Reminiscences of Rotherham
by Alderman Geo. Gummer, J.P.
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half-penny machine. on account of its having a large and a small wheel, when I unfortunately ran into the good lady, knocking her down and also injuring myself. Legal proceedings for damages were threatened. I was at the time about to be married, and acting on the advice of my mother. I called and placed my order with Mrs. Adams for the crockery I required. This must have soothed the offended feelings of the lady. so I had no reason to regret this little piece of diplomacy.
One of the well-known men about town in the seventies was Geo. Simmonite, familiarly known as Brust, who played the big bass at the Zion Chapel. He seemed to have a connection with every lawyers office in the town, but in what capacity I cannot say. One of his sons worked for me for several years, and being considered although only small, a good footballer, he played with the Town team in many of their matches.
BATHS
In Westgate there formerly were well equipped public baths, in possession of a private owner. It is from these the Baths Foundry derives its name A few doors from these resided John Clarke, accountant and land agent. His daughters conducted a school for young ladies, which was well attended. His two Sons opened a grocer’s shop near the Crown Hotel, and carried on quite a prosperous business. A dissolution, however, took place, the younger of the brothers going to Bridlington, where he managed Ouston’s Stores, the largest and best grocery business in the town. His death took place some years ago.The other brother took a position at Bray's in Masbro'
BLONDIN
A large crowd gathered in Effiingham Square some sixty years ago to witness a performance by the world-famous Blondin. Permission to attach the tightrope to the Waterworks chimney - thus ensuing a high altitude - having been refused, recourse to the square, seemed the next best thing. The rope stretched from one side to the other was about 30 feet from the ground.On this Blondin exhibited his skill as a tightrope walker, and to add to what appeared to be a hazardous performance he trundled across the rope a man in a wheelbarrow. This was time first and, I believe, the last performance of this kind in Rotherham in the open air.
SCHOOLS
Schools were not numerous in my early days, and, with the exception of the Charity School in the Cattle Market, all were fee- paying. The most popular was the British, in Greasbro road, held in the premises now occupied by Mappin’s Brewery. The head master, a man named Kemp or Kent, was considered to be possessed of high qualifications, and had the gift of bringing on the lads in his care. An equally good master succeeded him in Joseph Woolman, who later became headmaster at the Wellgate Board School. The National Schools in Nottingham street also stood high in public estimation. They were in charge of Mr. James Gray, a teacher held in highest regard by all who knew him. The Hollis School I refer to elsewhere, and the Wesleyan Schools were mentioned at the beginning of these reminiscenses. There were several good academies in the town. One was presided over by the Misses Boulton in the Market Place: another in Westgate was conducted by the Misses Clarke; and one for the daughters of the monied class was held in premises which then stood along. side the house now in the occupation of Ald. Coward, and of which Miss Rhodes was the principal. Others were those of Miss Emily Evans, in the Churchyard, Mrs. Bingham in Moorgate, and Miss Tyldesley and Miss Wilde of Thornhill. For the youths of the town, choice could he made of the following:— Mr. William Binghams Commercial Academy in the Croft; Mr. Norris's and Mr. Fretwell's Alma road, or Mr. Le Tall’s, of Kimberworth. In later years Mr. Joshua Ward established a very good commercial school in College road.
BOSTON PARK
Previous to 1872 Boston Wood was merely woodland and quarries worked by Mr. Birks. We were all very proud when the Corporation decided to lease this and convert it into a
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