From the Diaries of Annie Parker Greenwood
Annie Parker Greenwood grew up at the Mason’s Arms in Eastby which she ran with her widowed mother Elizabeth. These diary extracts for Christmas 1876 were written when Annie was 21, and whilst Upper Barden Reservoir was being constructed.
Saturday 16th December
In the evening I rode on with the Postman to the Embsay Mechanics Institute to see the Christmas Tree the Wesleyans have made.
Monday 18th December
Bella Newall & Celia Birkbeck [two friends from Bower House & Rockville] came down in the evening and sat in the Bar and James & Jont Thompson sang a few songs in very good style. Then we had some duets & Xmas carols.
Wednesday 20th December
I had a Xmas Card this morning from Dick Wilkinson, he evidently remembers my existence [a former admirer].
Friday 22nd December
Our new Policeman [P.C. Marsden] came on in the afternoon. I went onto Embsay in the evening. I took Old Bill Turner [Parish Clerk] a bit of jugged hare. Got some Oatcake at Hallam’s. I kissed Mr Hallam under some Mistletoe so he said he owed me a pair of gloves [Bolland Hallam, Baker of Main Street, Embsay], then walked down to the Smith’s at Greenbottom.
Sunday 24th December – Christmas Eve
All covered with snow. I attended Divine Service at Embsay Church, the Church was splendidly decorated in very good style. Our worthy Vicar [Revd Charles Hardman] was not very well. Mamma sent him up some fowl for dinner.
We were filled out at noon. Mr Harrison & Townend came up from Saltaire this afternoon, they had tea and were very nice company. They have been in Belgium and France and had a lot of views of the field of “Waterloo”.
Monday 25th December – Christmas Day
Snow covered all, rather frosty. Early this morning came Mr Boardman & the Eastby Chapel Singers and they sung beautifully, & then any amount of little girls & boys. Later on Jack Preston, Henry Redfern, Mason Phillip & Tom Harragan sung very well indeed. Taproom was filled with Navvies, some very decent fellows, they had their Xmas Box and went on their way rejoicing. A few Skiptonians in the Afternoon.
Peter Raich [Civil Engineer] & Mr Cameron [John Cameron, Manager of the Reservoir Works] down in the Evening. My word they were up to the mark in their Scotch attire and did look well. We had quite a Concert in the Bar at night with some first class singing. Mason Phillip & James, Dave & Tom Harragan, John Rothwell, Jack Preston, etc., sung in good style, & little Tom [her 8 year old brother] sung the “Soldiers Tear”, & the “Orphan Boy”, bless him with his childish voice. Timothy Harragan in his element with the singing, for should not we all rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born today:
“Christians awake, salute the happy Morn
Wherein the Saviour of Mankind was born.”
Tuesday 26th December
Frosty, & snow covered all. The Embsay Brass Band came and played us a few tunes, we gave them five shillings. The blooming old navvies did heel & toe it. Mamma sung “I cut my sticks & cleaned my brogs” etc., it suited them famously. Then the company in the Bar sung a few Glees. We had a nice afternoon.
Saturday 30th December
Early in the morning came down the whole of the workmen off Barden Moor, numbered about two hundred. The house was crammed as they all came in & entirely ruined the passage wallpaper.
Sunday 31st December – New Years Eve
This morning I attended Divine Service at Embsay Church, heard an excellent sermon from our worthy Vicar. Our little Church was decorated with true artistic taste & skill. I walked on with the Newall family [Bower House] & walked back with Annie Garnett [daughter of George Garnett, Butcher of Eastby]. Then Bella Newall & me went up to Mr Hey’s [Thomas Hey, Manager of Eastby Mill who later married Isabella Newall] & sat a good bit with him in his Bachelor Establishment. Had a glass of Port with him & heard the New Years Eve Singers out. Then Bella & I walked with Mr Hey for our escort.
Monday 1st January 1877 – New Years Day
This morning came on very wet but sleet & snow in the afternoon. Alf Clark brought in the New Year. Mr Cameron came down and wished me a happy new year, I hope it will be so. In the evening Dave Harragan played the Concertina & Mason Phillip sung, so we had a jolly night. Well, we are beginning another Year. I hope it will please our Heavenly Father to make it both prosperous & happy for us.
David Turner, Embsay with Eastby Historical Research Group
Categories: All, History Posts
