~ Clogger Hogger ~

In winter my cheeks were all aglow when I filled my clogs with snow, and clogger hoggered down the street with anyone I chanced to meet. It was great fun as a child in my prime, and I only just reached the mill on time. If the gates clanged shut I'd be sent away and that would mean losing a half day's pay.

~ A Star Was Born ~

I remember a row of four roomed terraced houses two up and two down, standing like sentinels in a Lancashire town. They held a more homely atmosphere than the rich had got and none were without an aspidistra in a pot. I remember the bonny lasses in white aprons and a shawl, the lads wore a cap and overall. Happy and smiling on their way to the mill, clogs clattering over the cobbles I can hear it still. Shortly after was the start of a twelve hour day, manufacturing cotton for export in which Rochdale's future lay. There were the big and little piercers, carders, doffers, spinners, tacklers and weavers at their looms, constant noise and activity in the bright gas lit rooms. Young Grace Stansfield took no active part, she would rather sing with all her heart. From a very early age her mother had told her she was going on the stage. Not even Mumma could foresee her fame would bring riches and a home in Capri. She entertained for over sixty years, laughing with her audience and hiding the tears. Our Gracie received royal honours and the world's acclaim, at the age of eighty one she was made a Dame. Above a fish and chip shop on a cold winters morn, at number nine Molesworth Street a star was born.

~ Some Milltown Terms ~

Carder:   a mill operative whose job it is to comb the cotton staples so that they are parallel, ready for the spinner.

Cop:   a cone onto which the thread is wound.

Doffer:   a worker on spinning mules whose job it is to remove cops as they fill with spun cotton.

Heald, or heddle:   a comb like device for lifting and lowering warp threads.

Reed:   another word for warp the longitudinal thread in weaving.

Reed-hook:  a hook used to pull in broken threads.

Six-loom weaver:   A highly skilled weaver.

Spinner: a mill operative whose job it is to produce cotton threads for weaving.

Tackler:   a resourceful operative whose job it is to do running repairs to looms that break down.

~ Not What It Seems ~

Some young folk think it is wonderful to be a star and lead a glamorous life, often in show business there is jealousy and strife. I remember appearing in pantomime at the age of fifteen and became involved in a stormy scene. I was given a good song to sing the audience expressed their delight, but not allowed to sing it after the first night. The principal girl refused to perform unless the song was taken out her protest won. Left with just a minor part in the show was certainly no fun. As a ten year old memory unfurls when I joined Hayley's Garden of Girls. Being the youngest I was sent on errands, taking a jug of hot water to the bedroom I discovered one of the girls in bed with the landlady's son, greatly shocked I started to run. Afraid I would tell the girl leaped out of bed and pounced on me, "Here Jim, give her a taste, I'll hold her!", kicking and scratching I managed to struggle free. Barricading myself in my room I lay on the floor all night, absolutely terrified and shaking with fright. The next morning someone forced an entry I was a twitching bundle of nerves suffering from St. Vitus Dance and admitted to Rochdale Children's Convalescent Home at St. Anne's on Sea, the staff and fellow patients made quite a fuss of me. Six weeks later I returned to Rochdale as a half-timer afternoons at school mornings in the mill, vice versa the next week but my mothers dream of a stage career persisted still. I entered singing contests again and sang in local concerts when the agent Percy Hall discovered me I was off to a flying start, in spite of all the ups and downs I did not lose heart.

~ The Clatter of Clogs ~

The rat-tat-tat of the knocker-up was the only sound, no sign of life only the solitary cat and the paper boy on his round. Soon would come the clatter of clogs workers on their way to the mill, heedless of the freezing cold frost coating every window sill. The seniors were all alive the juniors half asleep, aroused from their languor by the buzzer strong and deep. When all were safe inside the heavy gates clanged shut, not a single one wished to escape the rut. Quite content with their lot however tedious the task, proud to uphold an old tradition what more could they ask?.

~ Where There's A Will There's A Way ~

At fifteen Gracie accepted a season with Cousin Freddy's Pierrot Concert Party at St. Annes on Sea rather reluctantly having boasted at the convalescent home what a big star she was going to be. She set her heart on five pounds a week the management offered three her mother said It's better than nowt what are you making a fuss about? Her comedy act had an audience rolling in the aisles Fred Hutchins was delighted his face wreathed in smiles. He taught her three important lessons timing to be a generous performer and not mind being laughed at she liked people to laugh at her mimicry laugh at herself never she could not take that. All good things come to an end she was out of work again the prospect of further engagements seemed in vain. She gained a small part in pantomime which she loved at first then grew to hate when jealousy became apparent her misery would not abate. She remembered her mother's words a little is better than nowt she sent every penny home although she felt like opting out. Free at last she called on the agents and impressed Percy Hall he offered her a ten year contract she would be a big star after all. Chosen for a part in a revue she was introduced to the principal comedian Archie Pitt his keen observance she did not like one bit. He released her from the contract to appear in his own revues with the assurance she had nothing whatever to lose. To develop her talent he worked non-stop determined to get Gracie to the top.

~ A Comedy of Errors ~

In the early days Gracie's mother thought it would be a good plan if she had  some professional cards printed "Gracie Fields, versatile comedian".  When Gracie handed one to the Rochdale theatre box office the manager said "How long have you been a man?"  "Comedienne is the word you require". Jenny was so mad she threw the lot on the fire.

~ Stairway to the Stars ~

Archie Pitt was a perfectionist and would never let it rest, until the show was better and the better best. Gracie worked hard the hours were long, she gave her all in humour and song. As the leading lady she felt as proud as can be when the stairway to the stars she climbed triumphantly

~ An Accolade for Archie ~

A lass from Lancashire rose to fame Gracie Fields was her name. She became a tremendous hit starring in revues with Archie Pitt. An enterprising showman with a golden future in sight. Mr. Tower of London reached the dizzy height. A masterpiece of comedy it ran for nine years great was the performance even greater the cheers. Archie Pitt is remembered with pride and adulation for having given our Gracie to the British nation.

~ Archie's Way ~

Gracie there is such a thing as a marriage of convenience the register I will gladly sign to make quite certain you are truly mine. I know that you do not love me neither do I love you, but it would be a good arrangement for the sake of the revue.

~ All the Credit ~

Every Sunday they travelled from town to town with their props piled on the van, the artistes were huddled together looking pale and wan. Would the show be a success and make the money they desired, or fade into oblivion before the week expired. Archie Pitt was optimistic his brother Bert not so sure, he felt the comedy sketches were rather poor. Archie pinned his hopes on Gracie in humour and song, with her natural talent what could go wrong. He basked in the glory a successful show yields, and gave himself the credit for having trained Gracie Fields.

~ My Dream ~

What do I see in my dreams tonight? A sweet little island so warm and bright. An artist has painted the blue in the sky, to enhance the ships passing by. I do not feel lonely in this strange land, the nice friendly people reach for my hand. I stand on the terrace surrounded by flowers, counting the moments, enjoying the hours. How long can I stay? I do not know, Oh gay Capri I love you so.

~ Arrogant Archie ~

Archie used to shout and wave his arms about keeping everyone on the go. Betty had to practice the dance steps for three hours when she joined the show,  "That Archie of yours is a slave-driver our Grace," He is not mine thank you very much was her sharp reply. She had little affection for him but his interest in her career she could not deny. In the fifth year of 'Mr. Tower of London' Archie proposed he was forty-three married before with a seven year old daughter Irene, Gracie was used to obeying his orders from the age of sixteen. Her mother thought it was wonderful her father said "Please yourself",  younger sister Betty was already married at twenty-five Gracie was still on the shelf. After much hesitation she honoured Archie's request, but the marriage was not for the best. There was no legal separation they just lived apart, until Monty Banks stole her heart. 

~ Madame Roberts ~

When Mr. Tower of London was booked for the West End costumes had to be more striking, laying out large sums of money was not to Archie's liking. Gracie was good at needlework the markets supplied all her needs, cheap colourful material, feathers, sequins and beads. She designed the entire wardrobe her sisters were involved too, sewing every spare moment to see this venture through. The press gave a glowing account it filled their hearts with pride, Archie said it  would appear as a come-down true identity they must hide.  Costumes by Madam Roberts the posters did declare,  which Gracie thought was most unfair. 

~ A Marriage of Convenience ~

Why did she marry Archie heaven only knows, but he married Gracie to keep her in his shows. If she married another and refused to stay his dreams of making money would all fade away.

~ The Towers ~

When Mr. Tower of London reached the West End Gracie was proclaimed a star, and the entire company were richer by far. Archie had a mansion built he called it "The Towers" he was in his element among the stately bowers. There were twenty-eight rooms a bathroom for each bedroom, a huge ballroom, a loft and a staircase fit for a queen. Archie enjoyed gracious living and the status luxury brings, Gracie was most unhappy she preferred the homely things. Sometimes she felt she was in a cage, the only place that seemed like home was the centre of a stage. She and Archie often quarrelled they did not see eye to eye, Gracie realised her marriage was over time to say goodbye. She led a lonely life until the seventh year, but wonders never ceased concerning her career. When she wished to marry Monty Banks she was granted a divorce and Archie married Annie Lipman of course. Sadly the skies were no longer blue, in less than a year Annie was a bride and a widow too.

~ The Homely Touch ~

Annie Lipman was a singer then a orchestra conductor and  became my husband's mistress in the end, she and Archie enjoyed luxury and a social life it nearly drove me round the bend. I had no desire to sit at the table with servants waiting on me, I retreated to my own little room where I felt free. To enjoy refreshments the homely way, with something simple on a tray. Archie taunted me until I could stand no more, I bid him farewell and promptly closed the door.

~ Home Chat ~

From the opulence of "The Towers" Gracie had grown weary, her two private rooms she made comfortable and cheery. Furnished in a French style of the Pompadour period taffeta curtains in green and gold, a bedspread beautifully embroidered in pastel shades was a joy to behold. Then a truly feminine dressing table and triple mirror painted in gold, pretty shell pink lampshades added softness to the mould. When interviewed for a feature in 'Home Chat' Gracie said, "Of course I love my new home it's sublime, but the sad thing is you can only live in one room at a time."