Fishguard at Christmas 1893

This article is quite lengthy but worth a read as it gives a vivid picture of Fishguard at Christmas in 1893. Almost anything you could possibly need could be bought somewhere in town.

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS AT FISHGUARD

21 December 1893 – The County Echo

The old custom of decorating shop windows at Christmas does not share the declining lot of many old traditions associated with the festive season. A person cannot walk the streets of Fishguard without being reminded of the merry season, on all hands. There is art in decorating a shop window, and all will agree that we have many in the town well versed in the art.

I walked the streets for the purpose of this column, and I must congratulate all the “tradesmen” upon the very neat appearance which the shop windows generally wear.

Coming down HIGH STREET I noticed the shops of Mrs Jones, Mrs A. Evans, and Mrs Thomas, all of which tend to remind one of the festive season. –Mrs Matthias is always ready to meet the demands of those who require refreshments. Mrs Jenkins’ “confectionary shop” looks very nice.—Charles Edwards “photographer” will take your photo in the best style. The window is tastefully arranged. —Mr L. Williams and Mrs Hannah Richards have a good supply of sweets, oranges, &c. Messers George, Bennett and Co. have a large stock of wines and spirits also ales and stouts in casks and bottles. It is needless for me to praise this old established firm.—-Mrs M. Williams has a nice lot of American apples, oranges, grapes,&c. –Mrs W. Thomas makes a very neat display of millinery and children’s clothing.—Mrs Harries has a good stock of grocery and fruits; also pipes and tobacco.—Mr W. Slocombe, as usual, has a well-stocked window of confectionery.—Miss Garnon, has on view a good display of fruits—Mr E. George has in his shop medicines for all the ills of humanity.—Mr E. Eynon, lronmonger, has a large stock of lamps of all kinds, cutlery, &c.—Miss Owen’s china shop is decorated with a good display of cut, glass, vegetable dishes &c.

THE SQUARE. Mr T. Lewis, chemist, as usual will supply you with all things pertaining to his line of business.—The drapery establishment of Mr W.T. Laugharne is replete with jackets, gloves, wraps ties, collars, &c; also a large stock of outer clothing.—Mr Griffiths has an extensive stock of groceries in his large establishment and has a good display of all the necessaries for Christmas.—Miss H. M. Lamb has a general assortment of millinery. &c her window has a neat appearance.—Mr J. D. Symmons has a supply of groceries and provisions of the best quality; he is also agent for the “Tower Tea”.

WEST STREET. Mr H. Howell has a large stock of grocery and ironmongery. —Mr J. Davies (Railway House) has two very showy windows of drapery and gents’ mercery. He has also a stock of grocery suitable for the season. Messrs Jackson Brothers have most attractive windows. Don’t forget to give Mr George Roch (hairdresser) a call. He has a nicely fitted private hair-cutting room.- Mrs Griffiths (pastry cook), Miss P. Morgan (confectioner), and Mr Morgan (grocer), have all the necessaries for Christmas.

MAIN STREET. Miss M. Jenkins has a splendid stock of goods. Give Mr D Morgan a trial order for stockings.—Mr William James has evidently been touched by the spirit of Christmas. His window is worth seeing, and the decoration produces a very pleasing effect; he has a large stock of well selected fruits.—No one can pass without noticing the well arranged windows of Mr F J. Harries (Compton House), where excellent hints are given of the good things inside. He has a nice lot of fruits.—Mr B. Thomas, jeweller, has a large stock of watches, &c.—Mr David Rees and Mr W. Gwynne have given their green, fruit a very taking appearance in their respective windows.

KENSINGTON STREET. Mr John Lewis (fruiterer), and Mrs Sarah Phillips (grocer), have in stock fruit for the festive season.

HOTTIPAS STREET. Mr Peter Davies, grocer, has a stock of seasonable goods. The grocery shop of Mr John Wilcox is well stocked with a large variety of fruit suitable for Christmas.—Mr D. Evans brings his goods prominently to view in his well arranged windows. Mr Dan Evans has a display of Christmas necessaries. Mr Robert Lewis invites special attention to his choice selection of old wines and spirits; and Mr Lewis is sole agent for Messers Worthington and Co’s ales and stouts.

WALLIS STREET. Mr Peterson (grocer) Mr J. Rees (china dealer), Miss Beddoe (baker), and Mrs Betsy Rees (china dealer), are prepared to meet all demands in their respective lines.

KENSINGTON STREET. Mrs Gibbon and Miss Ann Griiffths will provide “tea and coffee” at the shortest notice.—The Misses Owen have a supply of sweets, oranges, apples, &c. Mr David Davies has a large stock of hanging paper. Mr Williams, stationer, exhibits a variety of fancy goods suitable for Xmas and New Year’s presents, children’s toys, also a stock of stationery suitable for the season. —An immense stock of furniture is to be seen on the premises of Mr David Roberts, suitable for every class of the community. In the meat line I may mention the names of Messrs J Richards & Son, Mr Thomas Narbett, Mr J. Narbett, and Mr Waugh.

The boot and shoe establishments of the town, viz., Mr George Morris and Mr John Owen (High-street), and Air II. Williams (Main Street), contribute to the decorations. Also Mr David George and Mr Walter George, harness makers. Mr Vaughan Davies, West Street, has a good show of cloths suitable for winter suitings.

Very neat patterns are also to be seen at Mr Geo. Williams’s (West- street); Mr L. Williams (High-street); and Mr Rees Morgan (Smith-street). I cannot describe all the trades, &c in our town, and my friends who do not receive a notice must be charitable. I feel that I have not done my duty to the shops, but space permiteth not any elaborate details. I trust that the tradesmen’s efforts will meet with the due reward—a splendid business during the festive Season.

After enjoying this vivid picture of Fishguard in 1893 you might find interesting a similar description but one which relates to Fishguard in 1902and tells of life 9 years later. Christmas in Fishguard 1902