Great Grandmamma Went A-Shopping

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 370, 2 June 1928, Page 19

Great Grandmamma Went A-Shopping

October 11, 1836. the circular is dated, and it tumbled out of an old book that belonged to my great-grand-mother. It is brown with age and torn in the creases, as is to be expected after 92 years. Great-grandmamma was just growing up then, and I expect it gave her just such a thrill as I can get from a modern sale catalogue. This is what it says: “H.S. ... in returning his sincere thanks for the very liberal support he has met with since his commencement in business, begs to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and Inhabitants of L and its vicinity, that he has just returned from London, with a very extensive stock of winter goods, consisting of rich coloured and black gros de naples, Merinos, prints of the newest patterns, a great variety of Norwich and Scottish shawls of the most fashionable designs, a large assortment of rich coloured and black genoa velvet with velvet and field flowers to correspond, selected from the first houses in town; also rich figured satins in every shade and colour with ribbons to match, gloves, hosiery, Irish linens, flannels, and everything adapted for the approaching season.”

, Then by way of a reminder that life is uncertain, in heavy type is printed: FAMILY MOURNING, FUNERALS FURNISHED. But then Mrs. H.S. has a word to say in lighter vein. She has evidentl?. 7recently established a millinery department in her husband's shop. After thanking the nobility and gentry for their patronage, she respectfully informs them “that she has engaged an experienced milliner from one of the first houses in London, and that she intends opening a shew (sic) room on Tuesday, the 18th inst., with a very great variety of French and English millinery, of the most novel and prevailing patterns, which cannot fail to please those ladies who may feel disposed to honour her with their fav- | ours, and she hopes by punctuality i and economy to continue the favours.” That great-grandmamma extended ! her patronage to the enterprising Mr. I H.S. I have not the slightest doubt, | for is there not a painting of her in a | Scottish shawl of the most fashionable design and a bonnet whereon are perched a very good selection of those j delightful field flowers?