Friday 25 September 2015

This stick was made for walkin'

Without my walking stick, I'd go insane
Can't look my best, I'd feel undressed without my cane
- My Walking Stick by Irving Berlin

Unlike Irving Berlin, today’s modern man would likely never fear for his sanity if he went out without his walking stick. But if this dandy was the walking stick in question, well maybe he would feel a bit bereft.

Today’s hidden history object is one of MANY canes in our collection. Irving Berlin was not kidding about their popularity; the quantity that have made their way to the museum suggest that every fancy man in Kings County carried one when he went out sporting (plus had two or three in the umbrella stand at home waiting in reserve).
The sticks in our collection vary widely; some were purely functional, others ‘commemorative’ gifts to mark a significant anniversary or milestone, while others like this whale bone model fall into the, “well…. that’s interesting?!” category.

This walking stick was brought to Saint John in the 1880s by a sea captain by the name of Jones. The stick is made of stacked whale vertebrae – 97 pieces in total- that are mounted over an iron rod. The iron sticks out at the bottom to provide a sharp tip for the cane. The head of the cane is made of ivory and joins the main body of the cane by a series of exotic hardwood bands.  This is one of two walking sticks owned by Captain Jones – the other is from the West Indies and has a large carved snake that curls down the shaft of the stick.


A seasoned rabologist (that’s the scientific name for a collector of walking sticks; and, yes, there is such an affliction) will tell you that walking sticks are the civilized evolution of sword carrying in the post-knight era. In fact, some walking sticks are known as ‘sword sticks’ because they hide a tiny sword or blade within the stick. We would argue, however, that the walking stick has a less elevated history, that they are simply the evolution of the stick (i.e. caveman club, Irish shillelagh, etc.).
The walking stick makes a handy support when walking (obviously), a great parter-of-bushes, tester-of-puddles and, in desperate situations, something to hurl willy-nilly if you are confronted by a wild animal. They are also a fine accessory for an evening on the town – especially if you've decided to wear your high hat, white spats and tails.


Take away my high hats
Take away my favorite tie
Take away my white spats
I'll still get by
But my walking stick
You simply must let that be
I mean you can't take that away from me

[Refrain:]
Without my walking stick, I'd go insane
Can't look my best, I'd feel undressed without my cane

Must have my walking stick 'cause it may rain
And when it pours, can't be outdoors without my cane
If I ever left my house without my walking stick
It would just be something I could never explain
The thing that makes me click on Lovers' Lane

Would go for naught if I were caught without my cane

If you are loving the lyrics, have a listen to a 1938 recording of the Irving Berlin classic by Louis Armstrong and the Mills Brothers here!


Saturday 5 September 2015

Long to Reign Over Us

An historic milestone is coming soon so we pulled out this interesting little artifact to help us celebrate!
This is the official program from Kings County’s Coronation Celebration for Queen Elizabeth II from June 2, 1953. On Wednesday, September 9th, this little artifact will take on special significance as Queen Elizabeth II will break the record for the longest reigning British monarch. For 63 years she has graciously held her post and seems content to do so for some years to come.

At the time of her official coronation ceremony in 1953, Kings County celebrated in style. The town was draped in bunting and Union Jack flags, a parade was held through the streets, a contingent of 750 school kids marched to the Court House to take part in the celebrations and fireworks blazed in the night sky, followed by “street dancing at the Court House, with music by Earl Henderson’s Orchestra.”
A heady affair indeed!

The Queen’s coronation was a celebration for more than the usual royal reasons; she was a young woman in her twenties, the wife of a dashing WWII naval officer (their Royal Wedding was a glamorous affair just five years earlier – a welcome celebration after the hardships of war), a mother of two small children, and an extremely attractive woman of style – and substance. There was also an air of sympathy for Elizabeth who, many felt, had lost her father, King George VI, much too early from the strain of a reign that was thrust upon him when his brother abdicated the throne.

Hampton was in a celebrating mood those many years ago and it is again as this majestic milestone approaches. On Wednesday at 2pm, the Town of Hampton and the Kings County Museum will host a celebration in honour of the Queen in the Town Square and on the former Court House lawn. All are welcome to attend the historic occasion, whether you are a staunch royal supporter, or are just appreciative of someone who has held the same job for 63 years and performs their role so well.

God Save the Queen.