Newark Advertiser looks back on Christmas in Newark in 1922
How Christmas was celebrated in Newark a century ago is revealed in the Advertiser archive, including how it was spent in hospital and the workhouse.
The Advertiser issue of December 27, 1922, gives a detailed description of the festive period in the town.
This is what was written:
The day of days was indeed wet and gusty but there was nothing to rob Christmas of its fireside festivity. The spirit of goodwill was abound and most folk were at peace with the world.
The Queen of Festivals was ushered in by transferring the great Eve to Saturday and Newark was busy in and around shopland.
Windows were blazes of lights and as parcel-laden happy folk trudged to and fro, the atmosphere of Christmas enveloped everyone.
The picture houses attracted large numbers but one of the jolliest gatherings took place in the Palace Café where Miss Ralph had arranged an attractive Christmas supper.
The programme commenced with supper at 9.30pm, after which dancing took place to the strains of the Palace orchestra.
Streamers were thrown from all directions and midnight came all too quickly.
The town woke to find a splendidly fine day for those Christmas walks.
Special music was given at the churches and bells gave their joyous peals, for this was the real Christmas Eve.
Soon after darkness had veiled the town young carollers commenced their tours.
As the night wore on the more serious bands and choirs bade Christians Awake!
The town was early astir — especially the young who were excited about their stockings — and large numbers attended the early services.
In the afternoon, the weather brightened somewhat, picture shows were opened and football took place at the Stadium.
The various wards of Newark Hospital presented a pretty picture with their gay decorations and there was unmistakeable evidence of seasonable festivity.
Those who had perforce to spend their Yuletide here, away from the home fireside, entered heart and soul into the celebrations, and in many cases rendered assistance to the nurses, to whom fell the task of decorating.
In the children's ward, a maypole was chief decoration and a real attraction with dolls each taking a ribbon.
Happily, the spirit of Bumble has long since died and the rays of joy which brighten the Workhouse at Yuletide would gladden the heart of Charles Dickens.
On Friday, the Girl Guides carol singers visited the institution and on Saturday there was a party of carol singers from the Church Army.
On Christmas Day, the tobacco, oranges and sweets allowed by the Guardians were distributed.
The Christmas dinner, which was evidently enjoyed, consisted of roast beef, plum pudding with rum sauce, beer, and mineral waters.
During the afternoon the Christ Church carol singers sang carols in the ward and for tea two large iced cakes were provided by the Mayor and Mayoress. Others also provided cakes.
After tea, Miss Hilda Cooper gave several violin solos, which were much enjoyed, and the musical evening was followed with games and pastimes.
Among those who count Christmastide as one of their busiest periods are the Post Office authorities, and this year was no exception to the rule.
When the rush began, some 20 or 30 additional hands were obtained through the Labour Exchange for the local sorting and delivery department.
Until Sunday had passed it was all hands on deck.
The number of letters and parcels dealt with last week locally has been higher than at any period since the war. The inclusion of the half-penny packets added considerably to the total.
Up to 15,000 parcels were received and delivered during one day in Newark.
