Newspaper archives show many references to Handsel Monday in the Largo and Lundin Links area. In 1839, for example, the 'Largo and Lundin Mill Total Abstinence Society' held their first soiree of the year on Old Handsel Monday in a large wareroom at the mill. The Fife Herald of 24 January reported on how the "Largo and Lundin Mill Instrumental Band played some of their favourite airs, and some females delighted the company with some excellent songs. Dancing commenced about ten o'clock and was kept up with great spirit until five in the morning."
A slightly less lively event took place on Handsel Monday 1871 in the new Lundin schoolroom. Opening with the singing of the 100th psalm, the Dundee Advertiser of 5 January described how upwards of 200 attendees listened to an address by Lord Mackenzie reviewing events of the past year before "speaking at greatest length on the war and the Scottish Education Bill". A series of other speakers followed him, covering a range of topics.