December 22, 1921
What was happening a century ago this week from the front page of the Cowichan Leader.
December 22, 1921
Since we did Christmas In the Stores, the main feature on this week’s front page, last week, this is going to be an abbreviated ‘100 Years Ago’.
Duncan Consolidated Schools students had completed their closing exercises as they were called, which seem to have consisted of some examinations and more of Yuletide festivities. Each classroom had its own tree and decorations of boughs and ribbons, and parents were invited.
There were recitations, dialogues and character sketches, even a play, “Engaging A Maid.” The audience enjoyed it enough to demand three encores!
The annual Christmas social of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides made for “high revelry” in the St. John’s Hall. Highlights included a concertina solo by Troop Leader H. Whan and highland dances by Guide Sheila Tisdall.
The boys put on a farcical play entitled “A Serious Operation” which was anything but then served dinner. Not to be outdone the Guides presented a “screamingly funny” comedy called “Sacked” starring Clara Castley.
Queen Margaret’s students held their own soiree under the management of the Misses Denny and Geoghegan. The youngest kids performed “Winkinblinkin and Nod,” and the middle classes, “A Little Child.” Sheila Tisdall, star of the Guides’ event, starred again with her highland fling.
Dairy and poultrymen, members of the Cowichan Creamery, had had their own Christmas party, and there was a goose shoot at Westholme (using real targets, alas.)
Which brings us to the only serious news item on the entire front page, a brief report on the coming civic election. Mayor Pitt was stepping down after three terms but was willing to serve as an alderman. Ald. H.W. Dickie, son of C.H. Dickie the newly-elected MPP, said he’d stand again as did Ald. O.T. Smythe. Senior aldemran on Duncan Council was H.F. Prevost who, like Pitt, had also served three terms.
Said the Leader: “Interest in the coming election has already been awakened and it is probable that there will be considerable competition for seats at the aldermanic table.”
That’s it—I said this week would be brief!
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