IOO YEARS AGO THIS WEEK (20th - 26th DECEMBER 1921)
This week's numerous stories include the children's Christmas parties that were held in St Helens, the many Christmas gift adverts in the local papers, the terrible weather in the town, the Christmas Day post, the Reporter Man's hearty Christmas reception and Uncle Ben's jolly Christmastime.
We begin on the 20th with the Christmas party for the so-called crippled children of St Helens. The event was held in the Parochial Hall in Ormskirk Street and was partly funded by a recent charity show at the Theatre Royal, which had raised £289. The party featured a tea, a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress (who donated crackers) and tricks performed by a conjurer. The St Helens Reporter described the magician's performance:
"The children's excitement knew no bounds when, coming down amongst them, he drew showers of half-crowns from the noses of the boys, and from the curls of the little girls. Then, the crowning wonder, when the Mayor's and Coun. T. Hamblett's watches having been put into an innocent looking paper bag, were found by the owners embedded in an uncut brown loaf, a third watch being found round the neck of a black rabbit! The party ended with a beautiful Christmas tree, Father Christmas appearing to hand out the presents. The children left about six o’clock, laden with their presents of chocolates and oranges, and the Mayoress's crackers, having had a perfect party."
Every Christmas the St Helens Co-operative Choral Society gave a charity performance of Handel's 'Messiah' and this year's event took place in the Town Hall on the 20th. That was also the evening of the annual Cowley staff dance, which was held on the same day that the school broke up for the holidays. The Reporter wrote: "As usual, the function was a very pleasing one and the Christmas atmosphere pervaded everything."
During the evening of the 22nd, there was a display of Christmas presents made by pupils of Higher Grade Girls School. The Reporter called it: "An exhibition of the power of the pencil, the needle and the scissors." On the 23rd, the paper described how the 39th annual Christmas cattle show and auction had taken place in the yard of the Fleece Hotel in Church Street: "85 fat beasts, fed, specially for the Christmas market, were submitted to auction. Prizes were awarded for best exhibits."
Then during the evening, the poor children's Christmas treat took place in the Town Hall. The Reporter had announced plans for the inaugural event a fortnight earlier, saying its intention was to "cheer some of the poor children who otherwise will look for Father Christmas in vain." A committee led by the Mayor, the paper wrote, would attempt to make Christmas of 1921 a "memorable event to the innocent sufferers from the anxious times in which they live".
In describing what had taken place at the party, the Reporter commented how the "hilarious gathering" had "warmed the heart of the hardened adult to witness the real delight with which boyhood and girlhood can come to life. Coming, as they did, from sombre surroundings and homes not always conductive to the joyous spirit of childhood, they entered into the proceedings with abandoned happiness, and probably the Town Hall has not known a merrier gathering during the whole of the twelve months."
Then on Christmas Eve another party was held in the Engineer Hall in Croppers Hill (pictured above). This celebration was for the children of the serving volunteers of the West Lancashire Division Royal Engineers – as well as those kids whose fathers had died in the war. The Reporter wrote:
"There were two hundred of the little guests, and they spent a rollicking evening. Beginning with tea, an entertainment with games followed. Messrs. Jack Twist and H. O. Ashton greatly amused the young people with their humorous items. The proceedings had a glorious wind-up, when Father Christmas, impersonated by Corpl. A. Eccleston, came in among the merry throng and presented each child with a suitable present and an apple and an orange. A huge Christmas tree, given by Major G. A. Oppenheim, occupied a central position in the hall, rising from floor to ceiling almost, and looking fairy-like with its brilliant illuminations and decorations."
Earlier in the month the Reporter had predicted that the high price of coal and the "year of industrial depression" would, for many families at Christmas, "leave memories of cold cheer and an empty fireplace". Despite that gloomy prediction, the shopkeepers of St Helens still enjoyed a busy seasonal trade. Last week the paper wrote: "On every side there are signs that St. Helens is getting well into its Christmas stride. Tradesmen are busy, their shop windows are alluringly set out, and shoppers, having convinced themselves that prices are as low as they will be this side of 1922, are responding to the call of the approaching Yuletide."
Certainly there were many Christmas adverts in the local papers, with most traders preferring a spelling of "Xmas" over "Christmas". Food is, of course, important over the festive season and grocer and butcher Frank Lennon – who styled himself the "people's food controller" – claimed a "sensation in the price of poultry". His advert in the Reporter said: "Thousands of geese, turkeys, chickens and ducks, consigned from the best farms in Ireland" were available from his large stall in the market.
Meanwhile, Melias grocer's at 13 Bridge Street were advertising their Xmas hams for 1s 2½d per pound – and, tea: "The National Drink. Tea is the most democratic drink – it appeals to all. Everybody drinks tea. We ask you to try our tea. You will find it soothing, comforting and sustaining. It tastes good and is good. Prices – 5d., 6d. and 7½d. per ¼lb."
N. Callon & Co. of Baldwin Street was offering "dainty and useful presents for Xmas" and also boasted of "exclusive charm" in their collection of model millinery, dresses, gloves, jumpers and furs. "Dainty" was a word often used to describe Christmas presents. Forster's of 33 Westfield Street was advertising children's party frocks and "ladies' dainty Xmas wear".
The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) had been in St Helens earlier in the year shaking hands with over 100 ex-servicemen at the St Helens Recs ground in City Road. As a result, the patriotic Oxley's had been giving away a "large richly-coloured" portrait of the prince to all who spent more than ten shillings on Christmas presents in their Barrow Street store. "This beautiful picture is a real work of art and fit to adorn the walls of any home", they wrote. "Make a point of calling to-day, get your Xmas presents ‘where money buys more,’ and secure a splendid portrait of the Prince, free, into the bargain." I wonder how many people would rush to a department store today to claim a free picture of Prince Charles to stick on their wall?
The M. J. Peters Music Warehouse at 4 Hall Street in St Helens was advertising: "Gramophones and records for Xmas. Make your selection now before the rush. Mrs. Peters has the best selection in town. Cabinets, table grands, hornless and horn models, from £3 0s 0d. “Celebrity” records by all the great artistes; also the latest dances and songs on “His Master's Voice," “Zonophone,” “Columbia,” “Regal,” etc." Included in the advert was an illustration of a wind-up gramophone contained within a cabinet. Mary Peters was also selling melodians, mouth organs, violins, mandolins, record albums and music cases – "all suitable for Christmas presents".
During the war the giving of useful, sensible gifts at a time of scarcity was very much encouraged. The theme still lingered this Christmas in a number of adverts in the Reporter, including those from Scales and Sons of 1 Church Street. They were offering "sensible Christmas presents", including "cosy" house slippers, gaiters, leggings and spats. "Boots and shoes that will keep your feet dry. No present more useful", was their claim.
Griffins furnishings store at the top of Westfield Street (pictured above) thought otherwise. They reckoned the Housewives' Darling Washer that they had in stock was "the most acceptable Xmas present" – but only for females, of course! "Buy her one and she will have a Happy New Year", they said. I doubt many women today would relish a washing machine as a Christmas present – although I expect their labour-saving qualities went down well as a gift in 1921. However, it was only labour saving up to a point – as the housewife had to stand by her Darling Washer and hand crank its darling little agitator until her arm ached!
There are very few St Helens' shops that appear in both my '50 Years Ago' and '100 Years Ago' articles. H. & A. E. Williams were one longstanding retailer that does receive mentions in both – with the furnishers having been founded by two brothers in a Lowe Street shed in 1910. During the ‘70s their premises were located in Westfield Street and Corporation Street. But in the 1920s, Williams' two shops were situated in Cotham Street and Duke Street. Their long list of "the most acceptable Christmas presents" included down cushions, hassocks, mirrors, divan chairs, bookshelves, basket chairs etc. "Crowds of people are delighted with the bargains they secure", claimed their ad.
Booth's sports shop in Hardshaw Street wrote in their ad, "Footballs make good Xmas presents" and had them in stock from 4/6. Hewitt's of Church Street were promoting watches, saying: "The timekeeping qualities of the Waltham watch surprise and delight every owner of them. What so useful and suitable for a Christmas gift. All grades of gold, gold filled and silver in stock."
Rubins at 82 Church Street had a "Special Xmas Offer of men's, youths' and boys' clothing at greatly reduced prices". Readers were not told what the garments had been reduced from – just that men's overcoats and suits were both on sale from 35 shillings, with boys suits costing from 10/6 and tweed men's trousers from 8/6.
You have to go back a bit to remember Rothery's. I don’t mean the radio / TV and record shops in Baldwin Street and Ormskirk Street but the "high-class" pawnbrokers and jewellers of Westfield Street. They wrote in their ad: "The old firm is still going strong with a large and choice selection of goods suitable for Christmas presents at prices lower than any shop in town."
The Christmas and New Year Gifts on sale from G. Hall of Liverpool Road (next door to Windle Pilkington School) included "picture handkerchiefs for the kiddies", silk mufflers and woollen gloves. In fact Hall's was a wool shop and claimed to possess the "largest and choicest selection of wools" in England. Christmas seems an odd time of the year to hold a stock clearance of wines and spirits. But the Ram's Head Hotel at Haydock was advertising such a sale with Scotch whiskey available at 11/6 a bottle.
The run up to Christmas also included a house-to-house collection in St Helens organised by the Soldiers and Sailors Help Society. The beneficiaries of the donations were the Lord Roberts Memorial Workshops that provided training for disabled soldiers and sailors.
The St Helens Reporter was published on the 23rd and contained the first Christmas-themed edition of the Children's Reporter. The column run by Uncle Ben had only begun last January and this week's edition began: "My Dear Nephews and Nieces. To all of you, my very best wishes for a very jolly Christmas and plenty of nice presents. If I have one half the good time that so many of you have wished, then I shall be more than pleased." Mabel Cubbitt from Longtons Lane in Rainhill had this poem titled "A Merry Christmas" published:
"I hope you have a jolly time,
With stockings crammed quite full,
A party every other night,
And crackers gay to pull."
The "Reporter Man" was out and about in St Helens over the Christmas period asking householders if they had a copy of the paper in their home. If they were able to produce the latest edition, their reward was a prize of five shillings. The "Reporter Man" wrote: "In my little way I have been able to make a few people happy this Christmas time, and my task has been made easy and pleasant by the hearty reception I have received wherever I chanced to call, especially from the kiddies who have also received gifts." On Christmas Eve he said neighbours had given him a resounding cheer to send him on his way and one lucky recipient claimed that she had dreamt that he would call at her home.
There were no trams on the 25th, as the drivers and conductors had voted not to work on Christmas Day. "The majority prefer holiday to double time", wrote the Reporter. So those townsfolk that visited their friends and relatives would likely have got very wet. "It was a waterproof and umbrella day," stated the Reporter, "though at times a bit too rough for the safety of the latter." Boxing Day and the holiday Tuesday also saw very heavy rain, which became torrential at times causing considerable flooding, which I shall report on in more detail next week.
The Sunday postal delivery service had been controversially axed in June. In reporting the decision the Liverpool Echo then wrote: "There are some to whom a Sunday without letters has always seemed to be unthinkable." But the traditional Christmas Day deliveries were retained, even when, as in 1921, the 25th fell on a Sunday. Many people liked to post their parcels and cards on Christmas Eve, so that they would arrive at their destination on the morning of the 25th.
That led to a lot of last minute posting of letters and parcels and consequent congestion at the main post office in Church Street in St Helens. So in order to relieve the pressure during the run up to Christmas, all parcels, packets and registered letters had to be posted at St Mary's Church School. Although the number of parcels increased this year, there was reported to have been a drop in the number of letters and Christmas cards. As a result, many postmen were able to complete their deliveries on the 25th somewhat earlier than expected and return home to their families.
Telephone kiosks were not too far off from appearing on St Helens' streets – but for now, most people who needed to make a call used public telephones in post offices. Consequently, the sub-post-offices at Rainford, Haydock, Parr and Sutton Oak opened their doors for 90 minutes on Boxing Day in order that locals could use their phones and send greetings telegrams. However, all other post offices within the St Helens' district closed for the day.
Most of the theatres and cinemas in the town were usually open on Christmas Day – but not this year with the 25th being on a Sunday. On Boxing Day the Theatre Royal began a week's performances of a "grand panto" called 'Sinbad', which was described as an "excruciatingly funny production from start to finish". It would be a few weeks before the Hippodrome in St Helens went into panto season. So the music hall continued with its usual mix of comics, singers and acrobats – plus Brown's Royal Bioscope ("Showing news in animation"). However, the Olympia in West Derby Road in Liverpool was advertising the panto 'Aladdin' in the Reporter featuring a cast of over 100.
The Christmas Sunday also meant that Saints and St Helens Recs did not have any fixtures on the 25th, as they usually did. However, both teams played matches on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day with the Recs beating Saints 6 - 0 on the 24th at City Road and Wigan winning 5 - 10 on the 26th at Knowsley Road. "No Christmas Box For The Saints – Twice Defeated, But Not Disgraced", was the Reporter's headline to their match reports.
Eccleston Hall Sanatorium (pictured above) had their Christmas "do" on the Monday with the Reporter describing the hospital as having been "gay with seasonable decorations". These included a "fine" Christmas tree bearing presents that Father Christmas distributed to the patients. The children participated in a sketch called 'The Man In The Moon' and nurses and patients performed humorous songs, a monologue, duet and ventriloquism. The Reporter added: "At the Peasley Cross Sanatorium and at the Old Whint Hospital [at Haydock] the patients were also entertained in seasonable fashion, and had the usual Christmas dinner. Every effort was made to bring the glow of happiness into their sojourn at the institutions."
The Reporter summed up Christmas in St Helens as having been spent by its citizens in an orderly fashion – with only two "simple drunks" appearing in the Police Court on Boxing Day. And finally, under the headline "The ‘Rainford Smile’ – A True Incident", the Reporter wrote of a conversation that had taken place in the village between two boys:
"Two days before Christmas half a dozen school children stood outside a butcher's shop window looking at a sheep which had been specially dressed for the occasion, and which appeared almost as natural as life. “What do you think of that lamb, Bill?”, asked one of the lads. “Lamb,” repeated Bill, with contempt. “That's not a lamb, yer silly owl. It was there last Christmas. I seed it mysen.”"
Next week's stories will include the reign of terror by a gang of child bandits in St Helens' shops and offices, the serious flooding in St Helens, the poor children's New Year breakfasts and a fundraiser for the St Aggie's fallen women.
We begin on the 20th with the Christmas party for the so-called crippled children of St Helens. The event was held in the Parochial Hall in Ormskirk Street and was partly funded by a recent charity show at the Theatre Royal, which had raised £289. The party featured a tea, a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress (who donated crackers) and tricks performed by a conjurer. The St Helens Reporter described the magician's performance:
"The children's excitement knew no bounds when, coming down amongst them, he drew showers of half-crowns from the noses of the boys, and from the curls of the little girls. Then, the crowning wonder, when the Mayor's and Coun. T. Hamblett's watches having been put into an innocent looking paper bag, were found by the owners embedded in an uncut brown loaf, a third watch being found round the neck of a black rabbit! The party ended with a beautiful Christmas tree, Father Christmas appearing to hand out the presents. The children left about six o’clock, laden with their presents of chocolates and oranges, and the Mayoress's crackers, having had a perfect party."
Every Christmas the St Helens Co-operative Choral Society gave a charity performance of Handel's 'Messiah' and this year's event took place in the Town Hall on the 20th. That was also the evening of the annual Cowley staff dance, which was held on the same day that the school broke up for the holidays. The Reporter wrote: "As usual, the function was a very pleasing one and the Christmas atmosphere pervaded everything."
During the evening of the 22nd, there was a display of Christmas presents made by pupils of Higher Grade Girls School. The Reporter called it: "An exhibition of the power of the pencil, the needle and the scissors." On the 23rd, the paper described how the 39th annual Christmas cattle show and auction had taken place in the yard of the Fleece Hotel in Church Street: "85 fat beasts, fed, specially for the Christmas market, were submitted to auction. Prizes were awarded for best exhibits."
Then during the evening, the poor children's Christmas treat took place in the Town Hall. The Reporter had announced plans for the inaugural event a fortnight earlier, saying its intention was to "cheer some of the poor children who otherwise will look for Father Christmas in vain." A committee led by the Mayor, the paper wrote, would attempt to make Christmas of 1921 a "memorable event to the innocent sufferers from the anxious times in which they live".
In describing what had taken place at the party, the Reporter commented how the "hilarious gathering" had "warmed the heart of the hardened adult to witness the real delight with which boyhood and girlhood can come to life. Coming, as they did, from sombre surroundings and homes not always conductive to the joyous spirit of childhood, they entered into the proceedings with abandoned happiness, and probably the Town Hall has not known a merrier gathering during the whole of the twelve months."
"There were two hundred of the little guests, and they spent a rollicking evening. Beginning with tea, an entertainment with games followed. Messrs. Jack Twist and H. O. Ashton greatly amused the young people with their humorous items. The proceedings had a glorious wind-up, when Father Christmas, impersonated by Corpl. A. Eccleston, came in among the merry throng and presented each child with a suitable present and an apple and an orange. A huge Christmas tree, given by Major G. A. Oppenheim, occupied a central position in the hall, rising from floor to ceiling almost, and looking fairy-like with its brilliant illuminations and decorations."
Earlier in the month the Reporter had predicted that the high price of coal and the "year of industrial depression" would, for many families at Christmas, "leave memories of cold cheer and an empty fireplace". Despite that gloomy prediction, the shopkeepers of St Helens still enjoyed a busy seasonal trade. Last week the paper wrote: "On every side there are signs that St. Helens is getting well into its Christmas stride. Tradesmen are busy, their shop windows are alluringly set out, and shoppers, having convinced themselves that prices are as low as they will be this side of 1922, are responding to the call of the approaching Yuletide."
Certainly there were many Christmas adverts in the local papers, with most traders preferring a spelling of "Xmas" over "Christmas". Food is, of course, important over the festive season and grocer and butcher Frank Lennon – who styled himself the "people's food controller" – claimed a "sensation in the price of poultry". His advert in the Reporter said: "Thousands of geese, turkeys, chickens and ducks, consigned from the best farms in Ireland" were available from his large stall in the market.
Meanwhile, Melias grocer's at 13 Bridge Street were advertising their Xmas hams for 1s 2½d per pound – and, tea: "The National Drink. Tea is the most democratic drink – it appeals to all. Everybody drinks tea. We ask you to try our tea. You will find it soothing, comforting and sustaining. It tastes good and is good. Prices – 5d., 6d. and 7½d. per ¼lb."
N. Callon & Co. of Baldwin Street was offering "dainty and useful presents for Xmas" and also boasted of "exclusive charm" in their collection of model millinery, dresses, gloves, jumpers and furs. "Dainty" was a word often used to describe Christmas presents. Forster's of 33 Westfield Street was advertising children's party frocks and "ladies' dainty Xmas wear".
The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) had been in St Helens earlier in the year shaking hands with over 100 ex-servicemen at the St Helens Recs ground in City Road. As a result, the patriotic Oxley's had been giving away a "large richly-coloured" portrait of the prince to all who spent more than ten shillings on Christmas presents in their Barrow Street store. "This beautiful picture is a real work of art and fit to adorn the walls of any home", they wrote. "Make a point of calling to-day, get your Xmas presents ‘where money buys more,’ and secure a splendid portrait of the Prince, free, into the bargain." I wonder how many people would rush to a department store today to claim a free picture of Prince Charles to stick on their wall?
The M. J. Peters Music Warehouse at 4 Hall Street in St Helens was advertising: "Gramophones and records for Xmas. Make your selection now before the rush. Mrs. Peters has the best selection in town. Cabinets, table grands, hornless and horn models, from £3 0s 0d. “Celebrity” records by all the great artistes; also the latest dances and songs on “His Master's Voice," “Zonophone,” “Columbia,” “Regal,” etc." Included in the advert was an illustration of a wind-up gramophone contained within a cabinet. Mary Peters was also selling melodians, mouth organs, violins, mandolins, record albums and music cases – "all suitable for Christmas presents".
During the war the giving of useful, sensible gifts at a time of scarcity was very much encouraged. The theme still lingered this Christmas in a number of adverts in the Reporter, including those from Scales and Sons of 1 Church Street. They were offering "sensible Christmas presents", including "cosy" house slippers, gaiters, leggings and spats. "Boots and shoes that will keep your feet dry. No present more useful", was their claim.
There are very few St Helens' shops that appear in both my '50 Years Ago' and '100 Years Ago' articles. H. & A. E. Williams were one longstanding retailer that does receive mentions in both – with the furnishers having been founded by two brothers in a Lowe Street shed in 1910. During the ‘70s their premises were located in Westfield Street and Corporation Street. But in the 1920s, Williams' two shops were situated in Cotham Street and Duke Street. Their long list of "the most acceptable Christmas presents" included down cushions, hassocks, mirrors, divan chairs, bookshelves, basket chairs etc. "Crowds of people are delighted with the bargains they secure", claimed their ad.
Booth's sports shop in Hardshaw Street wrote in their ad, "Footballs make good Xmas presents" and had them in stock from 4/6. Hewitt's of Church Street were promoting watches, saying: "The timekeeping qualities of the Waltham watch surprise and delight every owner of them. What so useful and suitable for a Christmas gift. All grades of gold, gold filled and silver in stock."
Rubins at 82 Church Street had a "Special Xmas Offer of men's, youths' and boys' clothing at greatly reduced prices". Readers were not told what the garments had been reduced from – just that men's overcoats and suits were both on sale from 35 shillings, with boys suits costing from 10/6 and tweed men's trousers from 8/6.
You have to go back a bit to remember Rothery's. I don’t mean the radio / TV and record shops in Baldwin Street and Ormskirk Street but the "high-class" pawnbrokers and jewellers of Westfield Street. They wrote in their ad: "The old firm is still going strong with a large and choice selection of goods suitable for Christmas presents at prices lower than any shop in town."
The Christmas and New Year Gifts on sale from G. Hall of Liverpool Road (next door to Windle Pilkington School) included "picture handkerchiefs for the kiddies", silk mufflers and woollen gloves. In fact Hall's was a wool shop and claimed to possess the "largest and choicest selection of wools" in England. Christmas seems an odd time of the year to hold a stock clearance of wines and spirits. But the Ram's Head Hotel at Haydock was advertising such a sale with Scotch whiskey available at 11/6 a bottle.
The run up to Christmas also included a house-to-house collection in St Helens organised by the Soldiers and Sailors Help Society. The beneficiaries of the donations were the Lord Roberts Memorial Workshops that provided training for disabled soldiers and sailors.
The St Helens Reporter was published on the 23rd and contained the first Christmas-themed edition of the Children's Reporter. The column run by Uncle Ben had only begun last January and this week's edition began: "My Dear Nephews and Nieces. To all of you, my very best wishes for a very jolly Christmas and plenty of nice presents. If I have one half the good time that so many of you have wished, then I shall be more than pleased." Mabel Cubbitt from Longtons Lane in Rainhill had this poem titled "A Merry Christmas" published:
"I hope you have a jolly time,
With stockings crammed quite full,
A party every other night,
And crackers gay to pull."
The "Reporter Man" was out and about in St Helens over the Christmas period asking householders if they had a copy of the paper in their home. If they were able to produce the latest edition, their reward was a prize of five shillings. The "Reporter Man" wrote: "In my little way I have been able to make a few people happy this Christmas time, and my task has been made easy and pleasant by the hearty reception I have received wherever I chanced to call, especially from the kiddies who have also received gifts." On Christmas Eve he said neighbours had given him a resounding cheer to send him on his way and one lucky recipient claimed that she had dreamt that he would call at her home.
There were no trams on the 25th, as the drivers and conductors had voted not to work on Christmas Day. "The majority prefer holiday to double time", wrote the Reporter. So those townsfolk that visited their friends and relatives would likely have got very wet. "It was a waterproof and umbrella day," stated the Reporter, "though at times a bit too rough for the safety of the latter." Boxing Day and the holiday Tuesday also saw very heavy rain, which became torrential at times causing considerable flooding, which I shall report on in more detail next week.
The Sunday postal delivery service had been controversially axed in June. In reporting the decision the Liverpool Echo then wrote: "There are some to whom a Sunday without letters has always seemed to be unthinkable." But the traditional Christmas Day deliveries were retained, even when, as in 1921, the 25th fell on a Sunday. Many people liked to post their parcels and cards on Christmas Eve, so that they would arrive at their destination on the morning of the 25th.
That led to a lot of last minute posting of letters and parcels and consequent congestion at the main post office in Church Street in St Helens. So in order to relieve the pressure during the run up to Christmas, all parcels, packets and registered letters had to be posted at St Mary's Church School. Although the number of parcels increased this year, there was reported to have been a drop in the number of letters and Christmas cards. As a result, many postmen were able to complete their deliveries on the 25th somewhat earlier than expected and return home to their families.
Telephone kiosks were not too far off from appearing on St Helens' streets – but for now, most people who needed to make a call used public telephones in post offices. Consequently, the sub-post-offices at Rainford, Haydock, Parr and Sutton Oak opened their doors for 90 minutes on Boxing Day in order that locals could use their phones and send greetings telegrams. However, all other post offices within the St Helens' district closed for the day.
Most of the theatres and cinemas in the town were usually open on Christmas Day – but not this year with the 25th being on a Sunday. On Boxing Day the Theatre Royal began a week's performances of a "grand panto" called 'Sinbad', which was described as an "excruciatingly funny production from start to finish". It would be a few weeks before the Hippodrome in St Helens went into panto season. So the music hall continued with its usual mix of comics, singers and acrobats – plus Brown's Royal Bioscope ("Showing news in animation"). However, the Olympia in West Derby Road in Liverpool was advertising the panto 'Aladdin' in the Reporter featuring a cast of over 100.
The Christmas Sunday also meant that Saints and St Helens Recs did not have any fixtures on the 25th, as they usually did. However, both teams played matches on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day with the Recs beating Saints 6 - 0 on the 24th at City Road and Wigan winning 5 - 10 on the 26th at Knowsley Road. "No Christmas Box For The Saints – Twice Defeated, But Not Disgraced", was the Reporter's headline to their match reports.
The Reporter summed up Christmas in St Helens as having been spent by its citizens in an orderly fashion – with only two "simple drunks" appearing in the Police Court on Boxing Day. And finally, under the headline "The ‘Rainford Smile’ – A True Incident", the Reporter wrote of a conversation that had taken place in the village between two boys:
"Two days before Christmas half a dozen school children stood outside a butcher's shop window looking at a sheep which had been specially dressed for the occasion, and which appeared almost as natural as life. “What do you think of that lamb, Bill?”, asked one of the lads. “Lamb,” repeated Bill, with contempt. “That's not a lamb, yer silly owl. It was there last Christmas. I seed it mysen.”"
Next week's stories will include the reign of terror by a gang of child bandits in St Helens' shops and offices, the serious flooding in St Helens, the poor children's New Year breakfasts and a fundraiser for the St Aggie's fallen women.
This week's numerous stories include the children's Christmas parties that were held in St Helens, the many Christmas gift adverts in the local papers, the terrible weather in the town, the Christmas Day post, the Reporter Man's hearty Christmas reception and Uncle Ben's jolly Christmastime.
We begin on the 20th with the Christmas party for the so-called crippled children of St Helens.
The event was held in the Parochial Hall in Ormskirk Street and was partly funded by a recent charity show at the Theatre Royal, which had raised £289.
The party featured a tea, a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress (who donated crackers) and tricks performed by a conjurer. The St Helens Reporter described the magician's performance:
"The children's excitement knew no bounds when, coming down amongst them, he drew showers of half-crowns from the noses of the boys, and from the curls of the little girls.
"Then, the crowning wonder, when the Mayor's and Coun. T. Hamblett's watches having been put into an innocent looking paper bag, were found by the owners embedded in an uncut brown loaf, a third watch being found round the neck of a black rabbit!
"The party ended with a beautiful Christmas tree, Father Christmas appearing to hand out the presents. The children left about six o’clock, laden with their presents of chocolates and oranges, and the Mayoress's crackers, having had a perfect party."
Every Christmas the St Helens Co-operative Choral Society gave a charity performance of Handel's 'Messiah' and this year's event took place in the Town Hall on the 20th.
That was also the evening of the annual Cowley staff dance, which was held on the same day that the school broke up for the holidays. The Reporter wrote:
"As usual, the function was a very pleasing one and the Christmas atmosphere pervaded everything."
During the evening of the 22nd, there was a display of Christmas presents made by pupils of Higher Grade Girls School.
The Reporter called it: "An exhibition of the power of the pencil, the needle and the scissors."
On the 23rd, the paper described how the 39th annual Christmas cattle show and auction had taken place in the yard of the Fleece Hotel in Church Street:
"85 fat beasts, fed, specially for the Christmas market, were submitted to auction. Prizes were awarded for best exhibits."
Then during the evening, the poor children's Christmas treat took place in the Town Hall.
The Reporter had announced plans for the inaugural event a fortnight earlier, saying its intention was to "cheer some of the poor children who otherwise will look for Father Christmas in vain."
A committee led by the Mayor, the paper wrote, would attempt to make Christmas of 1921 a "memorable event to the innocent sufferers from the anxious times in which they live".
In describing what had taken place at the party, the Reporter commented how the "hilarious gathering" had "warmed the heart of the hardened adult to witness the real delight with which boyhood and girlhood can come to life.
"Coming, as they did, from sombre surroundings and homes not always conductive to the joyous spirit of childhood, they entered into the proceedings with abandoned happiness, and probably the Town Hall has not known a merrier gathering during the whole of the twelve months."
Then on Christmas Eve another party was held in the Engineer Hall in Croppers Hill (pictured above).
This celebration was for the children of the serving volunteers of the West Lancashire Division Royal Engineers – as well as those kids whose fathers had died in the war. The Reporter wrote:
"There were two hundred of the little guests, and they spent a rollicking evening. Beginning with tea, an entertainment with games followed.
"Messrs. Jack Twist and H. O. Ashton greatly amused the young people with their humorous items. The proceedings had a glorious wind-up, when Father Christmas, impersonated by Corpl. A. Eccleston, came in among the merry throng and presented each child with a suitable present and an apple and an orange.
"A huge Christmas tree, given by Major G. A. Oppenheim, occupied a central position in the hall, rising from floor to ceiling almost, and looking fairy-like with its brilliant illuminations and decorations."
Earlier in the month the Reporter had predicted that the high price of coal and the "year of industrial depression" would, for many families at Christmas, "leave memories of cold cheer and an empty fireplace".
Despite that gloomy prediction, the shopkeepers of St Helens still enjoyed a busy seasonal trade. Last week the paper wrote:
"On every side there are signs that St. Helens is getting well into its Christmas stride. Tradesmen are busy, their shop windows are alluringly set out, and shoppers, having convinced themselves that prices are as low as they will be this side of 1922, are responding to the call of the approaching Yuletide."
Certainly there were many Christmas adverts in the local papers, with most traders preferring a spelling of "Xmas" over "Christmas".
Food is, of course, important over the festive season and grocer and butcher Frank Lennon – who styled himself the "people's food controller" – claimed a "sensation in the price of poultry".
His advert in the Reporter said: "Thousands of geese, turkeys, chickens and ducks, consigned from the best farms in Ireland" were available from his large stall in the market.
Meanwhile, Melias grocer's at 13 Bridge Street were advertising their Xmas hams for 1s 2½d per pound – and, tea:
"The National Drink. Tea is the most democratic drink – it appeals to all. Everybody drinks tea. We ask you to try our tea. You will find it soothing, comforting and sustaining. It tastes good and is good. Prices – 5d., 6d. and 7½d. per ¼lb."
N. Callon & Co. of Baldwin Street was offering "dainty and useful presents for Xmas" and also boasted of "exclusive charm" in their collection of model millinery, dresses, gloves, jumpers and furs.
"Dainty" was a word often used to describe Christmas presents. Forster's of 33 Westfield Street was advertising children's party frocks and "ladies' dainty Xmas wear".
The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) had been in St Helens earlier in the year shaking hands with over 100 ex-servicemen at the St Helens Recs ground in City Road.
As a result, the patriotic Oxley's had been giving away a "large richly-coloured" portrait of the prince to all who spent more than ten shillings on Christmas presents in their Barrow Street store.
"This beautiful picture is a real work of art and fit to adorn the walls of any home", they wrote. "Make a point of calling to-day, get your Xmas presents ‘where money buys more,’ and secure a splendid portrait of the Prince, free, into the bargain."
I wonder how many people would rush to a department store today to claim a free picture of Prince Charles to stick on their wall?
The M. J. Peters Music Warehouse at 4 Hall Street in St Helens was advertising:
"Gramophones and records for Xmas. Make your selection now before the rush. Mrs. Peters has the best selection in town. Cabinets, table grands, hornless and horn models, from £3 0s 0d. “Celebrity” records by all the great artistes; also the latest dances and songs on “His Master's Voice," “Zonophone,” “Columbia,” “Regal,” etc."
Included in the advert was an illustration of a wind-up gramophone contained within a cabinet.
Mary Peters was also selling melodians, mouth organs, violins, mandolins, record albums and music cases – "all suitable for Christmas presents".
During the war the giving of useful, sensible gifts at a time of scarcity was very much encouraged.
The theme still lingered this Christmas in a number of adverts in the Reporter, including those from Scales and Sons of 1 Church Street.
They were offering "sensible Christmas presents", including "cosy" house slippers, gaiters, leggings and spats.
"Boots and shoes that will keep your feet dry. No present more useful", was their claim.
Griffins furnishings store at the top of Westfield Street (pictured above) thought otherwise. They reckoned the Housewives' Darling Washer that they had in stock was "the most acceptable Xmas present" – but only for females, of course!
"Buy her one and she will have a Happy New Year", they said. I doubt many women today would relish a washing machine as a Christmas present – although I expect their labour-saving qualities went down well as a gift in 1921.
However, it was only labour saving up to a point – as the housewife had to stand by her Darling Washer and hand crank its darling little agitator until her arm ached!
There are very few St Helens' shops that appear in both my '50 Years Ago' and '100 Years Ago' articles.
H. & A. E. Williams were one longstanding retailer that does receive mentions in both – with the furnishers having been founded by two brothers in a Lowe Street shed in 1910.
During the ‘70s their premises were located in Westfield Street and Corporation Street.
But in the 1920s, Williams' two shops were situated in Cotham Street and Duke Street.
Their long list of "the most acceptable Christmas presents" included down cushions, hassocks, mirrors, divan chairs, bookshelves, basket chairs etc.
"Crowds of people are delighted with the bargains they secure", claimed their ad.
Booth's sports shop in Hardshaw Street wrote in their ad, "Footballs make good Xmas presents" and had them in stock from 4/6.
Hewitt's of Church Street were promoting watches, saying: "The timekeeping qualities of the Waltham watch surprise and delight every owner of them. What so useful and suitable for a Christmas gift. All grades of gold, gold filled and silver in stock."
Rubins at 82 Church Street had a "Special Xmas Offer of men's, youths' and boys' clothing at greatly reduced prices".
Readers were not told what the garments had been reduced from – just that men's overcoats and suits were both on sale from 35 shillings, with boys suits costing from 10/6 and tweed men's trousers from 8/6.
You have to go back a bit to remember Rothery's. I don’t mean the radio / TV and record shops in Baldwin Street and Ormskirk Street but the "high-class" pawnbrokers and jewellers of Westfield Street.
They wrote in their ad: "The old firm is still going strong with a large and choice selection of goods suitable for Christmas presents at prices lower than any shop in town."
The Christmas and New Year Gifts on sale from G. Hall of Liverpool Road (next door to Windle Pilkington School) included "picture handkerchiefs for the kiddies", silk mufflers and woollen gloves.
In fact Hall's was a wool shop and claimed to possess the "largest and choicest selection of wools" in England.
Christmas seems an odd time of the year to hold a stock clearance of wines and spirits.
But the Ram's Head Hotel at Haydock was advertising such a sale with Scotch whiskey available at 11/6 a bottle.
The run up to Christmas also included a house-to-house collection in St Helens organised by the Soldiers and Sailors Help Society.
The beneficiaries of the donations were the Lord Roberts Memorial Workshops that provided training for disabled soldiers and sailors.
The St Helens Reporter was published on the 23rd and contained the first Christmas-themed edition of the Children's Reporter.
The column run by Uncle Ben had only begun last January and this week's edition began:
"My Dear Nephews and Nieces. To all of you, my very best wishes for a very jolly Christmas and plenty of nice presents. If I have one half the good time that so many of you have wished, then I shall be more than pleased."
Mabel Cubbitt from Longtons Lane in Rainhill had this poem titled "A Merry Christmas" published:
"I hope you have a jolly time,
With stockings crammed quite full,
A party every other night,
And crackers gay to pull."
The "Reporter Man" was out and about in St Helens over the Christmas period asking householders if they had a copy of the paper in their home.
If they were able to produce the latest edition, their reward was a prize of five shillings. The "Reporter Man" wrote:
"In my little way I have been able to make a few people happy this Christmas time, and my task has been made easy and pleasant by the hearty reception I have received wherever I chanced to call, especially from the kiddies who have also received gifts."
On Christmas Eve he said neighbours had given him a resounding cheer to send him on his way and one lucky recipient claimed that she had dreamt that he would call at her home.
There were no trams on the 25th, as the drivers and conductors had voted not to work on Christmas Day. "The majority prefer holiday to double time", wrote the Reporter.
So those townsfolk that visited their friends and relatives would likely have got very wet.
"It was a waterproof and umbrella day," stated the Reporter, "though at times a bit too rough for the safety of the latter."
Boxing Day and the holiday Tuesday also saw very heavy rain, which became torrential at times causing considerable flooding, which I shall report on in more detail next week.
The Sunday postal delivery service had been controversially axed in June. In reporting the decision the Liverpool Echo then wrote: "There are some to whom a Sunday without letters has always seemed to be unthinkable."
But the traditional Christmas Day deliveries were retained, even when, as in 1921, the 25th fell on a Sunday.
Many people liked to post their parcels and cards on Christmas Eve, so that they would arrive at their destination on the morning of the 25th.
That led to a lot of last minute posting of letters and parcels and consequent congestion at the main post office in Church Street in St Helens.
So in order to relieve the pressure during the run up to Christmas, all parcels, packets and registered letters had to be posted at St Mary's Church School.
Although the number of parcels increased this year, there was reported to have been a drop in the number of letters and Christmas cards.
As a result, many postmen were able to complete their deliveries on the 25th somewhat earlier than expected and return home to their families.
Telephone kiosks were not too far off from appearing on St Helens' streets – but for now, most people who needed to make a call used public telephones in post offices.
Consequently, the sub-post-offices at Rainford, Haydock, Parr and Sutton Oak opened their doors for 90 minutes on Boxing Day in order that locals could use their phones and send greetings telegrams. However, all other post offices within the St Helens' district closed for the day.
Most of the theatres and cinemas in the town were usually open on Christmas Day – but not this year with the 25th being on a Sunday.
On Boxing Day the Theatre Royal began a week's performances of a "grand panto" called 'Sinbad', which was described as an "excruciatingly funny production from start to finish".
It would be a few weeks before the Hippodrome in St Helens went into panto season. So the music hall continued with its usual mix of comics, singers and acrobats – plus Brown's Royal Bioscope ("Showing news in animation").
However, the Olympia in West Derby Road in Liverpool was advertising the panto 'Aladdin' in the Reporter featuring a cast of over 100.
The Christmas Sunday also meant that Saints and St Helens Recs did not have any fixtures on the 25th, as they usually did.
However, both teams played matches on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day with the Recs beating Saints 6 - 0 on the 24th at City Road and Wigan winning 5 - 10 on the 26th at Knowsley Road.
"No Christmas Box For The Saints – Twice Defeated, But Not Disgraced", was the Reporter's headline to their match reports.
Eccleston Hall Sanatorium (pictured above) had their Christmas "do" on the Monday with the Reporter describing the hospital as having been "gay with seasonable decorations".
These included a "fine" Christmas tree bearing presents that Father Christmas distributed to the patients.
The children participated in a sketch called 'The Man In The Moon' and nurses and patients performed humorous songs, a monologue, duet and ventriloquism. The Reporter added:
"At the Peasley Cross Sanatorium and at the Old Whint Hospital [at Haydock] the patients were also entertained in seasonable fashion, and had the usual Christmas dinner. Every effort was made to bring the glow of happiness into their sojourn at the institutions."
The Reporter summed up Christmas in St Helens as having been spent by its citizens in an orderly fashion – with only two "simple drunks" appearing in the Police Court on Boxing Day.
And finally, under the headline "The ‘Rainford Smile’ – A True Incident", the Reporter wrote of a conversation that had taken place in the village between two boys:
"Two days before Christmas half a dozen school children stood outside a butcher's shop window looking at a sheep which had been specially dressed for the occasion, and which appeared almost as natural as life.
"“What do you think of that lamb, Bill?”, asked one of the lads.
"“Lamb,” repeated Bill, with contempt. “That's not a lamb, yer silly owl. It was there last Christmas. I seed it mysen.”"
Next week's stories will include the reign of terror by a gang of child bandits in St Helens' shops and offices, the serious flooding in St Helens, the poor children's New Year breakfasts and a fundraiser for the St Aggie's fallen women.
We begin on the 20th with the Christmas party for the so-called crippled children of St Helens.
The event was held in the Parochial Hall in Ormskirk Street and was partly funded by a recent charity show at the Theatre Royal, which had raised £289.
The party featured a tea, a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress (who donated crackers) and tricks performed by a conjurer. The St Helens Reporter described the magician's performance:
"The children's excitement knew no bounds when, coming down amongst them, he drew showers of half-crowns from the noses of the boys, and from the curls of the little girls.
"Then, the crowning wonder, when the Mayor's and Coun. T. Hamblett's watches having been put into an innocent looking paper bag, were found by the owners embedded in an uncut brown loaf, a third watch being found round the neck of a black rabbit!
"The party ended with a beautiful Christmas tree, Father Christmas appearing to hand out the presents. The children left about six o’clock, laden with their presents of chocolates and oranges, and the Mayoress's crackers, having had a perfect party."
Every Christmas the St Helens Co-operative Choral Society gave a charity performance of Handel's 'Messiah' and this year's event took place in the Town Hall on the 20th.
That was also the evening of the annual Cowley staff dance, which was held on the same day that the school broke up for the holidays. The Reporter wrote:
"As usual, the function was a very pleasing one and the Christmas atmosphere pervaded everything."
During the evening of the 22nd, there was a display of Christmas presents made by pupils of Higher Grade Girls School.
The Reporter called it: "An exhibition of the power of the pencil, the needle and the scissors."
On the 23rd, the paper described how the 39th annual Christmas cattle show and auction had taken place in the yard of the Fleece Hotel in Church Street:
"85 fat beasts, fed, specially for the Christmas market, were submitted to auction. Prizes were awarded for best exhibits."
Then during the evening, the poor children's Christmas treat took place in the Town Hall.
The Reporter had announced plans for the inaugural event a fortnight earlier, saying its intention was to "cheer some of the poor children who otherwise will look for Father Christmas in vain."
A committee led by the Mayor, the paper wrote, would attempt to make Christmas of 1921 a "memorable event to the innocent sufferers from the anxious times in which they live".
In describing what had taken place at the party, the Reporter commented how the "hilarious gathering" had "warmed the heart of the hardened adult to witness the real delight with which boyhood and girlhood can come to life.
"Coming, as they did, from sombre surroundings and homes not always conductive to the joyous spirit of childhood, they entered into the proceedings with abandoned happiness, and probably the Town Hall has not known a merrier gathering during the whole of the twelve months."
This celebration was for the children of the serving volunteers of the West Lancashire Division Royal Engineers – as well as those kids whose fathers had died in the war. The Reporter wrote:
"There were two hundred of the little guests, and they spent a rollicking evening. Beginning with tea, an entertainment with games followed.
"Messrs. Jack Twist and H. O. Ashton greatly amused the young people with their humorous items. The proceedings had a glorious wind-up, when Father Christmas, impersonated by Corpl. A. Eccleston, came in among the merry throng and presented each child with a suitable present and an apple and an orange.
"A huge Christmas tree, given by Major G. A. Oppenheim, occupied a central position in the hall, rising from floor to ceiling almost, and looking fairy-like with its brilliant illuminations and decorations."
Earlier in the month the Reporter had predicted that the high price of coal and the "year of industrial depression" would, for many families at Christmas, "leave memories of cold cheer and an empty fireplace".
Despite that gloomy prediction, the shopkeepers of St Helens still enjoyed a busy seasonal trade. Last week the paper wrote:
"On every side there are signs that St. Helens is getting well into its Christmas stride. Tradesmen are busy, their shop windows are alluringly set out, and shoppers, having convinced themselves that prices are as low as they will be this side of 1922, are responding to the call of the approaching Yuletide."
Certainly there were many Christmas adverts in the local papers, with most traders preferring a spelling of "Xmas" over "Christmas".
Food is, of course, important over the festive season and grocer and butcher Frank Lennon – who styled himself the "people's food controller" – claimed a "sensation in the price of poultry".
His advert in the Reporter said: "Thousands of geese, turkeys, chickens and ducks, consigned from the best farms in Ireland" were available from his large stall in the market.
Meanwhile, Melias grocer's at 13 Bridge Street were advertising their Xmas hams for 1s 2½d per pound – and, tea:
"The National Drink. Tea is the most democratic drink – it appeals to all. Everybody drinks tea. We ask you to try our tea. You will find it soothing, comforting and sustaining. It tastes good and is good. Prices – 5d., 6d. and 7½d. per ¼lb."
N. Callon & Co. of Baldwin Street was offering "dainty and useful presents for Xmas" and also boasted of "exclusive charm" in their collection of model millinery, dresses, gloves, jumpers and furs.
"Dainty" was a word often used to describe Christmas presents. Forster's of 33 Westfield Street was advertising children's party frocks and "ladies' dainty Xmas wear".
The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) had been in St Helens earlier in the year shaking hands with over 100 ex-servicemen at the St Helens Recs ground in City Road.
As a result, the patriotic Oxley's had been giving away a "large richly-coloured" portrait of the prince to all who spent more than ten shillings on Christmas presents in their Barrow Street store.
"This beautiful picture is a real work of art and fit to adorn the walls of any home", they wrote. "Make a point of calling to-day, get your Xmas presents ‘where money buys more,’ and secure a splendid portrait of the Prince, free, into the bargain."
I wonder how many people would rush to a department store today to claim a free picture of Prince Charles to stick on their wall?
The M. J. Peters Music Warehouse at 4 Hall Street in St Helens was advertising:
"Gramophones and records for Xmas. Make your selection now before the rush. Mrs. Peters has the best selection in town. Cabinets, table grands, hornless and horn models, from £3 0s 0d. “Celebrity” records by all the great artistes; also the latest dances and songs on “His Master's Voice," “Zonophone,” “Columbia,” “Regal,” etc."
Included in the advert was an illustration of a wind-up gramophone contained within a cabinet.
Mary Peters was also selling melodians, mouth organs, violins, mandolins, record albums and music cases – "all suitable for Christmas presents".
During the war the giving of useful, sensible gifts at a time of scarcity was very much encouraged.
The theme still lingered this Christmas in a number of adverts in the Reporter, including those from Scales and Sons of 1 Church Street.
They were offering "sensible Christmas presents", including "cosy" house slippers, gaiters, leggings and spats.
"Boots and shoes that will keep your feet dry. No present more useful", was their claim.
"Buy her one and she will have a Happy New Year", they said. I doubt many women today would relish a washing machine as a Christmas present – although I expect their labour-saving qualities went down well as a gift in 1921.
However, it was only labour saving up to a point – as the housewife had to stand by her Darling Washer and hand crank its darling little agitator until her arm ached!
There are very few St Helens' shops that appear in both my '50 Years Ago' and '100 Years Ago' articles.
H. & A. E. Williams were one longstanding retailer that does receive mentions in both – with the furnishers having been founded by two brothers in a Lowe Street shed in 1910.
During the ‘70s their premises were located in Westfield Street and Corporation Street.
But in the 1920s, Williams' two shops were situated in Cotham Street and Duke Street.
Their long list of "the most acceptable Christmas presents" included down cushions, hassocks, mirrors, divan chairs, bookshelves, basket chairs etc.
"Crowds of people are delighted with the bargains they secure", claimed their ad.
Booth's sports shop in Hardshaw Street wrote in their ad, "Footballs make good Xmas presents" and had them in stock from 4/6.
Hewitt's of Church Street were promoting watches, saying: "The timekeeping qualities of the Waltham watch surprise and delight every owner of them. What so useful and suitable for a Christmas gift. All grades of gold, gold filled and silver in stock."
Rubins at 82 Church Street had a "Special Xmas Offer of men's, youths' and boys' clothing at greatly reduced prices".
Readers were not told what the garments had been reduced from – just that men's overcoats and suits were both on sale from 35 shillings, with boys suits costing from 10/6 and tweed men's trousers from 8/6.
You have to go back a bit to remember Rothery's. I don’t mean the radio / TV and record shops in Baldwin Street and Ormskirk Street but the "high-class" pawnbrokers and jewellers of Westfield Street.
They wrote in their ad: "The old firm is still going strong with a large and choice selection of goods suitable for Christmas presents at prices lower than any shop in town."
The Christmas and New Year Gifts on sale from G. Hall of Liverpool Road (next door to Windle Pilkington School) included "picture handkerchiefs for the kiddies", silk mufflers and woollen gloves.
In fact Hall's was a wool shop and claimed to possess the "largest and choicest selection of wools" in England.
Christmas seems an odd time of the year to hold a stock clearance of wines and spirits.
But the Ram's Head Hotel at Haydock was advertising such a sale with Scotch whiskey available at 11/6 a bottle.
The run up to Christmas also included a house-to-house collection in St Helens organised by the Soldiers and Sailors Help Society.
The beneficiaries of the donations were the Lord Roberts Memorial Workshops that provided training for disabled soldiers and sailors.
The St Helens Reporter was published on the 23rd and contained the first Christmas-themed edition of the Children's Reporter.
The column run by Uncle Ben had only begun last January and this week's edition began:
"My Dear Nephews and Nieces. To all of you, my very best wishes for a very jolly Christmas and plenty of nice presents. If I have one half the good time that so many of you have wished, then I shall be more than pleased."
Mabel Cubbitt from Longtons Lane in Rainhill had this poem titled "A Merry Christmas" published:
"I hope you have a jolly time,
With stockings crammed quite full,
A party every other night,
And crackers gay to pull."
The "Reporter Man" was out and about in St Helens over the Christmas period asking householders if they had a copy of the paper in their home.
If they were able to produce the latest edition, their reward was a prize of five shillings. The "Reporter Man" wrote:
"In my little way I have been able to make a few people happy this Christmas time, and my task has been made easy and pleasant by the hearty reception I have received wherever I chanced to call, especially from the kiddies who have also received gifts."
On Christmas Eve he said neighbours had given him a resounding cheer to send him on his way and one lucky recipient claimed that she had dreamt that he would call at her home.
There were no trams on the 25th, as the drivers and conductors had voted not to work on Christmas Day. "The majority prefer holiday to double time", wrote the Reporter.
So those townsfolk that visited their friends and relatives would likely have got very wet.
"It was a waterproof and umbrella day," stated the Reporter, "though at times a bit too rough for the safety of the latter."
Boxing Day and the holiday Tuesday also saw very heavy rain, which became torrential at times causing considerable flooding, which I shall report on in more detail next week.
The Sunday postal delivery service had been controversially axed in June. In reporting the decision the Liverpool Echo then wrote: "There are some to whom a Sunday without letters has always seemed to be unthinkable."
But the traditional Christmas Day deliveries were retained, even when, as in 1921, the 25th fell on a Sunday.
Many people liked to post their parcels and cards on Christmas Eve, so that they would arrive at their destination on the morning of the 25th.
That led to a lot of last minute posting of letters and parcels and consequent congestion at the main post office in Church Street in St Helens.
So in order to relieve the pressure during the run up to Christmas, all parcels, packets and registered letters had to be posted at St Mary's Church School.
Although the number of parcels increased this year, there was reported to have been a drop in the number of letters and Christmas cards.
As a result, many postmen were able to complete their deliveries on the 25th somewhat earlier than expected and return home to their families.
Telephone kiosks were not too far off from appearing on St Helens' streets – but for now, most people who needed to make a call used public telephones in post offices.
Consequently, the sub-post-offices at Rainford, Haydock, Parr and Sutton Oak opened their doors for 90 minutes on Boxing Day in order that locals could use their phones and send greetings telegrams. However, all other post offices within the St Helens' district closed for the day.
Most of the theatres and cinemas in the town were usually open on Christmas Day – but not this year with the 25th being on a Sunday.
On Boxing Day the Theatre Royal began a week's performances of a "grand panto" called 'Sinbad', which was described as an "excruciatingly funny production from start to finish".
It would be a few weeks before the Hippodrome in St Helens went into panto season. So the music hall continued with its usual mix of comics, singers and acrobats – plus Brown's Royal Bioscope ("Showing news in animation").
However, the Olympia in West Derby Road in Liverpool was advertising the panto 'Aladdin' in the Reporter featuring a cast of over 100.
The Christmas Sunday also meant that Saints and St Helens Recs did not have any fixtures on the 25th, as they usually did.
However, both teams played matches on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day with the Recs beating Saints 6 - 0 on the 24th at City Road and Wigan winning 5 - 10 on the 26th at Knowsley Road.
"No Christmas Box For The Saints – Twice Defeated, But Not Disgraced", was the Reporter's headline to their match reports.
These included a "fine" Christmas tree bearing presents that Father Christmas distributed to the patients.
The children participated in a sketch called 'The Man In The Moon' and nurses and patients performed humorous songs, a monologue, duet and ventriloquism. The Reporter added:
"At the Peasley Cross Sanatorium and at the Old Whint Hospital [at Haydock] the patients were also entertained in seasonable fashion, and had the usual Christmas dinner. Every effort was made to bring the glow of happiness into their sojourn at the institutions."
The Reporter summed up Christmas in St Helens as having been spent by its citizens in an orderly fashion – with only two "simple drunks" appearing in the Police Court on Boxing Day.
And finally, under the headline "The ‘Rainford Smile’ – A True Incident", the Reporter wrote of a conversation that had taken place in the village between two boys:
"Two days before Christmas half a dozen school children stood outside a butcher's shop window looking at a sheep which had been specially dressed for the occasion, and which appeared almost as natural as life.
"“What do you think of that lamb, Bill?”, asked one of the lads.
"“Lamb,” repeated Bill, with contempt. “That's not a lamb, yer silly owl. It was there last Christmas. I seed it mysen.”"
Next week's stories will include the reign of terror by a gang of child bandits in St Helens' shops and offices, the serious flooding in St Helens, the poor children's New Year breakfasts and a fundraiser for the St Aggie's fallen women.