Christmas time in Ipswich in 1917 was far from uneventful although it was somewhat subdued. It was the 4th Christmas since war broke out and many local men were away from home soldiering in Europe. Christmas cards were being sent and received by loved ones in the trenches.
Between 21st and 28th December 2 trains of returning soldiers stopped at Ipswich Railway Station. Large crowds gathered at the station to show their respect and support. The Mayor officially welcomed the soldiers on behalf of the city and the Train Tea Ladies served refreshments to those continuing their journey.
On 23 December 1917 the Archbishop of Brisbane Dr Duhig dedicated a new marble side altar (on the left) at St Mary’s Catholic Church. The altar was erected by Samuel Watson and family in honour of the Sacred Heart and in memory of Mrs Watson who had died earlier in the year.
Temperatures were high that week. Trading on Christmas Eve was brisk with many businesses opening until 9.30pm. Many Ipswich residents attended morning church services on Christmas Day. In fact, St Mary’s enjoyed very large congregations at the 4 masses conducted.
Christmas dinner was served to 66 patients in Ipswich General Hospital where the wards were decorated with flowers supplied by Marsh & Co., of City Florist in Brisbane Street. Some wards were decorated in battalion colours to show support for the war effort and loved ones in the military.
On Boxing Day the silent movie An Even Break starring Olive Thomas and Charles Gunn was playing at Martoo’s Olympia Theatre in Limestone Street. According to the publicity the film told ‘the story of a girl who traded Broadway for the man she loved.’
New Year’s Day 1918 was cloudy, cooler and more comfortable than the previous week when sultry and stormy conditions had prevailed. The Ipswich Amateur Turf Club held a race meeting at Bundanba (as it was called then) with record attendances.
A special train of 168 invalid soldiers stopped in Ipswich on the first of January. Because it was a public holiday many Ipswich residents were available to meet the train and welcome the soldiers home. On board the train were several returning Ipswich & area soldiers including: L. Vogler, Edward Toohill, John E. Richardson, Harry Lindley, Richard George Leo, Harry S. Jones, & Hugh Leslie Hawthorn.
At the time, it was very common for Ipswichians to holiday at Southport or Sandgate. Summer 1917 –18 was no exception. Those holidaying at Southport included: Mrs T.B. Cribb snr & family, Mr & Mrs Frank Williams of Thorn & Park Streets, Reverend B. Frederick and family, Mr & Mrs J. Walker of Quarry Street, Mrs H. A. Bostock and daughters, and the Livermores of East Street spent a month at the Coronation Hotel there.
Information taken from:
St Mary’s Church 1904-2004 : Icon of Ipswich, John Kane (compiler), St Mary’s Parish Historical Society, Ipswich, 2004.
The Queensland Times, 26 December 1942, p.5., Links with the Past: 25 Years Ago
The Queensland Times, 2 January 1918, p.4., Soldiers Come Home;
The Queensland Times, 2 January 1918, p.7., New Year’s Day; Sporting
The Queensland Times, 26 December 1917, p.1., Martoo’s Olympia
The Queensland Times, 27 December 1917, p.4., St Mary’s Church, Christmas Service
The Queensland Times, 29 December 1917, p.5., Social and Personal