The Mikado Festival
BY: BG EDITOR
Japanese Canadian girls participate in Bon-Odori (Summer Festival)
Greenwood, B.C., 1942
[ Photo: UBC Library #JCPC_16_026 ]
Mar 24, 2018 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG)
In 1906, the residents of Greenwood were treated to a special event — the Mikado Festival, organized by the ladies of the Presbyterian Church, with the help of local Japanese women who contributed the cultural highlights.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this Mikado Festival is it's date: 1906. Although it wasn't until 1942 that Japanese Canadian citizens arrived for internment in Greenwood, 36 years earlier, Japanese culture was being celebrated here at the Mikado Festival.
Two reports were filed in the local papers, before and after the June event. The Friday announcement gave a preview of the program[1], but didn't mention the cultural element the event was actually named for.
MIKADO FESTIVAL
Refreshments, Brass Band and Program for Next Thursday
"The ladies, of the Presbyterian church are arranging to hold a Mikado Festival in the Wallace-Miller block, next to Anderson Bros. grocery, next Thursday afternoon and evening. The scene of the festival will be tastefully decorated with flags, bunting and Chinese lanterns.
During the afternoon and evening refreshments consisting of strawberries, ice cream and cake will be served at very moderate prices. The brass band has kindly consented to render a number of selections during the early part of the evening and their contributions to the enjoyment of the festival will be greatly appreciated.
Beginning at 8:30 a musical program will be rendered by the leading vocalists of the city. Instrumental solos and duets will also be an important part of the program."
Refreshments, Brass Band and Program for Next Thursday
"The ladies, of the Presbyterian church are arranging to hold a Mikado Festival in the Wallace-Miller block, next to Anderson Bros. grocery, next Thursday afternoon and evening. The scene of the festival will be tastefully decorated with flags, bunting and Chinese lanterns.
During the afternoon and evening refreshments consisting of strawberries, ice cream and cake will be served at very moderate prices. The brass band has kindly consented to render a number of selections during the early part of the evening and their contributions to the enjoyment of the festival will be greatly appreciated.
Beginning at 8:30 a musical program will be rendered by the leading vocalists of the city. Instrumental solos and duets will also be an important part of the program."
Among the strawberries and musical offerings that afternoon were piano duets, recitations, banjo music and several solos, including a Gaelic song. During several short intermissions, beautifully dressed Japanese ladies in kimonos delivered refreshments to what was a packed house.
In the following week's social column, the event was proclaimed "the best thing of the kind ever held in Greenwood". A full report followed:[2]
SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL
Large Crowd Attends Festival — Good Program and Refreshments
As a social and financial undertaking the "Mikado Festival," held last night in the Wallace-Miller block under the auspices of the Presbyterian church, was an eminent success. The crowded condition of the building and the consequent discomfort of those who were forced to stand, was the result of underestimating the possibilities of the function.
At all times during the evening the hall was filled to its utmost capacity and the daintily attired ladies in their kimonias had difficulty in properly serving their many guests, but they did the best they could. The refreshments were first-class, and there was a heavy run on the ice cream and strawberries.
The program, though rendered under some difficulty at times, was thoroughly enjoyed by most of the large audience. Murdock McQuarrie's gaelic songs were especially popular. N. F. Kendall rendered two pleasing solos well suited to his finely modulated voice. A. M. Whiteside caught the popular fancy with his selection and Mrs. Oliver sang pleasing Southern melodies. Mr. Hopkins rendered a banjo solo in his usual good style and Mrs. McCutcheon's and Mrs. Oliver's piano duets were much enjoyed. Much of the success of the program was due to the skillful management and humorous speeches of the chairman, W.G. Gaunce.
With much care and display of artistic taste the ladies of the church had decorated the hall with flags of many nations including Great Britain, United States and Japan. The walls were festooned with cut paper and flags, and the tables and platform were handsomely dressed with cut flowers. The ladies are indebted to Nelson friends for the flowers. Chinese lanterns were hung from the ceiling and added their soft glow to the brilliant scene.
The financial returns were well in keeping with the success that marked the other features of the festival and will exceed one hundred dollars net. During the early part of the evening the Citizens' band rendered several fine selections. Much of the success of the affair was due to the kind assistance of this excellent organization, and those in charge of the program are much indebted to the boys in uniform."
Large Crowd Attends Festival — Good Program and Refreshments
As a social and financial undertaking the "Mikado Festival," held last night in the Wallace-Miller block under the auspices of the Presbyterian church, was an eminent success. The crowded condition of the building and the consequent discomfort of those who were forced to stand, was the result of underestimating the possibilities of the function.
At all times during the evening the hall was filled to its utmost capacity and the daintily attired ladies in their kimonias had difficulty in properly serving their many guests, but they did the best they could. The refreshments were first-class, and there was a heavy run on the ice cream and strawberries.
The program, though rendered under some difficulty at times, was thoroughly enjoyed by most of the large audience. Murdock McQuarrie's gaelic songs were especially popular. N. F. Kendall rendered two pleasing solos well suited to his finely modulated voice. A. M. Whiteside caught the popular fancy with his selection and Mrs. Oliver sang pleasing Southern melodies. Mr. Hopkins rendered a banjo solo in his usual good style and Mrs. McCutcheon's and Mrs. Oliver's piano duets were much enjoyed. Much of the success of the program was due to the skillful management and humorous speeches of the chairman, W.G. Gaunce.
With much care and display of artistic taste the ladies of the church had decorated the hall with flags of many nations including Great Britain, United States and Japan. The walls were festooned with cut paper and flags, and the tables and platform were handsomely dressed with cut flowers. The ladies are indebted to Nelson friends for the flowers. Chinese lanterns were hung from the ceiling and added their soft glow to the brilliant scene.
The financial returns were well in keeping with the success that marked the other features of the festival and will exceed one hundred dollars net. During the early part of the evening the Citizens' band rendered several fine selections. Much of the success of the affair was due to the kind assistance of this excellent organization, and those in charge of the program are much indebted to the boys in uniform."
As it happened, during the same year a dramatic troupe called the Rosicians gave several performances in the Boundary.[3] Although they played in Greenwood, they only sang the Gilbert & Sullivan Mikado in Phoenix and Grand Forks.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Boundary Creek Times — Jun 08, 1906, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171775
[2] Boundary Creek Times — Jun 15, 1906, p. 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171803
[3] Boundary Creek Times — Oct 19, 1906, p. 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172397
