Huddersfield Chronicle (16/Dec/1893) - Christmas Preparations in Huddersfield

The following is a transcription of a historic newspaper article and may contain occasional errors. If the article was published prior to 1 June 1957, then the text is likely in the Public Domain.

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS IN HUDDERSFIELD.

Nothing but the wherewithal to make extensive, purchases is needed to make the present Christmas season one long to be remembered in local annals.

There are no signs of depression in the shops, and the cloud which has overhung the general trade of the country for so large a portion of the year might have dissolved into the thinnest of thin air for all the signs that are discernible of its presence in our retail establishments. So much is now done in the way of preparing for Christmas, and so general is the custom of incurring some extra expenditure at this season, that the great efforts made and the general excellence of the results, merit some recognition. More and more does shopkeeping become a fine art. To sell goods not merely require that they should be kept in stock, but also that they should be temptingly displayed. Many people never know what they want until they see just the very article that they consider they require. Upon this point there will be no difficulty in Huddersfield this Christmas. So excellent are the displays already made, and so well advanced are the preparations for those still to come off, that all can judge what the general effect must be. Impossible as it seems each Christmas that the wholesale preparations made can be surpassed in a subsequent year, some advance can always be noted. This year the electric light is called in to aid the other arts which have long been pressed into service. There is a mighty difference between the old fashioned poky places which used to be designated shops and the modern emporium, to which one may go with a confident assurance of having all reasonable wants promptly and fully satisfied. To those who are blessed with a share of this world’s goods sufficient to ensure enough for all their wants, shopping for the next few days must be a delightful occupation. Every taste is catered for, and not merely every want but every whim, can be satisfied by some one or other of the enterprising tradesmen of the town. Those who cannot afford anything but a small expenditure will find that they are not forgotten. Articles suitable for moderate and modest as well as full purses can be found on every side, and even for those for whom Christmas loses all its significance — a small but all too large a class even if less restricted than it is — must find some enjoyment from the sight of so much ingenuity all enlisted in the service of man. Now is the best time of the year to see what tradesmen can do in the way of display. A walk through our streets is at present a delightful experience undreamt of by our predecessors, and is, to a very considerable extent, and to those capable of appreciating the sights which meet their gaze on every hand, a liberal education in itself. That fine weather may prevail during the next few days, and the result be crowded thoroughfares and good business, enough to make up for dulness during the year, must be the earnest hope of every well-wisher of the trade and prosperity of the town.

The judicious selection of eatables and drinkables for Christmastide is a most important matter to the head of every household, who, so far from taking no thought for the morrow, takes very much thought indeed. What to buy may almost be said to be the subject of the hour for them, and more consideration than usual is given to the quality of both food and drink, for all must be of the very best. A glance at a few of the principal shops and storerooms in the town is enough to satisfy one that there need be no fear either on the score of quality or quantity, but that all the demands of purchasers will be met right well. More imposing than ever will be the display made by Messrs. J.H. Wood and Son Victoria Street and Victoria Lane. The arrivals in every class will excel those of previous years. The year has been an exceptionally good one for pheasants, and hares are of extraordinary weight Passing on to the Market Walk, there will be another attractive display at the shop of Mr Rowland Wood, fish and game dealer. English Dutch, and American oysters are described as being in splendid condition. A few yards further on no one will fail to stop and look at the neatly arranged windows of Lipton’s branch establishment, which appear especially fine at night, shown off by the electric light. Here can be purchased the teas from Mr. Lipton’s Ceylon plantations which have gained the highest and only award in the British section at the World’s Fair at Chicago. Another feature is the quantity of hams and bacon which the proprietor claims to be able to sell cheaper than all competitors on account of his extensive curing and the saving of all middlemen's profits. At 16, John William Street. Mr. J. Armitage announces great arrivals of fancy and prize dairy cheese — white and coloured Cheshire, pale Cheddar, Gorgonzola, Rouqefort, Gruyere, Stilton and Wensleydale. There will be seen here as well Harris’ Wiltshire smoked and Yorkshire hams and bacon, &c., Christmas fruits, and general grocery.

At Messrs. Cooper and Webb’s Wiltshire House, in Westgate, will also be found a large stock of bacon and cheese, the latter including Cheddar from the dairy which took the Lord Mayor’s Champion Cup in 1892. Tea, to the tasting and blending of which special attention has been paid, and coffees, fresh roasted every day on the premises, are to be had at the shop of Mr. Joseph Carr Stead and Co., 14, King Street.

Should the cooking arrangements in any house hold be at all unsatisfactory Mr. Thomas Chrispin, of 26, King Street, is prepared to advocate most strongly the efficacy and economy of his gas cooking stoves, which may be seen in great variety at his well-stocked emporium. Not only for cooking, but for heating purposes, gas and oil stoves may be viewed both in quantity and quality at Mr. Chrispin’s shop, whilst the replenishing of various domestic utensils, or the sudden advent of King Frost, should all mean that grist will be brought to Mr. Chrispin’s mill. The large and varied display of goods which his premises contains is simply astounding, and intending purchasers should not fail to see it before completing their bargains.

Well might Sidney Smith write “What two ideas are more inseparable than beer and Britannia?” At their office and stores in Cross Church Street Messrs. Seth Senior and Sons will receive orders and supply families with their ale, porter, and bitter beer in casks of six gallons and upwards, so that all who like their “glass” should be able to indulge in a cask at Christmas if not in the custom of doing so at other times. Messrs. Senior and Sons will also supply demands for all kinds of wine and spirits, while teetotalers will be able to obtain as much mineral water as they like. Messrs. Bentley and Shaw (Limited), whose order office is at 35, John William Street, will be equally well prepared to meet all orders for the mild and strong ales for which they are so celebrated, and amongst the wines they sell will be found Pol Roger’s select 1889 Cuvee, of which they are the sole consignees. The famous “Nonpareil,” a blend of the finest matured Scotch whiskies, may be had bottled and guaranteed by Mr. A. Spivey, at 45 and 47, King Street; and Messrs. Walter Hirst and Sons, importers of foreign wines and spirits, have on sale at 53 and 55, King Street, and at Buxton House in Buxton Road, wines of all kinds, old matured spirits, and choice British and foreign cigars. Those who want a good glass of ale this Christmas are invited by Mr. Jim Briggs to call and judge for themselves at the old “Bull’s Head,” in the Beast Market. Here also, it is declared, will be found as good wines and spirits as any vaults or public-house in the town, and cigars well-seasoned and of the best brand. Mr. William Smith, of Folly Hall, besides selling good wines and spirits will supply Burton ale in six and nine gallon casks, and Mr. J.F. Stott, of the Ramsden Arms Hotel, Cross Church Street, announces that he has mild and bitter ales and porter, of uniform excellent quality, on draught or bottle, genuine fine old crusty wines and spirits “by all the leading distillers in the kingdom,” and cigars of the choicest brand. Not forgetting the teetotalers again, there are high class mineral waters, which are manufactured and sold by Messrs. Benjamin Shaw and Sons, of Upperhead Row and Willow Lane, who have besides specialities in hop ale and prize ginger ale.

In no department of the Christmas trade is more taste and skill displayed in the selection and exhibition of the multifarious collection of goods prepared for the festive season than in that devoted to the sale of articles of personal adornment. Though this is generally understood to apply only to the ladies, yet there are many members of what is known as the sterner sex who not only like to be well dressed themselves, but are quick to notice a similar attraction in their friends. “Ladies first,” however, is a motto, which though not as generally recognised to-day as it might be, shall decide the question of place here, and attention will first be called to the extensive arrangements made to meet the demand for articles of female adornment — both for in-door and out-door wear — suited to the season of cold weather and unlimited parties and family gatherings. Mr. Herbert Denham’s establishment in John William Street, will be found replete with a large variety of dress fabrics for the season, whilst the entirely new stock of first class furs — which combine the advantages of looking well and being warm and comfortable for out-door wear into the bargain — and the varied assortment of fancy goods from which any number of seasonable presents may be selected should ensure a numerous attendance of customers, to whom it is announced special terms are offered during the month of December. Mantles, cloaks, and jackets, in all the latest styles; furs, in the varied forms in which they are submitted for the approval of customers; and blankets, table linen and household drapery generally, may be found in sufficient variety surely to satisfy the tastes of the most fastidious at the establishment of Messrs. Thomas Denham and Co., at 26, John William Street. Good news has been received from King Street. One is always glad to hear of success in business, and Mr. George Hall has made his dress, mantle, family linen and ladies’ outfitting establishment at 20, King Street, so successful that a large extension of premises is necessary in order to carry it on with comfort, and workmen are already engaged in converting the spacious building which adjoins, once known as the “New Market” Dining Rooms, into a part of Mr. Hall’s establishment. Meanwhile business is being pursued with all the customary vigour by Mr. Hall and his staff, and as there are said to be “large reductions off the regular price of all goods” — a state of things of which Yorkshire-men are reputed to be particularly fond — the festive season should find a large influx of customers at Mr. Hall’s place of business. The “Bee Hive” should at any rate justify its title during the next few days, for if Mr. Samuel Chapman’s assistants are not as busy as bees it will not be the fault either of those who have had the selection of such a choice and varied stock of lace curtains, prints (in all the latest designs), and winter millinery, or of those who have arranged it in such an attractive and well-nigh irresistible fashion, excellent virtues from the salesman’s point of view, which the fine windows at the corner of King Street and Zetland Street always seem to possess. Messrs. Barrowclough Bros, of Kirkgate Buildings, announce the arrival of new winter goods in all departments — dressmaking, mantle-making, and millinery — and with such an enticing array of articles to select from, ladies should not find it difficult to suit their tastes, and meet all their requirements. There the reader ha3 a list of establishments, willing and anxious to supply the wants of any number of Christmas customers. The more of the latter there are and the merrier will the festive season be for the proprietor, whilst his assistants will be able to enjoy their Christmas dinner with the consciousness of duty well done. But there has not been a word said yet on the subject of male adornment. Gentleman have only to take a walk as far as the shop of Messrs. Hilditch and Field, hosiers, glovers, and shirtmakers, of 22, King Street, to see such an array of most enticing articles as leave nothing further to be desired in the special line for which this firm so admirably caters. Novelties are to hand in every department, and as these may be had “packed in boxes, cases, and fancy hampers, free of charge, during December and January,” many seasonable Christmas presents of a useful, durable, and ornamental character, may be purchased from Messrs. Hilditch and Field’s establishment by gentlemen — and ladies too for the matter of that — and sent far and wide to proclaim the advent of the season of “peace and goodwill towards men.”

The fact that sewing machines are now in common use in so many households make them very good Christmas and New Year’s presents, and an inspection of the showroom in New Street of the Singer Manufacturing Company, who have made and sold over 11,000,000 machines, is invited.

Owing to the increasing taste for books and fancy articles of all sorts the modern bookseller’s shop presents peculiar and special temptations at this season of the year. The unwary who enter the well-appointed and fully-stocked shop of Mr. E.W. Coates, of Station Street, will find it difficult to leave without investing in some of the numerous articles shown so liberally on every side. All the latest annuals, the newest books, the daintiest editions, the prettiest albums, and the most delightful of fancy articles in leather, plush, and other work appeal with the most irresistible of attractions to the possible purchaser. It is pretty safe to say that those who hesitate over their selections in this establishment are lost. They cannot fail to find something suitable for their requirements or their taste, and the chances are that they will discover that something which they have done very well without hitherto is now imperatively necessary if life is not to be a burden in future. For dainty, beautiful, and substantial presents Mr. Coates’ shop will be found unsurpassed, and lucky will be the individual who ventures into such strong temptation and spends no more than he intended before going. So brilliant is the display that all having a weakness for pretty, useful, and ornamental articles in all departments now included in the modern bookseller’s establishment cannot fail to receive both pleasure and satisfaction from a visit to this place, particularly if they are in a position to gratify the wants they will inevitably find to start up as soon as they see the magnificent display set out for their delectation. Next door, at Mr. Alfred Jubb’s, in addition to commercial stationery of all kinds, mostly of a heavy and useful character, there will be found plenty of choice in fancy stationery and a large variety of ornamental stationery in brisk demand at such a season. Many of these articles, both for design and excellence, are well worth seeing, and should circumstances justify the step purchases are pretty sure to follow an inspection. A speciality is also made or testimonials and illuminated addresses, experienced artists being retained for the purpose of giving satisfaction for all orders of this kind. A grand display of a very special character in Christmas cards is made by Mr. Longley, at 27, John William Street, and although these missives, are said not to be so popular as formerly there can be no doubt that there is still a large demand for them, and intending purchasers would do well to give Mr. Longley a call.

The fine arts never entirely escape recognition at such a season, and though the circle taking an interest in pictures at Christmas may be comparatively small, the public taste in that direction is steadily, if slowly, growing. All who feel that the festive season would be incomplete without some attention on their part to this interesting subject cannot do better than visit Marshall’s shop in New Street, where in whatever direction their taste may go they will find ample gratification in choice samples and excellent work. All artist’s requisites can also be obtained here.

Perhaps no art has advanced more rapidly and surely than photography. Mr. J.E. Shaw, of Burlington House, Park Drive, not only is prepared to photograph all who like to celebrate the Christmas season by having photographs of themselves and their families, but he also makes a strong feature of portrait painting. In these days no middle class family should be without one or more family portraits, and the present season is one eminently suitable for the commencement, or the addition to such a collection.

Those members of the community who regard jewellery as quite the proper form their presents should take will pursue their search under peculiarly favourable conditions. A glance at the windows of Messrs. B. Mallinson and Co., of 24, New Street: of Messrs. Pearce and Sons, whose Huddersfield establishment it is well-known is located at No. 4, New Street; and of Messrs. Fillans and Sons, who have carried on business since 1852 in the Market Walk will suffice to show what an advance has been made in the making and display of fancy and valuable jewellery of every description. The gems which flash and sparkle from the windows of the shops of the firms mentioned when they are brilliantly illuminated as they are of an evening give ample scope for the exercise of the most exacting taste, and the difficulty of selection is intensified by the large and varied character of the display of articles for approval. Each of the firms announce that they have made a special selection of jewellery in the most recent fashionable and artistic designs, whilst Messrs. Fillans and Sons lay particular stress on the facilities they offer in the repairing and alteration departments attached to their place of business.

Music forms such an important feature in the celebration of the festive season that, no doubt, during the next few days an incentive will be given to the sale of pianos, organs, and other “instruments of music.” In this line special arrangements have again been made by Messrs. Wood and Marshall — a business that is now carried on by the sons of the late Mr. Joe Wood, a well-known and highly respected local musician — and a visit to their well-known establishment in New Street, will reveal such a stock of instruments by the leading English and Continental makers, all of which are offered at such reasonable prices as should tempt the most unwilling buyers. Particular attention is drawn to their “specialty pianos” which are manufactured expressly for the firm to meet the times and are said to be “a surprise to everyone” by reason of their excellence and finish, and the extremely reasonable price at which they are offered for disposal

Probably at no season of the year is the fragrant weed smoked with greater enjoyment than at Christmas. Domestic worries and business cares are for the nonce left on one side, and the smoker gives himself up to the thorough enjoyment of his pipe or cigar, as the case may be, with perfect contentment. Messrs. R.J. Elliott and Co. (Limited), have been making special preparations for meeting the wants of customers at their old-established place of business in King Street, and every requisite for smoking may be purchased here from a stock noted for its extent and excellence. A special effort is to be made to place what has been called the “Stamp Office” mixture upon the market, by presenting an ounce to every purchaser of a mixed parcel valued at 2s. and upwards, or half-an-ounce to the purchasers of parcels ranging from 1s. to 2s. in value. This generous offer only applies to the week ending December 23rd. The quality, fragrance, and delicacy of flavour will, the firm feel sure, commend the mixture to the most fastidious smokers who may show their appreciation, after this opportunity of trying before they buy, by ensuring for the mixture a ready sale in the future.

And now in conclusion it only remains to wish, thus early, though none the less heartily, the “compliments of the season” to each and everyone of our readers, and to express the hope that any troubles that may be in store for them either in the short term of the present or during what it is hoped may be a happy New Year for them, will — like the productions of the firm whose business was noticed in the last paragraph — end in smoke!