As the Christmas season begins again it is fascinating to take a look back at past Christmas celebrations in Ipswich.
The Saturday night before Christmas in 1894 saw a bustling centre of town, with Brisbane Street full of chatter and laughter. Shop windows held lavish Christmas displays of toys and gifts. Cribb and Foote were open and the store was packed with customers and browsers. Hancock’s band provided entertainment and a refreshments area had been provided for cold drinks. Outside a crowd were gathered at a street corner to hear the Salvation Army service.
1920 saw a celebration at the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia Club Rooms. Thirty children who’d lost their fathers in the war were entertained. Organised by the ladies’ committee, the children were each presented with gifts from a Christmas tree
and served refreshments. The event ended with the singing of the National Anthem.
A programme for the St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church Choir’s Recital of Christmas Music, 1926. (Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich)
The Croquet Club held their Christmas party on a Tuesday afternoon in 1939. A long table was set for afternoon tea and decorated with colourful streamers, Christmas bonbons, and flower arrangements. Each member received a small gift and trophies for the year were presented.
Smiling faces at a Christmas party for ‘Uncle Bill’s’ radio station, 4IP ‘Smiles Club’, Ipswich, ca. 1940 (Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich)
In 1945 the Ritz Theatre threw a staff Christmas party in its lounge to celebrate a very successful year. It was also noted that this was its very first peace-time Christmas party, and the Manager took time to recognise the sadness and hardship of the war years. After speeches and supper the party was entertained with singing, music, and card tricks. All staff received Christmas gifts from the management.
The Queensland Woollen Manufacturers held a Christmas Party for employees’ children in 1947. A large Christmas tree was erected outside the Town Hall and adorned with colourful lights and decorations. The inside of the hall was “beautifully decorated” and around 120
children were entertained with games, dancing, and Mr Joe Savage’s conjuring acts. Ice cream, sweets and soft drink were served, and Father Christmas visited with gifts.
Shewan’s Pharmacy shop interior, decorated for Christmas, 1958 (Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich)