Reflections: The 'Babies New Year' of Stratford's past

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Ellen Thomas

Stratford-Perth Archives

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In many places around the world, the New Year was ushered in by a baby representing rebirth. It is widely accepted the celebration of “Baby New Year” began in Greece around 600 BC with the celebration of Dionysus, the god of wine. A baby was paraded in a basket to represent his annual rebirth as the spirit of fertility and luck. A baby was also used in Egypt to represent the birth of a new year and the passing of an old one. Since the 14th century, Germans celebrated the Baby New Year and, with their immigration to North America, the tradition continued to spread.

Stories surrounding the Baby New Year grew to include a tale that the baby ages and, as the next new year approaches, he becomes Father Time. Wise Father Time will then pass his knowledge to the new Baby New Year. The postcard is a good example of the longevity of this story.

In times past and present, the first baby born in a community is often celebrated with gifts from local merchants, as well as media coverage from the local newspaper. The first year the Beacon Herald began announcing the first baby born in Stratford was 1927. That year, and for many years to come, the first baby was showered with gifts. A page of congratulations from local merchants, who gave gifts, appeared in the Beacon Herald on Dec.31, 1926. The Stratford Bakery gave 10 loaves of bread, Metcalf’s Rexall Drug Store gave a “Tiny Tot Gift Box,” Pequegnat’s Jewellery Store gave a baby spoon and fork, and there were many more gifts from local businesses. The Beacon Herald even gave the parents a six-month subscription.

This story appeared in the paper at the beginning of January 1927:

“HARMER BABY MERITS GIFTS

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Harmer, 40 Victoria St., is first 1927 baby here

A few years hence, when she is old enough to understand, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Harmer, will realize that her entry into the world was marked by more than ordinary interest.

To this little seven-pound cherub falls the honor of being the first baby born in Stratford in 1927 and in compliance with their promise the little one is being showered with gifts by Stratford merchants.”

The “New Year’s Baby Club,” as it was named by local merchants, awarded gifts for many years. The last baby to receive gifts from the “cub” was the child born in 1941. The newspaper proclaimed:

“FIRST BABY

There will be a great welcome extended to the first baby born in Stratford in 1941. He or she will be royally received and ,in addition to being showered with gifts, will receive the proud title of “Miss or Mr. 1941.” A number of Stratford merchants have joined hands and decided to welcome the first citizen of 1941. They are offering useful gifts which any child might well be proud of.”

Numerous ads appeared in the paper through the years. Although some stores chose items, such as shoes or jackets, some gave cash. In 1933, the Canadian Department Store gave $2 to be used towards the infant’s wear. When a crib blanket was only 39 cents, wool booties 29 cents, rattles from 29 cents and dresses from $1.25, $2 would go a long way to outfitting a baby. For many years, Maitland Studios awarded the prize of a photo portrait. Photos of the first baby born in Stratford were also published in the Beacon Herald nearly every year, up to the present. Most often the child was photographed with their mother but, on occasion, with a nurse.

In the past, Stratford really embraced the spirit of celebrating New Year’s Eve. Alongside the photo of first baby of 1947, there appeared an article on how the city greeted the new year.

There were five dances for which it was estimated that 2,000 people attended “blaring horns and other noisemakers.” However, what really exhibited Stratford’s spirit was that “Adding to the noise which swept over the city were several factory whistles and clock bells. As though controlled by one button, the whistles sounded off together, some holding their strident notes longer than others, but all lasting long enough to inform the city that the New Year had arrived. As the clock bells chimed out the midnight hour, celebrants embraced in a spontaneous outburst of joy and emotion.”

At the Stratford-Perth Archives, we want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, hope for a brighter future, and congratulations to all the families who are welcoming a new member this year.

The Stratford-Perth Archives is open for in-person research by appointment. Service by phone and email remains an option. Please contact us to set up appointments to use the collections or to meet with the archivist to discuss possible donations of archival material. We can be reached at 519-271-0531 ext. 259 or archives@perthcounty.ca.