1877 - 'Parisian Picnic'
There are references in September to November 1877 which may point to the earliest appearance of a merry-go-round in Kingston. A Monsieur Gobron set up, with the permission of the Custos, what was essentially an amusement park on the south-west corner of the intersection of King and Tower Streets. Major attractions for adults were the shooting galleries and the Panoramas of operas, but aimed especially at children was the ‘Parisian Picnic [which] consists of a magnificent Circus of Flying Horses and coaches, on and in which the most Desirable Ride can be obtained’, and this attraction is described in the advertisements as an ‘entirely new amusement’. The ride, ‘whether on Horseback or in Coach’, cost 6d for 5 minutes. Although the ride was considered suitable for both sexes and all ages, it was opened especially for children from 12 to 4 p.m. It is of interest to note that the coaches, or carriages, were part of the carousel because in those days it was not considered proper for ladies to sit astride a horse, live or wooden. One reason for assuming that these are references to a carousel or merry-go-round is that the term ‘Flying Horses’ has been a synonym for 'carousel' up to the present day, especially in New Orleans. Also, at Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, is the ‘Flying Horses Carousel’, a National Historic Landmark, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the U.S.A., which was originally handcrafted in 1876; this tallies well with the appearance of ‘Flying Horses’ in Jamaica in 1877. The use of the term ‘circus’ in this context is confusing, but apparently the earliest American carousel in 1799 was advertised as a ‘wooden horse circus ride’
Daily Gleaner
September 3
We have much pleasure in announclng that what is justly designated as a great novelty will shortly be exhibited at No. 49, south-west corner of King and Tower Street. It is entitled "The Parisian Picnic," and consists of a "Magnificent Circus of Flying Horses and Coaches," where applicants can enjoy a ride. The performances will be daily, from five to ten o'clock p.m. There will also be a shooting gallery, at which target-firing will be practised. This branch of the amusement will be perfectly harmless. Then there is to be a grand panorama, in which some splendid views of scenery will be exhibited, shewing pictures of apparent natural size, and in relief, as if the spectator were viewing the real objects. Pigeon shooting is also on the programme. Real living birds will be shot at, and the successful marksman will be allowed to carry away the game he "bags." Altogether the entertainment is calculated to prove attractive, and some parts of the programme, which the reader will readily discern, will be especially adapted to the amusement of juveniles. We recommend all who are desirous of passing an enjoyable evening to patronize this entertainment.
[Panorama: 'In the mid-19th century, panoramic paintings and models became a very popular way to represent landscapes and historical events. Audiences of Europe in this period were thrilled by the aspect of illusion, immersed in a winding 360 degree panorama and given the impression of standing in a new environment.' Wikipedia.]
September 27
The Parisian Pic nic, with its flying horses, shooting gallery and panorama, at the corner of Tower and King Street, has met with unbounded success. In the absence of any other amusement in Kingston just now, families of all ranks in the community crowd the place at night. Children go away from it, desiring to return, while their parents are not a little gratified at the enjoyment afforded there.
October 11
October 9, 1877.
A Card.
NEARLY all the respectable folk and other
residents of Kingston have, with much advantage
visited the "Parisian Picnic" corner of King and
Tower Street, where all the adults and children
who have visited it have so greatly amused
themselves by rides on those pretty wooden
Horses and comfortable Coaches, by firing
with the Salon Rifle, at "Miss Fanny," the
"French Cantineer" as well as the "Artillery
Target;" the live "Pigeons," &c., &c., and again,
in looking through those 18 Instructive and
interesting views displayed by the "Panorama,"
the entire amusement costing so very little.
The Picnic is opened every night from 5 p.m.
until 10 p.m. For the convenience of Families
and their young children, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m
Prices remain the same.
October 18
On the list of evening amusements is the entertainment known by the name of "Parisian Pic-Nic," or "The merry go round," at the corner of King Street and Tower Street. Every night in the week the views in the panorama are exhibited. The war scenes are the most interesting, because they are historical and exciting. By request, Mr. Gobron, the manager, keeps on view that splendid picture of Napoleon III humbling himself before proud William of Prussia and delivering up his sword after the Sedan Campaign. The attendance of ladies and children is generally very good. It would certainly be better if the public were aware of the nature of the entertainment. The circus with its horses and carriages is a source of indescribable amusement to the young, who flock there in groups.
November 3
We have been requested to remind our readers that the Panorama and Flying Horses are still a source of amusement in King Street. Advertisements will appear shortly, at which time the War Scenes will be described. The place is the resort of ladies of fashion as well as of little boys and girls.
This advertisement in November 1877 promised
that the Picnic would open until 'the close of the
holidays' presumably until the end of December.
However, I have found no references, yet, later
than mid-November.
November 10
The exhibition at the corner of Tower and King Street continues to attract attention. The opening of a new season begins to-night. Among the pictures to be exhibited this season are some brilliant scenes of the Franco Prussian campaign. These pictures are new and true to life. They will certainly enhance the value of the season to Monsieur Gobron, who does not leave a stone unturned to gratify the thousands who patronise him. The following tableaux have been got up with great care:- "Defence of Chateaudun," "Taking of the Town of Montoctout," :Bombardment of Paris," "Battle of Dijon," and the "Battle of St. Quentin." The amusement gained
by a ride on the flying horses and in the carriages is not to be mentioned in the same breath with the historical part of the entertainment. Monsieur Gobron deserves the thanks of the community for the pleasure he affords the people, night after night. Considering that the admission is only sixpence per caput, the profit of the exhibitor cannot be much, the crowds that go there notwithstanding. Every little girl should try a ride, and every intelligent man should see the views on exhibition.
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I have so far found no further references to the 'Parisian Picnic', nor any information as to the identity of the enterprising M. Gobron.
