1914-12-31aa

“Bashed and worn, 1914 limped to the end of its appointed days at midnight, Thursday, and a bright, beaming youngster arrived in its stead.”

Hamilton Spectator.   January 2, 1915

       The end of 1914 and the beginning of 1915 was observed in Hamilton in traditional ways, even though there was intense and savage warfare taking place:

“Although he sported a black eye labeled European war, young 1915 was a merry youngster, for all that. His entrance was the signal  for a noisy salute and a good deal of merriment.”¹

¹ “Noisy Salute for New Year : Crowds Made Merry as the Old One Passed”

Hamilton Spectator.   January 2, 1915.

There was a din created throughout the city, particularly in downtown Hamilton as the hands of clocks came together to indicate that 12 o’clock arrived:

“At the stroke of midnight, there was a blast of noise from all parts of the city, which was almost enough to crack one’s ear drums.

“Bells rang, horns blew, rattles clacked bugles trilled, firearms roared, tin pans rattled, gongs clanged and claxon horns on automobiles blared. The sounds blended until they formed one steady long note which could be heard far away.”¹

Even before midnight, the core of the city was noisy place:

“A joyous crowd turned out to welcome the infant 1915 all armed with some kind of a diabolical machine for undoing the welken ring. The fish horns appeared to be the most popular.

“At 10 o’clock the streets were almost empty; in fact, a few gentlemen said to be from Dundas, even went so far as to stagger around in circles without bumping a soul.

“At midnight, the celebrations were general.”

More subdued greetings of 1915 took place in many places:

“Many Hamiltonians saw in the new year in a quieter manner, either at their homes or attending solemn watchnight services.

“At Centenary Methodist, St. Giles Presbyterian, Christ’s church cathedral, Church of the Ascension, the First Congregational and various other churches throughout the city, watchnight services were held and were attended.

“The services lasted right up to midnight, and the shouts of revelers in the streets mingled with the hymns and exhortations in the churches.”

The chimes of some churches, including those of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church on James street south were played as part of the new year’s eve observances :

“Soon after 11:30 the chimes of St. Paul’s and other churches started to play. They gave such selections as : Silver Chimes, God Save the King, Nearer My God to Thee, Robin Adair, Jesus, Lead Kindly Light, and Auld Lang Syne.

“Even above the din which prevailed on the stroke of twelve, the chimes could be heard ringing out strong and clear.”¹

One New Year’s Eve tradition was not observed:

“Because of the war, the usual New Year festivities at the armories were omitted this year. It is the first time in years that the officers in this city have not seen the old year out in a right royal style, or held a reception for their friends on New Year’s day.”

Private parties were held to usher in 1915:

“In not a few homes, where parties were in sway, little 1915 was welcomed with music and came in pirouetting high on dancing toes. In a few instances, perhaps, where folk have succumbed to the dancing craze, the long-whiskered gentleman with the scythe tangoed out while the little New Year in his white union suit one-stepped in.”¹

The Spectator article on the New Year’s festivities in Hamilton ended with some recognition for those who had to work:

“Not a few night toilers had little chance to celebrate.

“The patient telephone girls were kept busy by subscribers who wanted to wish one another a happy new year as soon as it arrived; telegraph operators were busy with wired greetings, and post office employees with written one; employees of the transportation companies, the hotels and restaurants, firemen and policemen, all were kept too busy to note the passing of the old year.”¹