1915: New Year’s Eve

Thursday evening, December 31^st was a time of great merriment with the Anglican Young People’s Association.

Shortly before eight o’clock a large number began to gather in front the Parish House and soon the awaiting conveyances, which had been provided were filled with jolly, mirth-loving young people out for a farewell 1914 sleighing party. With happy laughter and song, “Tipperary” and other war songs serving to differentiate this occasion from any which marked the passing of recent years, the time passed all too quickly when they found themselves back again at the starting place. A hot supper awaited their return and it was a very jolly happy crowd who sat down to do it full justice. An hour was then given up to speech-making, toasting and sociability; after which they attended in a body the watch-night services, to speed the old and welcome in the New Year of 1915.

1955: Gay Parties and Dances Usher In The New Year

The year 1955 was ushered in at a series of gay parties. That at Picton Armories saw nearly 700 persons in attendance. Music was provided by a Toronto orchestra. The building was particularly bright with its decorations. Thousands of colored streamers were suspended from lines to form a canopy overhead. On the walls were six illuminated picture boxes, each containing a humorous charcoal sketch of Little Herbie during the war. These lights and those from colored spots cast a bright glow over the crowd. At the south end of the armories was a huge Hastings and Prince Edward Regimental crest in silver on a red background. The stage, in the centre, was brilliantly decorated with “Happy New Year” inscribed on the sides, and gay streamers falling from above.

The Royal Hotel dining room was the scene of a gala party. A three-piece orchestra provided music. A turkey dinner was a highlight.

Though the crowd at the Yacht Club was not large, it was enjoyed by those present.

At all observances, favors, party hats and novelties helped make the welcome to 1955 colorful and noisy.