This drawing is from Scribe Frasers comic Almanac of 1906 - I thought it might be interesting to read his view of the Market in June, 1894. Last Saturday night at Waterloo Market, the attendance record seemed to be broken, for the mass of people who crowded the Square and the main street, and the illuminated surroundings in the vicinity of the Hedley Fountain and the Central Hall, from the glare of the naptha lamps, created an attraction not likely to be forgotten. In the midst of all those thousands of people that passed to and fro, the services of the single policeman were never required, so orderly was everybody and everything. This extra influx of people may be due to the fact that a train leaves Blyth northwards at 10.45 p.m. In fact it has been stated to the Scribe from a reliable source that before the late train was provided from Blyth, hundreds went Morpeth route from Bedlington district, but in the direction of Morpeth and Newbiggin on a Saturday night is now almost deserted, and Blyth carries the sway. There are a good many who still remember the very limited stir that existed in Waterloo Square, but will now stare at the hilarity change. And as there will be some thousands of folks in the adjoining villages who may not be aware of the social and jolly scenes to be witnessed on a Saturday night at Waterloo Market, it becomes necessary to give a description of what was visible last Saturday night. Commencing on the people’s Square in front of the barren looking Central Hall, was to be seen a silver mounted brake, with a livery footman at the rear end, as if in attendance; there was a big crowd surrounded the vehicle, from which was perched an intelligent American Herbalist, who was explaining the wonderful effects coconut roots had on the nervous system of the cranium, and the value of chicken weed boiled down for the improvement of the blood. By means of a mechanical pan, herbs were publicly boiled and the contents boozed round to thirsty souls. Within a few yards of the Fountain stood an immense crowd of the juvenile fraternity, whose delight to witness the performance of Punch and Judy, amid roars of laughter, served as a splendid public entertainment. Part 1.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 20:32:28 +0000
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