from Port Royal Street, and historic Victoria Market, scene of traditional Sunday and Christmas markets for over a hundred years.'
Tour Jamaica by Margaret Morris
'Casualties of the redevelopment process were the once famous Myrtle Bank Hotel, the picturesque finger piers jutting out from Port Royal Street, and historic Victoria Market, scene of traditional Sunday and Christmas markets for over a hundred years.'
Tour Jamaica by Margaret Morris
Colonial Standard, January 9, 1871
COLONIAL STANDARD OFFICE
SATURDAY, January 7, 1871 - 3 p.m.
The holiday season has passed off very pleasantly. CHRISTMAS falling on Sunday was observed on the following day, Monday, when the Markets were held. The show of Beef was of the usual creditable character, and would have disgraced no country in the World, not even excepting England herself. The custom of visiting the Market on Christmas morning has gradually sprung up in this Country and may now be considered as a national one, the observance of which is most religiously fulfilled. The attendance on the Monday morning was immense and comprised people of all classes in their holiday attire. The new Market in course of erection was cleared of the loose building materials about it, and thousands crowded under the immense roof to listen to the music of the City Band and pay their tribute of admiration and approval of the magnificent establishment. Except in its height, which in the opinion of most persons detracts very much from its appearance, and will it is thought also occasion certain inconveniences, the building may be said to be truly a splendid one. We believe that nothing equal to it can be found anywhere else in the West Indies. The Grocers shops in Kingston were brilliantly illuminated on Christmas and New year’s Eve, and again on Twelfth Night, and we may say literally that all Kingston was in the Streets to witness the sight. Most of the shops did a good stroke of business. We may say upon the whole that Christmas of 1870 was celebrated with “All Honors,” and we are glad to say that not the slightest accident occurred.
1871
Daily Gleaner, December 23, 1871
The temporary wooden enclosure of the New Market has been removed, so as to afford accommodation for promenaders on Christmas morning. The new edifice is now seen to great advantage. We trust there wll be no gilding of refined gold and painting of the lily in the way of flags and other decorations.
Daily Gleaner, December 28, 1871
CHRISTMAS this year has been observed with the usual eclat, and if we may draw a conclusion not too rash from the unusual number assembling at the Christmas morning fete, the splendour of their attire and their general gaiety, we should say the day was celebrated with greater eclat than observable, at least, for many years past.
It would be to run counter to an established opinion, to say that there was an appearance of greater wealth than heretofore; it is certain, however, that a stranger to the country, on being brought on the scene presented at the market, yesterday, would have been greatly astonished if assured that Jamaica is, as has been so often declared, by her own people too, an exceedingly poor country, and Kingston, above all, a poor community. There could not have been at any hour of the morning less than six to seven thousand persons present. They were all well-dressed, many of them—a great many—dressed to a degree amounting to magnificence. All classes were represented. There was a fine commingling, and a very happy exchange of kind feeling. Those of high position were condescending, those of humbler rank respectful, and the good wishes usual to the Season were given and acknowledged with courteous demeanour, and in exuberant expressions.
A Musical Band was in attendance, under the able direction of Mr. Lewis, Bandmaster of the late City Band, and contributed very much to the general festivity.
The New Market was the great attraction, and it was thronged with people who seemed never tired to admire its splendour. It was certainly seen to great advantage, especially from the sea-board. It elicited one general expression of credit and praise to Sir John Grant, who has in a few months realize[d] a wish that has been expressed many years, a matter that has long been talked of, but never presented signs of being fulfilled, the laying out f a proper market place, and he has realized it in a manner that never entered the imagination of those who talked so much, but did so little during the past regime. It is certainly a splendid edifice, by common consent of those who have been abroad, comparing favorably with the best things of the kind in Europe.
The Christmas cheer was good. Everything was in abundance—meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, allowing for the intervening of Sunday, and all of the best descriptions; and the display of flowers every where gave an aspect to all around so cheerful, as to impress us with a feeling that a bright and cheerful Christmas can be enjoyed no where out of the West Indies. This may be considered as saying a good deal; but we console ourselves with the fact that those who may attempt to gainsay us will be bound to admit that to be without Winter and to have abundance of flowers at Christmas, is something to rejoice at and of which to be proud.
One gratifying fact to record is that the Southside has this year borne the palm for the Christmas stock, the heaviest of the steers slaughtered, having been fattened on Cumberland Pen, in St Catherine. There were four from this property slaughtered, the weights of which respectively were as given in presence of Mr. Morgan and. other gentlemen—1364, 1568, 1786 and 2016 pounds. The weights of others we have not yet ascertained, but on the whole the show was equal to if it did not surpass those of former years.
The day past off with great merriment among the mass of the people, and we happy to say, we have not heard of a single adverse occurrence.
The 'New Market' was officially opened, and named the 'Victoria Market', on May 24, 1872.
1881
Daily Gleaner, December 24, 1881 [part of editorial]
We cannot celebrate Christmas as they were wont to do in England in the good old days. We must turn to historians, essayists and novelists for the mummers and the yule log, the sweet herbs and the garlanded boar’s bead, the manchet loaves and the wassail bowl. We cannot even celebrate it as they were wont to do in Jamaica in bygone days, when the carnival displayed its rival damsels of the Red and Blue in their singing, dancing " sets," and its quaintly attired John Canoes fiddling and fooling as they went.
But in spite of the fact that Christmas has lost many of its ancient associations and that the tropics do not supply elements familiar in its modern observance, it is a great day to us all, " Change of place, like growth of time, Has broke the bond of dying use," [Tennyson – In Memoriam CV] but the old genial, jovial spirit is strong among us, and nowhere is there a heartier rejoicing and feasting at Christmas-tide than in Jamaica.
If we may judge by the preparations which all our storekeepers have made, there will be no stint of the good things of this life.
To the children Christmas is a season of wonder and delight, and it is, perhaps, for their sake that we give ourselves up to the mirth of the hour. It is for them the Christmas card is printed, for them the toyshop brings forth its treasures new and old, for them trees are decked and feasts are spread, for them ''Our ancient games have place, The mimic picture's breathing grace, And dance and song and hoodman blind." [Tennyson – In Memoriam LXXVIII] By all means let them enjoy the day, we say; and the more we children of a larger growth can share their merriment the better it will be for us.
Christmas this year falls on Sunday, and has therefore an unusual solemnity. We have no doubt that to-morrow the Churches will be filled with devout worshippers. On Monday the festivities customary at this season will be indulged in, and in tendering to our friends and readers the compliments of the season, we may as well wish them not only a Merry Christmas, but a merry day after.
The "Gleaner" will not be issued on Monday, the 26th inst.
Falmouth Gazette, January 6, 1882
What an English gentleman now on the southside writes of Jamaica in general, and Kingston in particular.
And now I come to the Christmas festivities. Bending my steps to the Victoria Market with a friend, at about 6 a.m. on Monday the 26th, to witness the turning out of all Kingston, I was most agreeably surprised to see, instead of a crowd of roughs, an immense gathering of people of all classes and hues, such as I had never in all my travels in many Countries seen before. It was, in truth, a real Carnival, eclipsing, for splendour and order, and kindly displays of earnest good feelings, any similar gathering I had met in dear England, or in France, Italy, Germany, or America. Can it be possible, I frequently asked myself, that this is Jamaica of which I have read and heard at home so many frightful stories of its utter demoralization, wickedness, and all manner of hideous vices? Can these thousands of black and colored folks so orderly, graceful, and superbly attired in costly apparel be the same Jamaicans of whom I had heard at home that they were all little better than brutes, and that centuries yet unborn would not find them civilised and better than the rudest Savages. In that enormous concourse which I scanned on that, to me, memorable morning, I saw no person drunk, disorderly, or troublesome. In that heaving crowd, stretching from the sea-board up far away to the Parish Church, there were old and young, Wives, Mothers, and even little Children, and Infants in arms, all dressed splendidly and arresting the wondrous surprise of thoughtful and quiet spectators like myself. I sincerely believe that neither in England nor Scotland, and certainly not in Ireland, could such an immense gathering of people have been seen, in which order sobriety and good manners prevailed so conspicuously as in and about the Victoria Market of Kingston on that lovely day, the 26th December.
“Good morning Mas William” said a portly black Dame, magnificently dressed in colored silk, with foreign ringlets about her neck, and valuable ornaments to match her robe &c. “ I wish you a Merry Christmas and I hope God will bless you and Misses and de Children and make you all see many more.” These kind words were addressed to my good friend beside me, and I need hardly add that he grasped the hand offered, and responded in terms which proved that he possessed a gentle and a noble heart. “And who is dis Gentleman wid you (alluding to me) he come from over de water ?” I was at once introduced, and received my first warm grip from the hand of one of the despised race. “Glad to see you Sa, wish you a Merry Christmas, hope you won’t get sick, you must keep out of de Sun and don’t sit up late at night, and don’t eat too much fruit and drink liquor pon it.” As the advice was useful to me a teetotaller, I promised faithful obedience. Then suddenly calling two pretty young Maidens, who had strolled away from her, she brought them up and introduced them. These young Ladies were her Grand-daughters of fair complexion, graceful manners, and superb apparel. How strange all this to me - Grand-mother black, and Grand-children white. It was all explained to me in time, and again I had to deplore the profligacy and wickedness of white men who have brought so much shame and misery on the native women of Jamaica. The above greetings, which from personal experience I have attempted to describe are but a grain in the enormous hillock of congratulations, good wishes, blessings and handshakings piled up on the advent of the “Prince of Peace” who came into the world to ransom and save all, of every creed and clime.
I must not forget the good things provided within the well kept and attractive market buildings. In the flesh market there was a fine and abundant display of Beef &c. Better and more succulent meat I never beheld, but the Cutters should be taught to use their knives and cleavers like English Butchers, and avoid hacking and slashing the joints and choice pieces. The Mutton was only fit for the kennel, and scarcely good enough for valuable hounds. I have, however, eaten Kingston Mutton from the Farm of a person of the name of Hockins, and for quality and flavor not to be surpassed at home. It was a pity to see the poor stuff exhibited in the Victoria Market on the 26th. Of fruits there was an abundance and very moderately priced, considering the enormous fees levied on all who vend their goods in the pretty, but expensive building. But I must not mar the pleasure and real happiness I have felt in witnessing Christmas in Jamaica -- a land truly of Springs, beautiful skies, magnificent scenery, and wonderful climate. I can never cease to pour out my gratitude to Jamaica for the marvels it has worked in my health and spirits. That person who would call it “a God for-saken hole” must be lost to all sense of truth.
I was fascinated with the account above of Christmas 1881 - Boxing Day actually, since Christmas Day was a Sunday - on King Street; some of you will know it already. It raises many interesting issues, but I was chiefly impressed by the atmosphere of happiness and peace it portrays. Of course the following Christmas was sadly different, as Kingston had suffered the worst fire in its history, in the down-town area, earlier in the month.
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'The fire, which started in Feurtado's lumber yard, just east of the Royal Mail premises, swept north and west, reaching Barry Street and the neighbourhood of the railway, an area of about forty acres comprising the larger portion of the business area. It wholly consumed 577 buildings worth between £150,000 and £200,000, and partly destroyed twelve.' Adolphe Roberts, The Capitals of Jamaica.
On December 11 and 12, 1882, most of the commercial section of down town Kingston was destroyed by the most devastating fire in the city's history. It was difficult to think of celebrating among the smoking ruins.
New York Times, December 22, 1882
THE BIG FIRE IN JAMAICA
SCENES AND INCIDENTS DESCRIBED BY EYE-WITNESS
TWELVE LIVES LOST AND PROPERTY VALUED AT $12,500,000 DESTROYED
GREAT DESTITUTION AMONG THE SUFFERERS
The steam-ship Alvo, of the Atlas Line, which was in the harbor of Kingston at the time of the recent fire there, reached this port yesterday. One of her officers stated that shortly after noon on the 11th inst. he heard the fire alarm on shore. The flames seemed to spread with great rapidity. The wind was blowing from seaward at the time, and burning pieces of wood were carried up in the air and distributed in all directions to leeward. People were seen hurrying to the water’s edge with their property, as they seemed to think that they would be secure from the flames there. As the afternoon advanced flames which had been communicated to the shingle roofs by sparks were seen to spring up in different portions of the town. At about 5 o’clock in the afternoon the wind lulled and then changed into a strong land breeze. This drove the flames down toward the water’s edge. The vessels at the docks had slipped their moorings and were anchored out in the bay. The sparks now felt thick and fast upon the decks, and the sails had to kept wet in order to prevent them from taking fire. Cries of alarm were heard on the docks, where hundreds of persons had gathered with their possessions. These people were in danger of being roasted alive, and the Alvo lowered her boats and sent them to the rescue. About 250 persons were taken from the wharves to the decks of the Alvo. Their property, which had been left on the docks. was soon afterward destroyed. The Ailsa and Arran, of the same line, and the other vessels in the harbor took off persons from the docks. A vessel which had been unloading at the dock of Lyons & Son, failed to cut her moorings and was burned to the water’s edge. The Custom-house took fire, but the flames were soon extinguished. Many persons who had taken refuge on the Alvo remained there all night and watched the flames. which were illuminating the sky in all directions. Next day the fire died out for want of fuel. On the l4th, when the Alvo sailed, 12 persons were known to have perished in the flames, and the total loss was estimated at about [pounds sterling] 2,500,000.
An eye-witness account of the fire in Kingston, December 1882
Purser Coffey, of the Alvo, said that the fire started on the 11th shortly after noon in Feurtardo’s lumber-yard on Port Royal street. It was not at first thought to be a very serious matter and had adequate means for extinguishing an ordinary fire been at hand the great fire would never have occurred. The high wind drove the sparks rapidly in the air and these struck the loose shingles on the roofs of the wooden buildings. This led to the springing up of flames in various directions at points blocks distant from where the fire had originated. The high wind from the sea continued until 5 o’clock in the afternoon. The fire brigade, which had always been a small one, was powerless. There was some trouble about adjusting the hose to the hydrants, which were very poorly supplied with water. But with their poor equipments the firemen were unable to make any stand against the flames. Although the men worked gallantly for a time, the simultaneous breaking out of fires in all directions, owing to the spread of burning sparks, obliged them to give up the fight.
Many of the persons whose homes had been burned hurried down toward the water’s edge with such of their valuables as they had saved. A large number of people took refuge in the car stables, which were to windward of the fire. When the wind lulled, late in the afternoon, the flames seemed for the moment checked, but when it began to blow strongly from the land the utmost terror and consternation prevailed. The people who had taken refuge in the car stables were obliged to abandon their possessions to the flames. The tide of refugees which had poured down toward the water all the afternoon now turned in other directions The whole town seemed to be covered with a sea of flames. Nearly all of the principal buildings were on fire, and but for the aid of the boats from vessels in the harbor hundreds of persons who had taken refuge on the wharves would have been burned to death.
All of the wharves, with the exception of the Royal Mail and that owned by McDowell, Hankey & Co., were burned. The latter had a narrow escape and was partially damaged by fire. Along the waterfront alone the fire extended for one and a quarter miles. Among others the Ordnance dock was destroyed. Port Royal street was burned on both sides of the way from the starting-place at Feurtado’s lumber-yard to beyond Church-street. The latter was destroyed from the Self-Help Society Building to Water-lane. King-street was laid in ashes from Tower-street to the sea. Orange, Princess, West, Harbor, and other streets were almost entirely destroyed, although a building was saved here and there by the exertions of the inhabitants. Some small buildings were cut away in order to save the larger ones next to them. Among the buildings destroyed were those of the Postal Telegraph Company, the London Hotel, the Government Savings Bank, and the Victoria Market. After a severe struggle with the flames the Custom-house was saved, but the escape of this building was a very narrow one. The Colonial Bank also was saved.
After burning all night the flames began to die out on the morning of the 12th. No attempt was made to clear up the ruins and there was no material for erecting temporary buildings for the homeless. It was estimated that about 600 buildings had been burned. The great fire of 1862 [the Fisher’s Fire] and even of 1843 [James the Founder’s or Matcham’s Fire] did not compare with the one of Dec. 11 and 12. The people who had taken refuge on the ships came ashore and joined the throngs of homeless ones which wandered about in search of food and covering The coal in the large bins on the docks was still burning fiercely on the 14th.
But what happened to Christmas?
New York Times, January 7, 1883
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Dec. 29. - Kingston market on a Christmas morning is one of the sights of the West Indies, but last Christmas, proved a dead failure respecting merrymaking. The usual crowds were to be seen loitering through the market, but each person appeared as dull and lifeless as the blackened walls of the city. There is still a funereal gloom hanging over the city, although the relief committees have been successful in meeting all the immediate cases of distress.
Christmas, Kingston 1885 - almost completely ruined by cold rainy weather
Colonial Standard, December 26, 1885
Christmas 1885.
In the future, the record of Christmas 1885 must prove of a most exceptional character owing to the topsy-turvy state of the weather which has marked its advent. In the memory of the proverbial oldest inhabitant such heavy, continuous rain, as that which has fallen at the present season has never been experienced: nothing short of October Seasons at Christmas tide, usually so bright, so cool and bracing. On Thursday evening [Christmas Eve] the rain fell in great abundance entirely putting a stop to those festivities and that enjoyment on which our citizens are wont to enter upon with so much zest and pleasure. Yester’ morning, however, although breaking at first in gloom, with the rising of the sun, gave promise of a change, which was subsequently fully realised, the day continuing fine, although very warm, telling of yet further rain, which recommenced at about 5 o’clock in the afternoon, continuing in heavy showers at intervals up to midnight; a heavy Norther setting in at nightfall.
Christmas, however, has its responsibilities, its legends, its innumerable evidences of parental affection and friendly greeting, its social festive obligations. Accordingly, once feeling assured that the day was likely to prove fine, it was astonishing to mark with how much celerity pater-familias with the young folk hastened to the usual place of rendezvous - the Victoria Market - and the several handsome and spacious stores in King Street, which were abundantly supplied with the good and exhilirating [sic] cheer so indicative of the coming and arrival of old Father Christmas. On all sides also did the sound of fife, trumpet &c., tell of the joy which shone from the happy faces of the many delighted children whose hearts had become gladdened by the favourable change in the weather, enabling them to come in for their accustomed share of the sweets and toys which Christmas ever brings for them. It was surprising as we have already stated in view of the previous two days heavy rain and the lowering aspect of the morning, to see the number of persons of all conditions and classes, and of vehicles also, which crowded King streets. A good business we think must have been done by the several stores there situate - at least we hope so and we sincerely trust that there is yet time between this and New Year, or say Twelfth night, for our business men in general to drive a large and profitable trade - as some recompense for their previous disappointment.
Of the display of the usual good things in the Market we must confine ourselves to the excellence of the beef - which was really splendid - the palm being generally awarded to the stalls of Messrs. ISAAC LEVY & Co. The show of vegetables and fruit was necessarily very poor, the country people having been made to share in the disappointment of our citizens at the exceptionably unpleasant weather by which Christmas has been rendered memorable. However, let the motto of one and all be nil desperandum and let them with renewed energies await the good time which assuredly will result to them, from the blessing the island at large will experience from the much needed and splendid rain.
The unseasonable weather - and its effects.
Colonial Standard, January 6, 1886
The proverbial oldest inhabitant has no recollection of such - for the tropics - extremely cold weather as that which prevailed on the 26th and 27th ultimo. In several instances we are assured by gentlemen residing in the country parishes who have repeatedly crossed the Atlantic on a visit to the mother country, that for the first time in their experience they had to don their winter clothing, whilst ladies and children shivered, feeling how acceptable would have been a cosy fire-side in their dwellings. Lacking this, many faut de mieux, were glad to resort to the kitchen fire for the purpose of getting warm. In Kingston, we ourselves saw several gentlemen, who although clad in woollen clothes, found that when walking out, a heavy over-coat was by no means too warm for them. It is a pity, however, that so exhilirating a state of the temperature is so rare and so fleeting here, for the cold weather with us lasted but two days, during which in different parts of the island the Thermometer varied from 37 to 56, whilst in usually hot Kingston we had it as low as 64 - and in the lowlands of the contiguous parish of St. Andrew it fell to 61.
Colonial Standard, December 28 1885
During the heavy “Norther’’ which prevailed on Saturday last two walls of buildings in the burnt district near Harbour and Orange Streets fell but happily no damage was done to life or property. [The 'burnt' district was the area destroyed in the fire of December 1882]
Narrow Escape.
During the “ Norther” on Saturday last, a boat with three men was capsized off Orange Street. Fortunately they were good swimmers, and having succeeded in getting a seat on the upturned boat, remained there for about half an hour when they were rescued by a boat which put off from shore.
And on top of all that . . .
Colonial Standard, January 6, 1886
On the night of the 1st instant at 25 minutes to 10 o’clock, two shocks of earthquake were felt in this city - rapidly succeeding each other. The first was slight and of short duration, but the second lasted longer and was of much greater severity. The undulations were from South east to North west. Happily no damage was done, although the shock was sensibly felt throughout the island.
. . . . but there had been some interesting Christmas happenings!
Daily Gleaner, Monday, December 27, 1886
[editorial]
"A Merry Christmas."
Twelve months have passed since we last wrote these cheerful words; words that are uttered with a jolly, hearty ring at this season of the year by young and old, rich and poor, all sincere in the exclamation of recognition as friends or acquaintances meet each other at this festive season. Christmas has always been regarded in this Island in like manner as in the Mother Country, and this year's festivities have been no less than on such occasions that prompted the most graphic description from the greatest of English writers. It is, at this season, that the churches are all opened and the merry ring of Christmas bells attract hundreds within the sacred edifices to thank God for having spared them to see another year and for having supplied them with the necessaries of life. There are many of our poorer citizens, less fortunate than others, without the means of supplying themselves with Christmas cheer, yet they do not lack a hearty Christmas meal, for there are many benevolent persons amongst us who have yearly donated either a fat steer or hundreds of loaves of bread together with flour, currants, raisins, &c. for distribution among the poor and the satisfaction and pleasure derived by the donor for his charitable gift is the noble reward he enjoys. As it has always been, so are we glad to record that similarly this year have those that are well to do in our midst, whose hearts have been softened by the tender suggestions of this season, opened their hands and supplied the requirements of their unfortunate brethren so that there are none amongst us who have not been supplied through the generosity of others with a hearty Christmas meal.
"Suffer little children to come unto me and prevent them not" and they do come, and so does Santa Claus laden with toys and sweets of all kinds to be distributed among the little ones and the faces of the loving parents beam with joy as they witness the delight of their children and hear their merry voices thrill with pleasure as each separate trophy is drawn out of the proverbial Christmas stocking. A season of joy and merry making all round, a time to forget all our troubles and sorrows, and it is well that such a time should come, even though it be but once a year. In many a family gathering there will be some face missing, one who was the head; or perhaps a loving wife, or some near relative or friend, the pain of whose loss has scarce been lessened by the fleeting wings of time; to those who have thus had cause to mourn during the year fast drawing to a close and who still mourn their irreparable losses we say be of good cheer, throw off your weeds, and assume a cheerful demeanour for you owe it to those around you, to those who are still left to cheer and comfort you; you owe it in Society, you owe it to the Christmas season, "be of good cheer."
To our general readers, we recommend a careful perusal of the advertising columns of this paper where will be found offered for sale every necessity and luxury that can be required at this season of the year. Our groceries are replete with every variety of dainties that can tempt a connoisseur and we are certain a newer and better stock has never been offered to Christmas purchasers. Our Fancy Stores likewise are brimful of endless beautiful things suitable for Christmas and New Year presents, and the courteous proprietors are unceasing in their endeavours to attract and please. One may visit cities with far larger populations and even greater centres and not find so good nor such attractive kinds of wares at the option of the purchaser. Ere this shall have gone to press Christmas will have passed only to be remembered among the joys and pleasures in which we have participated, and as we write we breathe the fervent hope to all our readers of A MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Christmas Festivities.
This year has been one of depression and not without many misfortunes, the result is our people—especially the labouring classes—are not in the same prosperous circumstances that they were some years ago. They have however, our sympathy alike; but that sympathy is rendered deeper. and more painful from the fact that many of those who have suffered most, have been, in prosperous times, our greatest benefactors, while many have gone to swell the great majority, and others who have made large fortunes have left the island to settle elsewhere. However, despite the general depression in trade and the painful fact that small-pox is raging in our midst, that sickness prevails to a considerable extent in the homes of the greater portion of our people through out the length and breadth of the city, and others are bowed down with grief at the removal by death of a dear parent or relative, hundreds of persons promenaded our streets on Friday evening—Christmas-Eve—some, by way of custom and through mere curiosity, others for amusement and for visiting the numerous raffling and lottery establishments that are so very largely attended and so liberally patronized at this season of the year, while others were engaged in making purchases for the daily necessaries of life. King Street and Tower Street were especially lively and the proprietors of those places which were kept open until a very late hour in the evening for the accommodation of the public, must have done very good business, if we are to judge from the large number of persons who frequented them. Omnibusses came in for a great deal of the traffic, while the Street Cars on the different sections of the line which are so greatly patronized in these festive occasions, were incessantly run until vary near one o'clock on Saturday morning, consequent on the immense traffic offering, and the desire of the manager to please and to meet the exigencies of the occasion; each car made about twenty-eight trips, and on each occasion was as crowded as it could possibly be. There were several masquerade parties to be seen in different parts of the city during the evening, which attracted crowds, the "doctor" of one of these parties being especially admired on account of his sportive gestures, and was "hauled and pulled" about for the purpose of extraction more "fun" out of him than he was disposed to give which created a great deal of merriment. Variegated attractive lights were also alternately exhibited from the various places of business in King Street and Tower Street, which drew together a large number of persons while in the upper part of the city the doors of the "Nacimiento," an entertainment specially got up for the benefit of the poor of the city by the Association of Ladies of Charity, were for the first time thrown open to the public. The customary midnight service was held at the Roman Catholic Church in Sutton Street and Duke Street, and was very largely attended the Reverend Father Hathaway being the preacher. The venerable Father Dupont, Fathers Spillman, Hogan and Loidi were also present.
At about two o'clock on Saturday morning our attention was directed to the Victoria Market; the doors were besieged by a goodly number of persons, all anxious to gain admittance to secure the best cuts of beef that had been slaughtered especially for sale on the occasion. In conversation with a well known butcher, he informed us "that Christmas Eve was the liveliest day experienced for some time in the Victoria Market, as all the beef that had been offered for sale was disposed of in a very short time, and the hope he entertained that Christmas morning would be as lively in the sale of beef as tho day before." No sooner were the doors of the market thrown open than a rush was made for the different stalls, and of the thirty-two head of cattle slaughtered, there can be no doubt that all of it was eagerly bought up by the excited purchasers. A noted butcher named Tully is said to have sold as many as five steers, and even then was forced to go round and buy from tho several stalls so as to meet the requirements of his customers. Some stalls did not, however, do well, on account of the beef being "too fat," and because it was sent too late to the market, but they were, nevertheless, very gaily dressed up with flags and evergreens and simultaneously mounted with appropriate and eulogizing mottoes, soliciting the patronage of customers, while the vegetable, fruit and provision stalls were liberally and enthusiastically patronized by the rich and poor alike. At five o'clock the building was densely crowded with people who were all neatly and decently clad in their usual holiday attire to the astonishment of persons who had formed adverse opinions that the attendance would be poor, and by the time Lewis' "Sea" Band was announced every available spot in the large edifice was occupied. The Band moved off in front of Sir Charles Metcalfe's Statue, in charge of Mr. Charles A. Small, owing to the indisposition of Bandmaster Lewis and proceeded down King Street, playing the Princess March and on taking up their stand in the market the following pieces of music were discoursed—1 A Polka; 2 Cheer Boys, Cheer; 3 Love Lost, a waltz; 4 Always Joyful, a galop; 5 Nightingale, a polka; 6 Mazurka; 7 The Officer's Waltz, and several other selected pieces.
During the tendering of the above pieces we observed several of our most prominent citizens, among them Lieut. General Barne, Captain Coxhead, A. D. C., Louis Verley, many Naval and Military officers, and Messrs. Wedderburn, Church and Westmoreland, Inspectors of Constabulary, Sergeant Major Logan also attended with a squad of Constables for the purpose of preserving order and in regulating the position of vehicles. Several excursion parties took place in the harbour and in the suburbs of the city, while the continuous racket from the various description of toys in the possession of children in the market and in different parts of the city shewed that the various toy shops had done well in the sale of these goods which had been specially selected and imported for the amusement of the little ones. In fact it resembled a children's holiday. Early morning services were held in several churches in this city and were fairly attended.
The clerks of the market, in their uniform—Messrs Hinchliffe and Robertson—were noted for their courtesy and attention to strangers, especially the ladies, and for the prompt and easy manner in which disputes, arising between buyer and seller were settled by them. At half past nine o'clock, the band struck up the "National Anthem", and this large gathering of persons separated,
The demand for seats in the street cars shortly afterwards was astonishing and could only be obtained with a great deal of trouble, two-thirds of the people being anxious to reach home at once and at the same time to refresh themselves so as to be able to attend divine service at the several Episcopal churches in the chilly. In the evening a large number of people visited the raffling and other establishments and spent money freely. His Honor the Mayor, accompanied by Mr. John Hoyes, City Inspector, was observed among the spectators. The greatest order prevailed.
The most noticeable and praiseworthy feature in the description which we have so very imperfectly endeavoured to portray for the information of our readers was the excellent behaviour of our people, and that although there was a continuous moving to and fro of every conceivable description of vehicle, not the slightest
accident occurred.
Daily Gleaner, December 24, 1895
THE CHRISTMAS MARKET.
The stores will be open late this evening and the city will be alive all night. Christmas services will be held in most of the churches at 5 a.m. tomorrow morning; and about 6 o'clock, practically the entire population will move down to the Victoria Market. The scene that follows is picturesque in the extreme and is one that those who have not seen it should not miss. We give above an accurate representation of King Street as it appeared last Christmas morning - from a photo taken at the time. In Kingston the preparations for Christmas begin several weeks before the event. The shopkeepers lay in extra supplies and special attractions, pretty much after the manner of the English stores. Among other things they import large quantities of sweetmeats and candies from London, New York and Paris, including chocolate creams and other confectionary which denizens of London and New York are accustomed to getting "fresh every hour." In Jamaica we are reasonably sure of getting these delicacies fresh every Christmas. Chocolate grows in abundance all over the Island, but it must go to London or Paris, or New York to be manufactured into candy, or even into the preparations for breakfast beverages. That is one of the expensive peculiarities of this country. The Christmas market is the great feature of the day, and almost the principal event of the year, in a certain sense. Every body goes to market on Christmas day and between the hours of six and nine in the morning, all the fashion and beauty of the island's capital is on dress parade through the meaty aisles of the Victoria Market, and the heaps of tropical produce and the picturesque vendors thereof scattered around in the immediate vicinity.
The people do not go to the Christmas market especially to make purchases, but because it is a part of the day's observance, and perhaps because there everybody can meet everybody else and wish them "A joyous Christmas."
The stalls in the market are gaily decorated with flags, bunting, palm branches, coloured paper, tinsel and an abundance of flowers. A brass band occupies a prominent position in the market building and discourses music of great volume and variety, and more or less melody.
1898
Daily Gleaner, December 28, 1898
The Christmas Festival
HOW IT WAS KEPT UP IN KINGSTON.
The fact that this year, the 25th of Dec., fell upon a Sunday naturally had a somewhat restraining influence upon the usual exuberance of the Christmas celebrations. In Jamaica, despite the heat and the general un-Christmas like conditions, the festival is observed with not less pomp and circumstance than in England, although we have not got the snow and the holly, the skating and the mistletoe. On Christmas eve, the city of Kingston presented a scene of considerable animation. In many of the principal streets large crowds were to be seen dressed in their "best" and enjoying themselves very thoroughly according to their favourite methods. Most of the stores in King Street were opened until a late hour and were nearly in every case thronged with customers eager to purchase the wherewithal for the next day's Christmas dinner, or seasonable presents to give their friends and fill their children's stockings. During the evening the bands of masqueraders who had played their antics about in the streets all the week, were particularly active, giving huge delight to the youngsters and to some of the older folks as well. Although so many people were about the streets and the occasion was so thoroughly festive there was a notable absence of serious disorder. The police did their work well but had no particular trouble with the merry-makers. Here and there one might see a reveller who had been indulging not wisely but too well in the cup which both cheers and inebriates, but these were few and far between, and on the whole the Christmas was perhaps the most sober seen in Kingston for many years
THE MARKET.
As usual the Christmas market on Monday morning was a very interesting and important function. The weather was perfectly fine and therefore there was no hindrance to the presence of an extremely large crowd of sellers, buyers, and spectators. Although, of course, the element of business was dominant. It was by no means a case of all work and no play. Nearly everybody was in his or her Sunday best clothes and intent on having a jolly time while the market lasted. A jovial spirit and thorough good fellowship appeared to reign supreme on every hand. The quantity of beef disposed of was very considerable. Thirty-one head of cattle of fine quality were slaughtered. On every hand were to be seen industrious vendors of toys, sweet meats and other articles calculated to enhance the festivity of the occasion. The boatmen at the market wharf did a fairly good trade with the pleasure parties to whom the prospect of a row on the beautiful waters of the harbour appeared a pleasant relief to the incessant dim of the market itself. Most of the boatloads rowed around the German training ship Moltke, which is at present lying in the harbour. The scene, altogether, was one which a stranger cannot readily forget. The brilliant colours of the women's dresses, the ceaseless clamour on every side, the obvious delight of the multitude, and the extraordinary variety of the 'fairings’ sold, struck one as thoroughly tropical.
Mr. Watson's band fully sustained its old reputation for pleasant and lively music. It gave a good selection of music and considerably delighted all present.
THE ELECTRIC CARS. |
Electric street cars ran for the first time on Kingston streets in December 1898, replacing the mule-drawn cars the city had used from 1876.
|
THE RAILWAY EXCURSIONS.
The railway excursion to Montego Bay took place on Sunday and was a very great success. As was announced, the train left the Kingston Railway Station at 7 o'clock on Sunday morning. It contained six coaches which were filled with excursionists for Montego Bay. There were a large number of cyclists with their bicycles, which were conveyed free of charge. The Sunday trains on the Port Antonio line were also largely patronized. The tickets issued to persons who travelled to Montego Bay are available for the week.