Jamaica 1932: 2012

Monday, July 9, 2012

catching up!

   Between hot sticky weather and having my MacBook upgraded, I have neglected blogging rather badly the last month and more!

   However, I have been continuing to do research on T H Beecher, who remarkably, but unsuccessfully, attempted to repeat his Exhibition in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II; I am still trying to figure out what went wrong with that effort.

   In my next real post I will try to summarise the planning for the 1932 Exhibition which took place in the later months of 1931. Some things went well, while a few efforts flopped.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

new plans for an Exhibition

Daily Gleaner, August 12, 1931

AN ALL-ISLAND NATIVE INDUSTRY EXHIBITION.

It is understood that early in February next year an all-island native industry exhibition will be held — possibly at Sabina Park. The exhibition, which is being organised by Mr. T. H. Beecher, shopkeeper in Kingston, should have been held towards the latter part of last year, but owing to certain circumstances, it had to be postponed.

It is learnt that several prominent gentlemen in the island have taken an interest in the venture, and it is understood that the patrons are likely to include the Hon. Sir William Morrison, Kt., Mr. Horace V. Myers, M.B.E., President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and other prominent merchants and planters of the Island.

A meeting of the committee having charge of the exhibition will be convened shortly, when the scheme will be fully outlined by the organiser.

This item (on page 10) was apparently the first intimation that the plans for an exhibition of Jamaican products were once again on track. This time, in spite of two postponements, the Exhibition actually took place and was a considerable success. 'Exhibition' Beecher was on the way to earning his nickname!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Beecher's 'Jamaica Encyclopaedia'

I have been looking at other aspects of T H Beecher's career, and have found references to a Jamaica Encyclopaedia which he published in 1938. It sounds like a fascinating publication, but so far I cannot find any copies of it in any major library, including the National Library of Jamaica. I hope that someone may be able to come up with at least one copy, from some hidden store!

These are the references I have found so far:

Daily Gleaner, May 26, 1937

J'CA. ENCYCLOPAEDIA NOW BEING COMPILED

   Mr. T. H. Beecher, we understand, will be publishing a Jamaica Encyclopaedia of not less than three-hundred pages.

   From the proceeds of this book, Mr. Beecher intends to offer one scholarship to each of the three counties, Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey. The amount of each scholarship will be £80 tenable for one year.

   In the event of boys obtaining these scholarships, they must select the Hope Farm School, and in the event of girls, the Carron Hall Continuation School.

During the last two weeks, Mr. Beecher started his activities with regard to the undertaking, and it will take him at least eighteen months to compile the book Mr. Beecher plans to give the entire world the best knowledge possible of this lovely Island as the Encyclopaedia will include over three hundred coloured pictures of her beautiful scenes and two hundred and eighty-four years of Jamaican history.

Daily Gleaner, May 28, 1937

TAKE NOTICE

Mr. T.H. Beecher, the publisher of The Jamaica Coronation Souvenir begs to return thanks to the many Advertisers and friends who have expressed their appreciation for such a beautiful number. I am also to ask that those articles and photographs which have not been published on account of factory delay in England, will be published in Jamaica Encyclopaedia which will be a greater and better journal.

T. H. BEECHER.

Daily Gleaner, September 25, 1937

A JAMAICA ENCYCLOPAEDIA

The West India Committee "Circular" of September 9 says:-

"A Jamaica Encyclopaedia is to be published by Mr. T. Beecher of 8, Laws Street, Kingston. It will be printed in Great Britain, and from the proceeds of the book, three £80 Scholarships are to be awarded, tenable at the Hope Farm School in the case of a boy, and at the Carron Hall School in the case of a girl."

Daily Gleaner, October 1, 1937

COMING "JAMAICA ENCYCLOPAEDIA"

   Mr. T. H. Beecher is now compiling a Jamaica Encyclopaedia, which will embrace a history of the Island covering a period of 284 years under English occupation. It will also deal with the settlement and development of the Country. It will be profusely illustrated, and as the compiler says:

   "Its objective is a production designed to be the reference volume on Jamaica for all the principal features of the island's life. This work will be first of its kind and will be worthy of a place in every home in the island. Certainly is destined to be in many beyond the seas.

   From the gross proceeds of the venture, three scholarships will be awarded on examination results, one to the County of Cornwall, one to Middlesex and one to Surrey, each of the value of £80, by the Committee that now awards scholarships. These scholarships will be tenable at the Hope Farm School in case of a boy, at the Carron Hall School in case of a girl.

Daily Gleaner, October 20, 1937

SOME FEATURES OF THE JAMAICA ENCYCLOPAEDIA

   The Jamaica Encyclopaedia which Mr. T. H. Beecher is bringing out shortly, is receiving support from people all over the island, and, judging by present indication, Edition I, Volume I will be welcomed by all concerned.

   Already Mr. Beecher has prepared the "dummy" of the book and has received the necessary data and advertisements to ensure the success of the publication.

   Nearly one hundred leading writers of the island are preparing articles on a variety of subjects, which are in keeping with the subtitle of the work - "a dictionary of science, customs, literature, etc. in Jamaica."

   A feature of the book will be the space given to the churches in Jamaica. The first ten pages will be devoted to the several religious denominations in this island and there will be messages from their leaders and informative articles on their historic and spiritual' contribution to the colony.

   Elaborate attention is being paid to the cover and a special design has been worked out on a colour scheme of gold, green and blue, representing the colours of Jamaica - with suitable lettering and illumination.

   Replies to letters which were sent out to the Empire by the publisher have already been coming in, and from what can be seen already, the prospects are highly pleasing.

   The first volume is being rushed with the view of having it on display at the 1938 Glasgow Exhibition.

   The book will be of 500 pages and will be sold at a price which will put it within reach of every Jamaican.

Daily Gleaner, August 25, 1938

REFERENCE VOLUME ON JAMAICA COMING SOON

ENCYCLOPAEDIA JAMAICA WILL BE OFF PRESS SOON.

   Off the press shortly will be Encyclopaedia Jamaica, "a dictionary of arts, science, customs, literature, and general information", which is being published by Mr. T. H. Beecher, well known public man of this city.

   Embracing in general a history of the island, a period covering 284 years under English occupation, settlement and development of the country, objective of Encyclopaedia Jamaica is "a production designed to be the reference volume on Jamaica for all the principal features of the island's life."

   First of its kind, this work will be worthy of a place in every home in the island as it certainly is destined to be in many beyond the seas.

Daily Gleaner, December 8, 1938

MR. T. H. BEECHER'S ENCYCLOPAEDIA

The Editor, Sir: - A copy of Mr.T. H. Beecher's Encyclopaedia of Jamaica has just reached me and in duty bound I must congratulate him on his splendid bit of work and hard work which took him nearly two years to accomplish.

   A master piece in arts, science, customs, literature and general information of Jamaica and a wonderful bit of advertising medium for Jamaica abroad.

   Undoubtedly, this Encyclopaedia of Mr. Beecher is not so surprising as he had already brought off successfully the All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition of 1934 and Jamaica and Empire Exhibition 1934 with such great commercial results for Jamaica.

   This only shows that there are among us great men who are still alive to the interests and possibilities of the Country's future.

   Every one who becomes the owner of this latest bit of work of Mr. Beecher must treasure it, for it is so full of interest from start to finish, and this congratulation

to Mr. Beecher would be incomplete if the enterprising business firm who contribute to make his work so successful, were not congratulated also.

   I am, etc.,

   THEO. MOODIE.

   13½ North Parade. Kingston

   Dec. 4, 1938.

Daily Gleaner, December 17, 1938

Mr. T. H . Beecher, compiler of the Jamaica Encyclopaedia begs to return thanks for the many letters and postcards received for producing such a lovely Magazine, giving the information it contained. All members of the Royal Commission spoke highly of the characteristic way the Magazine were laid out. The compiler has also posted fifty copies to the Mother Country, England, also Canada and the United States of America, which include the members of the Royal Family. The Gleaner Company must be commended for the noble bit of work. Thanks also gracefully to the business men and merchants who took part to make the book a success. Copies can be had from T. H. Beecher at 21/- per copy. 4 East Avenue, Newton Square, Kgn.

Daily Gleaner, April 22, 1939

Mr. T. H. Beecher, publisher of the Jamaica Encyclopaedia will do honour to the famous five Jamaica College boys by starring them in the second edition of the Encyclopaedia which shortly goes to press. Five whole pages of tales and photographs of the intrepid adventure will be included.

I suspect that one reason for the 'disappearance' of Beecher's Encyclopaedia is that it came out during the year before war broke out in September 1939. During the war years book production was drastically restricted - I clearly remember those austerity-printed and hard-to-come-by books I got for my wartime birthdays! By 1945 everything had moved on, and Beecher was involved with other matters; the Jamaica Encyclopaedia was never revived.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

more on Beecher's exhibition project

T H Beecher had founded the Native Traders' Protective Association in July 1929, but it was only in November that an exhibition of Jamaican products became the foremost project of the group.

On November 1, at a meeting held on 'the steps of the Ward Theatre', it was revealed -

'that the society intends to hold an exhibition towards the middle of January when exhibits from all over the island will be on show.
The place where the exhibition will be held will be announced shortly, and it is the intention of the Executives to ask His Excellency the Governor, Sir Edward Stubbs, G.C.M.G., to open the exhibition.'

References to an exhibition in January 1930 continued through November:

'The forthcoming exhibition which is being arranged by the officers of the society promises to be a big event. It is understood that many well known officials and prominent gentlemen of the island have decided to become patrons of the Show. The Hon. Sir William Morrison Kt. it is learnt, is being asked to interest himself in the event and it is most likely that the officers of the Kingston C.C. will give the Association the use of Sabina Park to hold the exhibition.
Mr. S. Hall of Kingston will be in charge of the exhibition and along with the members of the committee are making extensive preparations to make the exhibition a brilliant success.'

Daily Gleaner, November 23, 1929

It does appear a little unlikely that adequate arrangements could have been made in so short a period, but in the event the Association itself disintegrated in December 1929, and the exhibition idea disappeared with it. It seems there was a falling out among the leaders of the Association; Beecher attempted to reorganise his group on a new footing, but without success. There are one or two further references to the group, but it had no later history.

In August 1931 when the exhibition project was revived the comment was made that

'The exhibition, which is being organised by Mr. T. H. Beecher, shopkeeper in Kingston, should have been held towards the latter part of last year, but owing to certain circumstances, it had to be postponed.'

This seems to be a reference back to the plans for an exhibition in 1930, which because of 'certain circumstances' were abandoned. The new project was to have a very different history!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

the commitee on an Inter-Colonial Exhibition

In March 1930 the Governor of Jamaica appointed the committee to examine the feasibility of an 'Intercolonial Exhibition' in the island and it was announced on the front page of the Gleaner:

Daily Gleaner, March 11, 1930

COMMITTEE ON EXHIBITION IS APPOINTED

Governor Names Gentlemen to Enquire Into Feasibility of Intercolonial Fair

AND ATTENDANT COSTS

His Excellency Acts on Proposal of Hon. D. T. Wint Made In Legislative Council

_____________

   A couple of weeks ago the "Gleaner" announced that His Excellency the Governor had decided to appoint a committee to deal with the proposal of holding an Intercolonial Exhibition in Jamaica.

   The idea emanated from the Hon. D. Theo. Wint, the member of the Legislative Council for St. Ann, who introduced a resolution at the last session of the Legislative Council advocating the holding of such an exhibition here. The resolution found favour with the Government and was adopted.

   To-day it can be stated that the Governor has appointed the members of the committee, the gentlemen being:-

Sir William Morrison (Chairman).

Hon. Major Stems, Director of Public Works.

Mr. W. D. Battershill, Assistant Colonial Secretary.

Hon. D. Theo. WInt.

Hon. A. G. Nash.

Hon. George Seymour Seymour.

Hon. Leonard deCordova.

Mr. Ellis Levy; and

Mr. W. E. O. Turvill.

                             TERMS OF REFERENCE.

The terms of reference to the Committee are as follows: To enquire into the feasibility or otherwise of holding an exhibition in Jamaica in which the various West Indian colonies and the Dominion of Canada would be asked to participate.

   To consider ways and means in connection therewith and to estimate the probable cost of the construction of buildings and laying out of grounds and the working and running expenses of such an exhibition.

   Also an estimate of the receipts which would likely be obtained and what contributions should be required from the Dominion of Canada and the various colonies; to advise on a suitable site; to ascertain as far as possible what pecuniary support can be anticipated from the public either by way of direct subscription or of guarantee and generally to make such suggestions and recommendations in connection with the whole matter as may be thought fit.

Not that everyone thought it was a good idea!

Daily Gleaner, March 12, 1930

Proposed Inter-Colonial Exhibition

THE EDITOR:

Sir, - With respect to the proposed Intercolonial Exhibition for Jamaica, I beg to call attention to the fact that the great bulk of Exhibitions are a financial failure.

The Exhibition of 1891 was a debacle for Jamaica; hundreds of taxpayers lost heavily by guaranteeing various sums.

I am, etc.,

TAXPAYER

March 10, 1930.

Hopes were expressed that the committee would produce a report during the year:

Daily Gleaner, April 24, 1930

FOR INTER-COLONIAL EXHIBITION HERE

A few weeks ago the Governor appointed a committee, with Sir William Morrison as chairman to enquire into the feasibility of holding an Intercolonial Exhibition in Jamaica in which the other West Indian Colonies and Canada should be Invited to take part.

The idea originated with the Hon. D. Theo. Wint, member of the Legislative Council for the parish of St. Ann, who introduced a resolution dealing with the subject at the Autumn Session of the Legislative Council. Certain information will be obtained as to the cost of holding such an exhibition here and the contribution which each colony will be asked to give. It is highly probable that the report of the committee will be ready in time for the Autumn Session of the Legislative Council, but in case it is not ready then it will be brought forward at the next Spring Session of the Council.

. . . at the end of April the committee held its first meeting to consider the matter of an Exhibition:

Daily Gleaner, May 1, 1930

     Body Dealing With The Inter-Colonial Exhibition Meets
   A preliminary meeting of the Committee appointed by His Excellency the Governor to deal with the proposal of holding an Inter-Colonial Exhibition in Jamaica was held at Headquarters House yesterday morning. The members present were Sir William Morrison (Chairman), Hon. Major Simms, Director of Public Works, Mr. W. D. Battershill, Assistant Colonial Secretary, Hon. D. Theo. Wint, Hon. A. G, Nash. Hon. George Seymour Seymour, Hon. Leonard DeCordova, Messrs. Ellis Levy, W. E. O. Turvill and J. Downes.
   The terms of reference to the Committee are as follows: To enquire into the feasibility or otherwise of holding an exhibition in Jamaica in which the various West Indian Colonies and the Dominion of Canada would be asked to participate. To consider ways and means in connection therewith and to estimate the probable cost of the construction of buildings and laying out of grounds, and, the working and running expenses of such an exhibition.
   Also an estimate of the receipts which would likely be obtained and what contributions should be required from the Dominion of Canada and the various colonies; to advise on a suitable site, to ascertain as far as possible what pecuniary support can te anticipated from the public either by way of direct subscription or of guarantee and generally to make such suggestions and recommendations in connection with the whole matter as may be thought fit.
   The Committee discussed the various terms of references and appointed small committees for different purposes, and will meet again in due course.

Now I must do some more searching, because so far I have found nothing further about this committee and any recommendations it may have made about holding the Inter-Colonial Exhibition for which D. Theo. Wint had been working.

Friday, May 11, 2012

other exhibition ideas

Before I look at some other exhibition suggestions before 1932, I must record that the Gleaner archive at newspaperarchive.com has reappeared safely - not as 'lost' perhaps as previously suggested. This is very good news for researchers into Jamaican history from 1865 onwards.

read on for more on other exhibition proposals

origin of the Exhibition idea

I want, in this post, to look at the origin of the 'exhibition' idea leading up to 1932.

..................

Before that, however, I need to note that the Gleaner archive at newspaperarchive.com is unavailable since yesterday, it seems; I am waiting for some information as to how long it will be before that archive is back on line. At present the site seems to be saying the unavailability may last for months!! I will go on with my work using material I have already downloaded.

..................

The idea of holding an exhibition of locally produced goods seems, in part at least, to have originated with an organisation called the Native Traders Protective Association which was founded in mid-1929; T. H. Beecher was described in November '29 as founder of the Association, though the President was Ivan G. Aarons. In November also it was reported - 'It is understood that the society intends to hold an exhibition towards the middle of January when exhibits from all over the Island will be on show.'

Clearly no exhibition took place in January 1930, and the Native Traders Protective Association seems to have petered out in 1930. However, T. H. Beecher continued to work on the idea, but did not get an exhibition organised until 1932. There were other suggestions for an exhibition, especially an Inter-Colonial Exhibition, during these years, but only Beecher and his associates actually got the idea off the ground.

Note: the name of the Native Traders Protective Association points to an issue much debated at the time - the role of the Chinese, 'East Indians' and 'Syrians' in commercial life in Jamaica. There was much, often heated, writing in the press on the topic and on the need to protect 'native traders' against competition from 'alien traders'. This is a big topic and I will not be looking at it here; I will say however that T. H. Beecher does not seem to have expressed animosity to 'alien traders' in his campaign for a Jamaican Industrial Trade Exhibition. If I find more on this topic in my material I will mention it; at the moment, though, I am unable to do any further research in the online Gleaner archive!!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Daily Gleaner, August 12, 1931

AN ALL-ISLAND NATIVE INDUSTRY EXHIBITION.

It is understood that early in February next year an all-island native industry exhibition will be held - possibly at Sablna Park. The exhibition, which is being organised by Mr. T. H. Beecher, shopkeeper in Kingston, should have been held towards the latter part of last year, but owing to certain circumstances, it had to be postponed.

It is learnt that several prominent gentlemen in the island have taken an interest in the venture, and it is understood that the patrons are likely to include the Hon. Sir William Morrison, Kt., Mr. Horace V. Myers, M.B.E., President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and other prominent merchants and planters of the island.

A meeting of the committee having charge of the exhibition will be convened shortly, when the scheme will be fully outlined by the organiser.

Friday, May 4, 2012

starting here . . .

At the moment I am particularly involved with something that happened in Jamaica in 1932 (two years before I was born!). Long ago I stored on my computer references to a remarkable 'Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair' that took place on the Kingston Race Course in September of that year. Just recently I visited a similar exhibition at the National Arena, and I was prompted by my visit to look through the material I had gathered on that other Exhibition 80 years ago, and to check to see what had been written up about that event, and the remarkable group of Jamaicans who had organised it, much against the odds - the world was then in the grip of the worst depression ever, until the one we are struggling with now in 2012. Hardly anything has been written about that exhibition, as far as I can tell via my internet connection.

So - I am going to try to bring those days in 1932 back into the light of memory; I will try to put up a post at least once a week, revealing what was happening in relation to the planning of the Exhibition during the same week in 1932. There may be other news of the day which was worthy of note!