Sequel “Ceylon Christmas Cheer” by Des Kelly – by Joe Paiva
I read the previous article which catapulted my memory back to the 1950s, with warm nostalgia.
I would have been about 11 years old at that time. I and two of my cousins, did part time casual work at my Grandpa’s departmental store, X P Paiva & Sons, 77 Main Street, Pettah, Colombo during the height of the Christmas period in the mid 1950s.
Main Street was the premier shopping precinct in the 1950s, 60s. My grandpa was the Prince, of the first half of retail businesses.
Trams traversed the length of Main Street, from Khan Clock Tower, northward and return. Tram drivers and Conductors were attired in Khaki and colonial style pith hats for relief from the hot noon day sun.
” Mad dogs, Englishmen in the hot noon sun”
At the hight of the hectic Christmas period during my school holidays. The place was busy as a beehive with a cacophony of sounds.
As I vividly recall 60 years later, my Grandpa endowed with an exceptional business brain, was the Prince of the 1st half of this retail business precinct. Of course, as Des Kelly mentioned there were the M P Gomezes, J L Carvalios, Central Medical Stores etc of the same prosperous Baratha business community.
My Grandpa foresaw the penchant of the shoppers during the happy season of Christmas and goodwill to all mankind. He catered for their needs and in the process reaped a good harvest. Fine quality foods like Christmas Cake. Brudher, Dutch Edam (red ball) cheese, Australian Kraft Cheese, Australian Salt Beef, ham, bacon,
butter. Figs and dried fruits from Turkey and Greece.
Xmas cake ingredients imported from Spain & Portuga,
like glazed red cherries, currents, sultanas etc imported in bulk then retailed.
The large well to do Burgher community and other Christian Communities in Colombo
at that time, relished it.
X P Paiva & Sons was a leaner upright building with three floors facing Main Street. The ground floor was a Cafeteria which served ice cream, ( ice sundaes was a special) cold milkshakes, Patties, Rolls, seasoned minced meat filled inside Malu Miris and baked.
Lumpries, Ghee Rice
rice/curry at lunchtime. Of tea and coffee.
If my memory serves me well, there was no other Cafeteria in Main Street, where ladies, children and Senior citizens felt comfortable and safe. There was restroom facilities.
No shopping expedition to Maint Street was considered accomplished, without a pit-stop at Paiva’s Cafeteria. To this day, those who are old enough recall would recall ‘Paivas’ of Main Street.
I and my cousins were entrusted with the task of selling Christmas/New Year cards, Christmas decorations and Bon Bons imported from England & Europe. To be honest, we often quietly scooted away to the Cafeteria to consume ice cream and enjoy milkshakes of different flavors. My Grandpa turned a blind eye to our schoolboy pranks. Towards end of the day, he quietly slipped a 5 Rs note in our pocket. We thought it was a lottery win. ” Panaie Chance”
Xmas cake, ingredients were imported in bulk from Spain and Portugal. Then retailed to customers who made cake at home.
My Dad and uncles were the understudy to my Grandpa, who was the Capt of the ship.
Christmas carols echoed from the top 3rd floor… “Jingle Bells” …”Silent Night” …”Santa is on his way “…by Nat King Cole. “It is beginning to look like Xmas” by Johnny Mathis, “1st Noel” by Bing Crosby, down below to the Cafeteria.
It was 45 rpm Vinyl records in those days.
The music store sold records and piano/organ music sheets.
The cash registers clanged non stop. X P Paiva”s Store had late night trading then.
The Sales Staff received handsome bonuses for their hardwork and long hours put- in during the hectic Yuletide season.
There was no air conditioning but Ceiling/ Pedestal fans humming.
Stepping out of the Store, along the narrow pavement of Main Street. It was lined with Pavement Hawkers on one side selling cheap Christmas cards, Toys made in Japan and Chinese fireworks.
My loving Grandpa, Dad and uncles are long gone.
Th rest in eternal peace, at Kanatta, the Roman Catholic section.
X P Paiva & Sons is no more. So is M P Gomezes mentioned by Des.
Those were the days my fellow readers. For people of my vintage the seasons have slowly meandered. Nevertheless this medley below by Mary Hopkin is evergreen.
Joe Paiva
Adelaide. SA
