The Irish Penny Journal, Vol. 1 No. 23, December 5, 1840Various
History
The Irish Penny Journal, Vol. 1 No. 23, December 5, 1840
Various
Ireland -- Periodicals
The breaking up of the drawing-class at half past seven gave room to
the singing-class until nine. The superintendent of the Sunday school
took charge of this class, which became at once very popular, especially
with the girls. But what he seems to consider the most successful of his
plans for the civilising of his people, was the establishment of regular
evening parties during the winter, the number invited to each being about
thirty, an equal number of boys and girls, and specially invited by a
little printed card being sent to each. This afforded a mark of high
distinction, only the best behaved and most respectable, or, as he calls
them, “the aristocracy,” being invited. These parties are held in the
schoolroom, which he fitted up handsomely, and furnished with pictures,
busts, &c., and a piano-forte. When the party first assemble, they have
books, magazines, and drawings, to amuse them. Tea and coffee are then
handed round, and the proprietor walks about and converses with them,
so as to render their manners and conversation unembarrassed; and after
tea, games are introduced, such as dissected maps or pictures, spilicans,
chess, draughts, card-houses, phantasmagoria, and others, whilst some
prefer reading or chatting. Sometimes there is music and singing, and
then a wind-up with Christmas games, such as tiercely, my lady’s toilet,
blindman’s-buff, &c., previous to retiring, the party usually breaking
up a little after nine. These parties are given to the grown-up boys and
girls, but he sometimes also treats the juniors, when they have great
diversion. The parties are given on Saturday evenings about once in three
weeks, the drawing and singing bring given up for that day.
He next established warm baths at an expense of £80, and issued bathing
tickets for 1d. each, or families subscribing 1s. per month were entitled
to five baths weekly; and with an account of the arrangements of the
baths, the receipts, &c., he concludes his first letter, which appears to
have been written about the year 1835.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account