Extracts from the Diaries of Annie Parker Greenwood, eldest daughter of Elizabeth Greenwood, Innkeeper of the Mason’s Arms.
This is the second part of an article posted in December about Christmas 1880 at the Mason’s Arms. Annie’s diaries for New Year 1880/1 catch her in a reflective mood and include a family get together at The Heugh on New Years Eve, and preparations for tea parties at Bower House, Eastby, and the Elm Tree on New Years Day.
30th December Thursday
Cold & slight snow showers in afternoon. I have been doing a “Gold & Black Ice Wool Shawl” for cousin Mrs Partington, it did look well. I hope it will please her. [Ellen Partington who lived near Bolton, Lancashire]. I went up to Mrs Newsam’s & heard all the gossip etc. [Catherine wife of Stephen Newsholme of Eastby]. Sally went up & baked for Mr Clarke. Poor Sally I hope she will get settled down comfortably. [Sally Bowness, their former servant, later became housekeeper for Eastby widower Alf Clarke]. Tom Mann, Tom Girling [their lodgers] & I had a good laugh.
31st December Friday
Very cold & frosty & snow covers the ground. I went up to the Heugh with cousin Jane & her dear little girl “Annie”. We had a pleasant walk up. It reminded me forcibly of “long, long ago”. [Jane Parker of The Heugh had married Willie Lister of Intake Farm, Embsay in 1876]. Arrived up there, I had a good chat with Uncle William [Parker] on Politics, “disturbed Ireland”, etc. Then a few kisses from the juvenile Birch’s [Her cousin Lizzie Anne Parker married William Birch in 1877]. Cousin L A seems thoroughly happy in her quiet way. After witnessing an hours domestic bliss I walked down again meeting Mrs Holgate on the way & had a short chat with her, then walked on “meditating on the past”, thinking of things as they were & how they might have been.
In the evening I went up to see Mrs Newall, how she was going to do about tomorrows “Tea Party”, etc. Had a good long chat with her and Ada. [Ada, 18 year old daughter of Adelaide & Samuel Newall of Bower House, Eastby]. The Traction Engine party called, still on the road [hauling an engine up to Barden Moor]. Mr Smith (Civil Engineer) telling me of his narrow escape. Archer, Tom Girling, Tom Mann, & I discussing life, how much we have to be thankful for etc.
“When time, who steals our years away
Shall steal our pleasures too,
The memory of the past will stay
And half our joys renew.”
[from a poem by Thomas Moore 1779-1852]
I often think how much I have to be thankful for, good health & the best of all good things, love at home, & a good Mother. “Oh God I truly thank thee & hope with thy assistance to lead a nobler & better life & that when it pleases thee to call me, I may not be found wanting, but fully prepared for the life everlasting & the love that passes all understanding”.
1881 1st January Saturday – New Years Day
Dull morning, but cleared up in afternoon. This is the commencement of another year, but before I proceed I must pass a few remarks on the past year; which has passed very happily & fairly prosperous & now we are opening on another year, God grant that we shall be worthy of his never ending love; & that we may be fully prepared when the trumpet sounds for the life everlasting.
Alf Clark brought us in the “New Year” with hearty good wishes for our health & prosperity.
Sarah [her sister] & I took two large baskets of “Queen Cakes”, Sponge Cakes, Tarts, Custards to “Chippindale’s” [Turpin & Jane Chippindale of the Elm Tree], they were nice. Mrs C & I arranged the Tables, we don’t intend Maggie & Sarah [Mrs C’s daughters] being anything short. Pollie & I ran up to see the School, it is beautifully decorated. Sarah & I talked to different people & then steamed on home. After dinner, Mamma, Richard, Sarah & Tom walked onto Embsay to prepare their Tables, & get all ready.
I had a nice letter from Mrs Taylor & a very appropriate “New Years Card”.
Dr Jackson called, telling me of his patients etc. Mr Smith [Civil Engineer at Barden Reservoir] telling me of his “Horse”, & the “Traction Engine”, etc & wished me a “Happy New Year”.
George Dinsdale in Bar, was pleasant company. We spoke of life & its stern realities.
[George Dinsdale from Hawes was a foreman on the building of Upper Barden Reservoir and would marry Annie at Embsay Church in July 1881]
2nd January Sunday
Fine day, but the roads awfully dirty. Richard & I attended Morning Service. My little pet “Pollie” sat with me & we had such a good Sermon. Then I received the “Holy Sacrament” & felt truly thankful. I thought I should like to have it now the “New Year” is commencing. With “God’s” assistance, we can always succeed, but without it we are nothing.
A few Skiptonians up in Gott’s Wagonette, they behaved themselves very well & did not stay long. [Thomas Gott of the Unicorn, Keighley Road, Skipton].
3rd January Monday
Fine, pleasant day. Mr Wilcock came up early, gave us all Skipton news, and very handsome Christmas present. [Anderton Wilcock, Traveller for Scott’s Skipton Brewery].
4th January Tuesday
Fine day. Sarah went to Miss Biker’s [dressmaker of Embsay Manor House] but came back soon as Miss B was ill & had been for a day or two. Cousin Willie Parker came this morning & stayed a good while, told us of the grand doings at Birmingham. Sung for us, “Sally in our Alley”, and “The Slave Ship”. He was very lively & looked remarkably well. So here ends another day in your life Annie.
Annie and her new husband George Dinsdale emigrated to Nebraska, USA in August 1882.
Annie’s diaries for 1880 to 1883 were kindly copied and sent to me by her great grandson Dick Dinsdale and his wife Lynda of Fort Worth, Texas. They visited Embsay and Eastby in June 2023, and also subscribe to the Embsay & Eastby Post.
David Turner, Embsay with Eastby Historical Research Group
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