Reminiscences of Rotherham
by Alderman Geo. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevwent round the ring did not suit 'Big Dick' , who repeatedly struck the animals with a long whip he carried. After several requests from the auctioneer not to interfere, he kept on, as he termed it, tickling them. Paddy Logan appeared on the scene and politely requested Big Dick to mind his own business. Receiving a reply he did not seem to relish, Paddy set about the offender, and almost before you could say 'knife' he - Big Dick was knocked through the crowd, to his discomfiture and the delight of those who had come with a view to purchasing.
LITTLE DICK
I have already referred to Big Dick Hague, the scrap dealer. Another Hague, but no relation to the above, was called 'Dick' Formerly an employee of Yates, Hay wood and Co., he dabbled as a young man in second-hand furniture, and was so successful that he ultimately decided to take this up as a vocation, For many years he occupied an old building in Millgate, the property of my father, and was regarded as the best second hand furniture dealer in the neighbourhood, he afterwards removed into High street, and also had a warehouse in Ship Hill. Attending all the auction sales, he on one occasion bought a picture for 2s. 6d., which he exposed for sale in his shop window. A Moorgate gentleman who was acknowledged to be a good judge of paintings, purchased it for less than a sovereign and sent it to London, where it realised close upon £1000. 'Little Dick' who was in rather 'low water' at the time, felt this very keenly. Whether the exposure of this is bad judgment, or the lost opportunity to fix himself firmly on his feet, hurt him most, I cannot say, but Dick Hague never was the same bright, alert and obliging man again.WELL KNOWN ROTHERHAM RESIDENTS
Robert Spendlove, the son of wealthy parents and one of the best known men of his day, came into this district under the care of the Honorable William Howard, the then Rector of Whiston, He became a pupil at the boarding school of Mr. Davison, of Whiston. where he made the acquaintance of young John Styring. These two lads struck up a friendship which resulted in frequent visits being made by young Spendlove to Brecks House, the home of John Styring, senior. An attachment between young Spendlove and the eldest daughter of Mr. Styring ended in marriage before Robert Spendlove was 20 years of age. Possessed of ample funds, Robert Spendlove lived luxuriously and spent his money freely in entertaining such company as his buoyant spirits demanded. Wild and reckless though his habits were, Spendlove never forgot his gentlemanly training. Later, he decided to take the Ship Hotel. succeeding Charles Dobb, father of Charles Dobb, who, in conjunction with my uncle. Richard Gummer, carried out several large contracts for the Corporation under the name of Dobb and Gummer. The Ship Hotel soon became the centre for the wild spirits of the town, and many mischievous escapades, which are too numerous to give in detail, emanated from this hostelry.Robert Spendlove on one occasion laid a wager for a large sum of money that he could sit in front of the clock at the Crown Bar, and for one hour keep pace with the ticking of the seconds, repeating the words 'Here she goes, there she goes' . His wife having been informed of what was taking place, hastened to the scene, and after exerting all the influence, physical and mental, she possessed, failed to move her husband from his purpose. Concluding that he must have temporarily lost his wits, a policeman was sent for, and the novel contest was brought to an abrupt termination. During the diversion created by Mrs. Spendlove’s arrival, the holder of the wager made himself scarce, carrying off the stakes with him. Robert Spendlove, a lover of animals, had a fancy for a good horse. On one occasion he laid a wager he could trot from the Town Hall at Sheffield to the Parish Church at Doncaster in less than one hour. This feat he accomplished and won the wager. At another time during a visit to York he bought a bear, which he expected would pro- » next
prev « «