I'm throwing this open to the floor, and ask for all and any help in terms of increasing my knowledge of weird 19th century terms -- in the context of the following, a report from the Auckland Star of 5 July 1881, regarding a fundraiser at the Whau (Avondale) hall -- just what on earth is meant by "old maids cats" and (I hesitate to think) "bachelors' companions"?
Remember, folks, this is a family show ...
The Whau is at present, in a state of commotion, caused by the very elaborate preparations that are being made for a bazaar, art union, and mid-winter tree, which are to be held in the hall on this and the two following evenings. The object aimed at by the promoters is to remove a portion of the debt with which the Presbyterian manse is burdened. Judging from the display of articles of merchandise in the hall last night, the debt ought to get a good big lift.- One side of the hall is decorated with between 50 and 60 pictures, some of which are elegantly framed in leather, of local manufacture. The tree, a real pinus insignia, is guaranteed to be richly laden with fruits in season and out of season. The "fruit" is of unusual nature and variety. A live pig is strange fruit for a pine tree to bear, yet such fruit is to be found on that tree. There are also bricks and lime, potatoes, socks, old maids' cats and bachelors' companions. Such a spread was never seen in the Whau Hall before. It is profuse and exceedingly creditable to those who provided it. This is the first night of the bazaar, and as it is something new in that suburban district, every inhabitant is expected to be present.
Got me wondering now too!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea but the mind boggles!
ReplyDeleteI vaguely remember hearing the term bachelor's companion a long time ago. Probably during a primary school Victorian era unit. The only thing I can mentally tie it to is a sewing kit.
ReplyDeleteFrom some Googling I found an advert in the December 9 1913 issue of The Advertiser of Adelaide; "Leather Bachelors' Companions, in leather, very compact for travelling, fitted up with Gentle- men's requirements, such as thread, needles, buttons, &c , &c., 2/11 and 4/6 each"
The September 5 1900 issue of The Evening times of Washington has "Bachelor's Companions. This is a most handy little device for those desiring to be independent and to do their own work; leather covered.", listed inside a travel leather-goods advertisement.
Amusingly, the Poverty Bay Herald said "whatever they may be" of bachelors' companions, in 1888.
Thank you! That makes so much sense. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThis link
ReplyDeletehttp://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=BOPT18861014.2.12&srpos=1&e=-------10--1----2old+maids+cats--
indicates the importance that old maids cats were in relation to agriculture, so i think that because of this they were included as valuable items of the time and therefore included in the celebrations?
Cheers
Sandy
Something symbolic then, you reckon, Sandy?
ReplyDeleteNot sure symbolic is the right word because the use is genuine. A descriptive term i guess... for want of better words. Old maids and cats are synonymous it seemns lol!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Sandy
The "old maids' cats" referred to in the piece you found though, Sandy, isn't what I meant by symbolic -- I referred to the term used in the Star. Your piece refers to real cats hunting real mice, and therefore doing the community a favour (today, of course, the furry beasties hunt birds -- and native ones at that -- and are in the gun). Just doesn't quite fit in with the fundraiser, unless in a symbolic sense as "something useful".
ReplyDeleteMy first Google search for bachelor's companion turned up "Hellen Keller Wikipedia" and "Candy Girl: A Year in the Life of an Unlikely Stripper".
ReplyDelete