A Name for Herself

by L. M. Montgomery

  Ladies’ wrappers, underskirts and dressing jackets are also kept in stock and special inducements are offered for the holiday season. Everybody intent on securing bargains in Christmas presents should pay a visit to this firm.

  G.M. SMITH & CO.

  “We bank on furs,” say the well-known firm of G.M. Smith & Co., 119 to 123 Barrington street, and a glance at one of their show windows proves that they do. It contains a magnificent display of furs – fur capes, collars, ruffs, muffs, gloves and coats, in all kinds of furs from the more inexpensive oppossum and coney up to the finest of electric seal and Persian lamb.6

  Besides furs, this firm make a specialty of kid gloves and have a very attractive display along this line, in dressed and undressed kid and in fur-lined and topped kid gloves. To any person buying two or three pairs of gloves G.M. Smith & Co. give a present of a very handsome box.

  Another of their specialties is their silks, made especially for them, elegant in design and moderate in price. They have some very lovely French tea-gowns, bath robes and dressing sacques,7 and also one thousand dress lengths which are to be sold during the Christmas holidays at only a slight advance in cost in order to clear them completely out.

  They have a beautiful assortment of presentation umbrellas with tops in sterling silver, Scotch agate and pearl, and the usual display of the thousand and one dainty holiday belongings that lend a festive air to the show cases and counters, as well as eiderdown quilts and cushions, covered with silk and satin. They have also an excellent variety of underwear and shirt-waists. A special effort will be made to sell these and extra inducements will be given, as long as the holiday season lasts, to persons wishing to purchase.

  S. CUNARD & CO.

  Stoves are little use without fuel, so when one orders a stove coal is brought to mind. S. Cunard & Co.’s is one of the oldest coal dealing firms in Halifax, and their reputation is built on a solid foundation. They deal in all kinds of coals, hard and soft, and having North and South end depots are in a position to supply all parts of the city at short notice. Much coal is given at Christmas to the poor, and it is a thoughtful and in most cases exceedingly welcome gift.8 With such arrangements as S. Cunard & Co. are equipped with there is little trouble occasioned by one who wishes coal sent to a poor acquaintance. He simply rings up one of the firm’s telephones and gives his order, and the firm does the rest, even to putting the coal in the cellar, if he desires it. Cunard & Co. say that the hard coal with which they supplied their customers the past season turned out to be the best they ever handled. The firm has still a lot of this coal on hand now, and can supply it promptly.

  LE BON MARCHE

  Knowing fathers, husbands and brothers will go to the Bon Marche, at the corner of Sackville and Barrington streets, to select Christmas gifts this season for daughters, wives and sisters. Why? Because to any rightly constituted woman no gift is more acceptable than a pretty new hat. And at this establishment all tastes and purses may be suited, for the selections displayed range from the plain walking hats up to the most elaborate of imported confections for smart functions. This year a special effort has been made to prepare a large and varied assortment of trimmed hats, because the large sales of former Christmas seasons has led the proprietor to believe that hats make most useful and desirable Christmas presents. They show two windows filled with charming hats, both home-trimmed and imported. After night, especially, these windows are very attractive, owing to the electric illuminations which show up the millinery to the best advantage. A fine assortment of serviceable and natty “ready-to-wear” hats is a feature of the holiday stock. Neither are the small folks forgotten, for there are some exceedingly dainty bonnets for them, which need only a chubby face beneath them to set them off to the best advantage. One of these should be mother’s present for the baby. A large assortment of ribbons and silks for fancy work is also shown, and all the latest novelties in veilings may be found at this enterprising and up-to-date millinery establishment.

  DENIGRIS

  DeNigris, Ladies’ Tailor, at 87½ Barrington street, is prepared to meet the demands of the Christmas trade in fine style. A natty tailor-made suit is what every woman longs for, and this or a stylish coat makes the very nicest of Christmas presents. A fine line of cloths, suitable for making dresses, coats or riding habits, is shown in all the newest materials and designs. The workmanship is up-to-date in every respect, and Christmas purchasers have an exceptional opportunity to get a really good thing.

  B.A. BOOK AND TRACT SOCIETY

  At the British American Book and Tract Society’s Store, at 115 Granville street, there is now shown a magnificent line of the International Art Co.’s calendars. These articles are taking the place of Christmas cards to a great extent and are certainly very much more useful. There is a large line of these goods to select from. All the annuals, Our Boys, Our Girls, Young England, Leisure Hours, Chums, Sunday at Home, etc., are to be had at the store, and there is a large stock of gift books for boys as well as all the standard works, presentation volumes, in handsome bindings, religious works of all kinds, and a full line of stationery.

  T.C. JOHNSON & SONS

  This well known gold and silverware dealing firm, at 187 Barrington street, are showing beside their complete stock of jewelery and silverware several lines particularly adapted to the Christmas trade. They have everything in watches from the tiny toy watch to the elegant gold repeater worth hundreds of dollars.9 They have a fine line of ladies’ watches in gold and silver, and two specials offered for the holiday season are gentlemen’s chronograph gold watches at $15 and ladies’ in 14 karat gold-filled cases at $13. In rings and ladies’ and gentlemen’s jewelery there is a fine display, including a very select line of gold brooches, pendants, earrings, etc., set with pearls and diamonds. Rings are shown in all patterns and settings, and there is a splendid line of mantel and other clocks. They show handsome hairdressing sets of ebony backed with silver and a large quantity of button hooks, shoe horns, bracelets, and novelties of all kinds in sterling silver, bracelets of this material being offered as low as $1 per pair.

  CLAYTON & SONS

  What would Halifax do without Clayton & Sons’ establishment for bargains as well as employment? Clayton’s is one of the largest clothing firms in Canada, and their immense purchases place them in a position to offer cloth at figures that other clothiers could not think of. The firm does no shoddy work, and any garment bearing their trademark carries with it a guarantee that it is well made. In their retail department Clayton & Sons are offering a splendid value. They have in stock an immense variety of cloths, from which one may make his choice for overcoat, suit, pants, vest or coat, and the goods are made up in the latest styles at prices that cannot be beat. In ready-made clothing the firm deal largely, and all their work is done right here in the city. Ready-made goods receive the attention as regards strength as custom-made goods. Samples may be seen in the large show windows on Jacob street, and the low prices cause amazement. They are showing now a very handsome ready-made overcoat at $8.75, made of goods of the fashionable grey shade and nicely finished. Blue black nap skating reefers are made to order at $13.50, and are a splendid bargain. Beside clothing Clayton & Sons show a complete line of gentlemen’s hats and caps, also trunks, valises, satchels, dressing suit cases, and a full line of leather goods. They have added a skate department to their bicycle store, and have laid in a full line of skates for the holidays.

  HOLLAND & KUHN

  121 Granville street, are now showing a fine collection of pictures intended especially for the Christmas trade. The pictures treat of all subjects, sublime and ridiculous, and are finished in beautiful shades artistically blended. A line that attracts a great deal of attention is the photo work covered in thick glass, bound at the corners and standing in easel style instead of hung on the wall. The firm are also just now showing a very complete line of photo frames. These goods are in brass, silver, leather, wood, enamelled ware, etc., and are of varied sizes and shapes,
some being intended for hanging on the wall and others with easel backs for standing on the table.

  C.R. HOBEN & CO.

  Hoben & Co., at 152 and 154 Granville street, are showing a splendid stock of stoves, kitchen furnishings and household labor-saving novelties. In stoves and ranges they handle the best makes, and their stock of enamelled goods and tinware is so constantly replenished as to be always complete. They offer a very fine line of cutlery of the best known makes, including carving sets in cases that are just the thing for Christmas gifts. Woodenware used about the kitchen and household is to be seen in plenty at Hoben’s, and there is a very complete line of coal vases and fire sets in brass and iron, and all the requisites of the stove and fireplace are to be had at the store. Raisin seeders and such like apparatus of use in the kitchen are shown in great variety, and a choice line of bird cages in brass has just been received. Hockey sticks are kept in stock, and there is a line of toy goods for the children, such as carpenter sets for the boys, tiny clothes wringers and carpet sweepers for the girls, etc.

  G.B. MALING

  The well known victualler on Jacob street, opposite Trinity Church, is going to treat his patrons this season as he has in the past, to the best. He has closed arrangements with breeders with whom he is personally acquainted for a fine supply of poultry during the holidays. The birds will be killed as needed and the stock will be replenished every day. The line will include some of the finest turkeys and geese to be had in Nova Scotia, and a complete line of game will be provided for customers.

  H.L. HART

  “Oh, look at these cunning little baby shoes, mamma; they would be just lovely for our baby,” exclaimed a little tot outside of H.L. Hart’s establishment, 71 Gottingen street, yesterday afternoon, when the Echo reporter was passing. The baby shoes were there all right enough, and were pretty and dainty enough to tempt any fond mother or aunty into buying. There were plenty of things for grown-up babies, too. Mr. Hart has an unusually large stock of footwear in, and every corner of his store is filled. He has a splendid assortment of velvet and kid slippers for both men and women, ranging from 75c. up; overshoes, rubbers and rubber boots, gaiters, felt shoes and a novelty in scarlet German slippers for children and misses at 35c. and 45c. Hart’s is the place to get Christmas footwear for yourself and other people. Prices are marked as low as possible.

  L. HIGGINS & CO.

  Higgins & Co., at their Palace Store, 79 Barrington street, have begun their annual holiday souvenir sale and as usual crowds are bustling for the bargains and souvenirs offered. The souvenirs include a fine display of china, pin trays, jars, fern dishes, jewel cases, manicure trays, opal decanters, etc., all splendidly decorated, and wicker basket-ware, etc. Each purchaser receives a souvenir. The firm are showing a splendid stock of footwear, complete in all departments, and including a fine assortment of wool and leather slippers, cloth house shoes, ladies’ kid slippers and dancing shoes, etc. There is also a splendid stock of gaiters, etc. With $5 sales an opal fern dish, manicure tray or decanter is given, and with $4 sales a fancy wicker basket, or an opal vase, tobacco jar, collar box or trinket tray is given. The purchaser of $3 worth has his choice of an opal salt and pepper set, soap box, rose tray, powder jar, tooth brush tray, a placque, or a piece of majolica ware, a hand mirror or a necktie box. There are souvenirs for $1 and $2 purchases and even below $1 a present is given with every purchase.

  BIGELOW & HOOD

  The well known firm, with offices on Upper Water street, at the head of Commercial wharf, report a great business in aerated waters, and their factories here and at Truro are kept working full time, and frequently overtime, in order to supply the demand for B. & H. aerated beverages.10 The firm is agents for the celebrated Labatt ale and Vale o’ Moray whiskey,11 and they carry a full stock of the various liquors. They are offering a splendid line of claret, sherry and port for the Christmas holidays, and are giving especial value in these Christmas wines.

  (1901)

  Many Admiring Glances Bestowed upon Graduates

  CYNTHIA

  This piece, the only known article attributed to Cynthia outside her “Around the Table” column, appeared in the Halifax Daily Echo in late April 1902. Far more serious in tone than the discussion about male and female graduates that would appear in her column the following week, this piece highlights the dignity of the graduation ceremony as well as the idea that graduating from university was cause for celebration not only for the graduates but also for their families and the larger community. Writing this piece must have been bittersweet for Montgomery, who continued to regret that she had been able to complete only one year of university-level study.

  Stage of the Academy Filled Yesterday

  with Grave and Reverend Seigniors –

  A Delightful Ceremony

  UPON THE OCCASION OF THE DALHOUSIE CONVOCATION yesterday afternoon the Academy of Music was crowded to the doors with the friends of the students, and the stage, upon which chorus girls and prima donnas are wont to disport themselves was filled with a body of “most potent grave and reverend seigniors,”1 all looking as serious and learned as the occasion demanded.

  The “gods” gallery was filled with undergraduates who were there to assist their fellow students through the ordeal of graduation and the body of the building held the sisters, cousins and aunts, all in various degrees of pride and expectancy. For instance there was Tom’s mother, who had come up to see him take his degree. How her heart swelled with pride as Tom bent his head to be capped by the President.2 Was there ever such a smart boy before? It did not matter whether Tom’s name appeared in the roll of honor or not; if not, then that was merely an oversight on the part of the Faculty and Senate. One heart in the auditorium at least believed that her boy was the central figure of the exercises.

  Then there were Dick’s sisters, in a chattering, keen-eyed group, who might poke fun at Dick for his nervousness or his awkwardness and make sarcastic comments on his manner of wearing his gown, but who were immensely proud of him all the same, and rather inclined to pity other girls who hadn’t so clever a brother as Dick.

  And, last but not least, there was Harry’s sweetheart, who gazed at him with all her soul in her eyes and her girlish face aglow with a pride that announced to all and sundry that she was convinced so noble and handsome and clever a student never graduated from Dalhousie before and she didn’t care who knew she thought so. The very way in which he bowed when he received his honor diploma was a revelation of grace.

  At the appointed hour the graduates, very imposing in their severe black and white, filed upon the stage, greeted by college yells and encouraging comments by their friends in the upper gallery. The co-eds were given the place of honor in the front row and looked their part of “sweet girl graduates” to the life.3

  The members of the various faculties were cheered and sung to their seats as they came in and the stage presented an interesting phase of humanity when all were in their places – on the one side those who are now in the thick of the battle of life or have already won their laurels, on the other those who, young, untried and eager, are about to begin the struggle.

  After the brief opening prayer came the President’s address, which was punctuated by the irrepressibles in the upper gallery, with cheers, coughs, questions and comments, which were doubtless very witty to the initiated. These interruptions did not disconcert the speaker in the least. Probably he is too well used to them to mind them.

  Announcements of prizes and scholarships followed and the candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts were then presented to Dr. Forrest, twenty-six in number, of whom nine were ladies. One by one they paused before him and were capped and invested with all the rights and privileges of their degree. This was a moment of exquisite enjoyment to the upper gallery people. Each name was cheered and commented upon with the cheerful frankness peculiar to undergraduates. The graduates bore the ordeal well. Not one was observed to flinch, no matter what caustic remark was hurled at him
by his aerial friends and foes.

  Two of the ladies, Miss Bentley and Miss Thomas, were presented with bouquets. None of the gentlemen were thus honored, although an attempt was made in one instance, but the intended recipient did not appear to appreciate it.

  One degree of Bachelor of Letters was conferred, the graduate being Miss Jeanette Cann, who later on was also presented with the university medal for high honors in philosophy and was cheered to the echo.4

  Four degrees of Bachelor of Science were then conferred – all on gentlemen. Apparently Science does not appeal to the mind of the co-ed. The hood worn by a B.S., like that of a Doctor of Medicine, is of red silk and looks very nice.

  After the presentation for the honor and distinction diplomas and the prizes, medals and scholarships, twelve degrees of Bachelor of Law were conferred on twelve budding barristers, most of whom were not present to receive it in person.

  A very large class graduated in medicine. Miss Philip was the only lady in it and she was presented with two charming bouquets tied with the Dalhousie black and yellow. It may be added that one of the gentlemen in this class was also fortunate enough to get a bouquet.