Malcolm Smith's Family History Archive

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Biography of

George  Osborne  BARRATT

[Ref. O.60]

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Biography Menu Newspaper reports

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George and Sarah's golden wedding fell on 18 February 1899. They celebrated with a series of events held over a period of six days days, these being comprehensively reported in local newspapers. The arrangements were elaborate and generously included many of the company employees.

On Thursday 23 February, formalities commenced in the boardroom of the main premises in Wood Green with a reception for about 160 guests at 5:30pm. This was hosted by son George William Barratt. A banquet followed in the main showroom which had been decorated with streamers and ribbons for the occasion. At one point, some of the drapery was ignited by a camera flash, but the fire was swiftly extinguished by a fireman that was on duty. The banquet itself was catered for by Messrs Spiers and Pond, and the meal was served to the entertainment of Mr. James Jefferson's Bijou Band. Afterwards, toasts were proposed and seconded. Each visitor was presented with a badge with a picture of the couple on the front and an inscription on the back.

On Saturday 25 February, a second banquet in the main showroom was attended by about 200 male employees. It was a cordial event and George and his wife were presented with an iluminated address.

On Monday 27 February, about 250 female employees were invited to a banquet which was preceeded by a reception in the boardroom at 5:30pm. The event followed the same format as previously with the meal followed by toasts, the presentation of an illuminated address and speeches. During the evening, a number of items of music, ventriloquish sketches and humerous recollections were conducted. Group photographs were taken then a ball rounded of the celebrations.