Christmas in the Old Shanghai was a big thing. Christmas mass celebrated in all the churches, but Christmas was also a big party night for many. If you were looking for ideas were to spend Christmas on 1936, here are a few ideas.
I am not sure why this ad was in French, although Jessfield was located on Yu Yuan lu, that was outside the International Settlement. Jessfield Park (current Zhong Shan Park) must have been a far away place from the center at that time. An ideal location for a big noisy party. There is really little for be found about Jessfield Club, apart from a short article on China Rhyming.
The Astor House Carnival Dinner Dance was surely of much higher level. Located at the Astor House hotel, on today North Bund it was surely one of the great party of the city for that night.
Finally, if one decided to stay home for Christmas, the best gift could a 12 pints of beer, delivered by Union Brewery.
Lovely to see these adverts. Both Jessfield Park and the Astor Hotel “resonate” with me. My maternal grandfather Walter Kerr was Commissioner of Parks SMC and designed Jessfield Park. My great grandfather Paul Rumberg who had a piano business in Shanghai in the 1930s played in the band at the Astor Hotel. Thank you so much.
Thanks for you comment.
I would be interested to know more about both of them. If you want to share documents or info to me, please write to hmartin@shanghailander.net
Best regards.
A great article, thank you. My father ( Russian immigrant family) arrived in Shanghai, aged 13, from Harbin in 1933 to live with his mother after the parents separated. It was fascinating to read of the “nature” of Shanghai life in that era.
Hi, Iain Leighton,
glad to know that. The wedding of your grandparents was on Mar. 1, 1926. It should be as follows:
“A very pretty wedding took place in Holy Trinity Cathedral on Monday afternoon When Miss Renate Wellwig Rumberg, daughter of Mr. Paul Rumberg, the Esthonian Consul, and Mrs. Rumberg, and Mr. Walter Jenings Kerr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kerr of Stockport…”
Please feel free to tell me or Martin more if you like, as we are happy with their stories. With thanks in anticipation.
my e-mail add: 1436008571@qq.com