Reminiscences of Rotherham
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Leaving these educational efforts for our advancement let us look for a moment at the lighter side of life over half a century ago. It must be remembered there were no clubs such as we have to-day, where people can enjoy the company of their fellow-townsmen. The White Hart was a rendezvous for a class of tradesmen who to-day would be members of the golfers or similar clubs. The regular customers had their favourite corner, and their own pipe on a rack provided for the purpose. The old churchwarden clays, made by Edward O’Neil in the Market place, were then in vogue, Town’s affairs were frequently discussed, the new Corporate body providing an inexhaustible subject for criticism and mirth. Other licensed houses were frequented by other tradesmen, similar accommodation being afforded them. I mention the White Hart because I knew it more intimately than other houses, having charge of my father’s shop, which was close by Some of the mischief hatched by the frequenters of this house is referred to in another part of these notes.STREET MUSIC
For outdoor amusement we were provided with music by a piano-organ, a torture inflicted on us daily. The noisy strains of this peripatetio machine are occasionally heard to-day, but if the sufferer wishes it removed, he can enforce his will. Formerly such a request was met with violent and abusive language, the only result being the removal of the organ one or two doors away. Another type of street music was the hurdy-gurdy, a smaller instrument, grinding out such refrains as The man who broke the bank of Monte Carlo. Ta-ra-ra-boom de-ay, Champagne Charlie,” and in later years, Sweet Marie and the Better Land. We had still another entertainer, the youth with the swarthy countenance playing his accordian and dancing, and usually accompanied by a monkey attached to a string and trained to climb to first-floor windows and balconies.Then we had the noise of the German bands, which roused the ire of the adults but gave great joy to the youngsters. Fortunately, although they were gradually vanishing, the war has effectually wiped them out.
CONCERTS
We were not without high-class entertainment, for I remember somewhere about this time the town was honoured by a visit of MIle. Titiens. We were indebted to Mr Charles Harvey for this great musical treat. which unfortunately was one of this talented artiste’s last; she died shortly after her visit to Rotherham. We considered it a daring enterprise when Mr. Sam Sweeney, who succeeded Charles Gill at the theatre in Howard street, opened his new theatre in Effingham street. Quite a stir was created in the town, nothing so lavish or promising having been ventured upon before. For a tiime great improvement was noticeable in the class of performers, actors of good repute such as Harry Lorraine, the tragedian, being secured. On another occasion we had a visit from Mr. J. L. Toole, who later became one of our famous actors, It soon became obvious that the town could not uphold a theatre ot this class, as many of our people preferred to visit the Theatre Royal or Tommy’s, at Sheffield. Eventually, the premises were disposed of, and are now in possession of the Salvation Army. » next
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