Reminiscences of Rotherham
by Alderman Geo. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevvide fun for his friends at the Ship. Unfortunately - its loving hugs were not appreciated by the customers. As a matter of fact the bear became so fierce that it had reluctantly to be disposed of. Mrs. Speadlove his better half’ in name and deed, possessed business acumen of no mean order, and successfully managed her husbands business, which included a butcher’s shop in the Shambles.
Despite her watchful eye her husband repeatedlv got into trouble. Although Mary Ann Spendlove enjoyed a joke and a bit of fun herself, she never allowed such frivolities to intefere with business. A daughter of good business people, respected by all who knew them, she was looked up to by the tenants in the Shambles as their chairman her advice being sought on all important matters. After her husband’s death Mrs. Spendlove removed her butchery business to a shop in High street under the Three Cranes Inn, and successfully ran this for many years.
THE CHARMIAN
Referring, some time ago, to the older trades men who frequented the White Hart and other hostelries, I said there was no club where they could foregather. I over looked a small and select Bohemian club known by the name of The Charmian, which had its home in a room in Frederick street behind the shop of Mr. James Leadbeater, the optician.
To enter this room, which had formerly been used as a store for hair required in the business of plastering, we were compelled to thread our way down a dark passage and climb a steep ladder, on which, if you were not careful, were liable to meet disaster.
The leading spirit of the interesting coterie gathered there was, of course, Mr. James Leadbeater. I have heard many intellectual and interesting discussions amongst the few members who assembled. We had, of course, billiards, cards, and refreshments, to which we helped ourselves and placed payment in a box fastened to the wall. Amongst other worthy citizens who were members of this unique club I recall Messrs. Geo Whitehead, Editor of the Advertiser , Tom Lloyd , cashier at Yates, Haywood and Co., the three brothers Shephard - Rickett, John, and William H. The two former were employed at Guest and Chrimes’, and left there to set up business in Australia as water meter manufacturers, where they met with a large measure of success. John Shepherd occasion lly visits the old country to see his relatives and friends, and was in Rotherhain only a few months ago. Other members were Joe Slawson, Isaac Hanby, William Hartleyt, Joseph Woolman, and several others I have forgotten. Occasionally, Mr. James Leadbeater gave displays with his magic lantern, the subjects often being lightning effects. Many of these afterwards appeared in the Strand and Pearson’s magazines, Mr. Leadbeater being considered in the front rank in this particular form of photography. From the small beginning of Mr. Leadbeater in his optician business in Frederick street has sprung the well-known firm of Leadbeater and Peters, Ltd.
AN ACCIDENT
I omitted in my reference to the Music Hall in Howard street, to state that this was originally built by the Methodists as a place of worship. The leader of the choir, William Adams, carried on the business of a grocer in Church street, and also had an earthenware and crockery shop in the premises in Bridgegate, now belonging to James and William Hastings. The latter business was looked after by Mrs. Adams. One morning I was riding down Bridgegate on my bicycle - a 52 inch spider, commonly called a penny » next