Reminiscences of Rotherham
A Retrospect of over 60 years
AN INVITATION
I have been invited by the Editor of the Advertiser to write an account, historical and reminiscent of the town of Rotherham from the time of my earIiest recollections to the present day. I undertake this work with a feeling of diffidence, hoping that the simple record of the things I have seen and heard during a Iong business career and continuous activity in the social, municipal, and political life of the town of my birth may prove of interest to both old and young of my fellow townsfolk.THE ALLOTTED SPAN
To those of us who are shaking bands with or who have reached the allotted span of life, the view back through the long vista of rapidly receding years will bring to mind thoughts stirring varying emotions. Many of the experiences give cause for quiet satisfaction of work well done; some, based on unsound judgment, are less pleasant to remember; but all are the result of honest, if at times misdirected effort and zeal to advance the best interests of the town.STEADY PROGRESS
Over all and through all the work that has been done there can be traced a steady progress to those ideals towards which our efforts have been directed, a progress which may afford the young men of to-day an inspiration to work for higher and better conditions of life. There are other channels besides municipal or public service in which this can be done. It is for each to select the form that is most appealing. I can only hope the knowledge of what has been accomplished by those of us who have tried to do our best may help others to accomplish still greater achievements in the future.NO SUPER MEMORY
It is not an easy task to look backwards nearly two-thirds of a century and recall events that have taken place, the people we have known, and the town as it appeared in one's youthful days. These reflections bring back to mind many sad and also many pleasant memories. Errors of memory are sure to be made. I do not possess a super memory. This quality must be possessed by some of my friends, who can recall occurrences which took place when, assuming the Registrar's records are correct, they were in their cradles. It is easy to confuse events which are told to you with those actually seen and heard in your youthful days. My endeavour will be to avoid this.BIRTHPLACE
I was born In Rotherham on the day of the St. Leger, September 12, 1855. My father, who for the first time had been to see the race run, and also for the first and last time, made a small bet on the result, was so elated to find on his arrival home that he had a son, he wanted to name me after the winner of the race on which he had won money. Fortunately for me, my mother’s protests prevailed. Many of my friends assert that the name would have been most appronriate. Of that I leave my readers to judge, if they care to refer to the racing annals and find the name of the winner for themselves.DORSET
My father came to Rotherham in 1850, leaving one of the loveliest watering places in England (Lyme Regis) to find employmnent in the north, where work was plentitul. His brother Richard, who for a long time carried on the business of a plasterer in Forge Lane, had preceded him by a few months. Other Dorsetshire men, no doubt encouraged by the knowledge that work was plentiful, followed them. These included tile two brothers Collins, one of them being father of William Collins,plumber. in Wellgate; George Collins who for many years kept the Masons’ Arms; Tom Trayte, known as the local Sims Reeves, because he possessed a fine tenor voice; and Richard Downing - all men of fine physique and good ability.Later, another brother of my father’s came north, bringing a grown.up family, one of whom was the father of Tom Gummer, the well-known boxer. » next
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