~ The Clatter of Clogs ~

The rat-tat-tat of the knocker-up was the only sound no sign of life but a solitary cat and the paper boy on his round. Soon would come the clatter of the 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 awakened from their reverie by the buzzer strong and deep. When all were safely inside the heavy gates clanged shut not a single one ever wished to escape the rut. Quite content with their lot though tedious the task proud to uphold an old tradition what more could they ask?

~ Picture Postcards ~

Even on a brief holiday communal spirit was strong failure to send a post-card would be entirely wrong. Something appropriate they were careful to choose for acquaintances the humorous kind neighbours received nice views. For work-mates the saucy type they dared to send but never meant to offend. All carried a message of good cheer having a lovely time wish you were here.

~ Home Sweet Home ~

Terrace houses were the two up and two down kind, bedrooms parlour stone flagged kitchen and living kitchen combined. If the kitchen was the heart and hearth of the household the parlour was its shrine all four corners displayed the homely sign. The mantle piece graced with Staffordshire figures and a black marble clock a perfect time keeper with a gentle tick-tock.  The acanthus carved chiffonier with it’s lead-cut mirrors, Coalport Minton and marble-chipped flowers under glass domes an art pot held an aspidistra the pride of many homes. A horse hair stuffed black suite allowed adults to recline with ease not so good for children it hurt the backs of bare knees. An upright piano fire irons and a highly polished brass fender gave the place an added splendour. Home was a child’s castle however humble it maybe serving porridge for breakfast bread and dripping for tea.

~ Monday Wash-day ~

Housewives were highly organised and each day had its allotted task washing done on Monday no need to ask. As laundry was such a bind meals were of the resurrection kind. Into a type of converted cast-iron beehive six gallons of water was poured adding parings of soap a fire lit in front brought the water to the boil they certainly knew how to cope. The ‘whites’ were vigorously stirred and prodded by means of a peggy stick proceeded by a dolly peg and rubbing board if the mangled wash dried outside they fervently thanked the Lord. On bad days the clothes were hung up indoors creating steam everywhere children hated wash-day cleanliness was hard to bear.

~ The Genial Schoolmaster ~

The schoolmaster was known as Daddy White he taught his pupils to read and write. A most genial soul their parents said but the cane by his side was a weapon to dread. The boys and girls were as good as gold a model class to behold. Not aware that the cane was just a blind and would never tan any child’s behind.

~ Choir Practice ~

Many lads joined the choir and sang in church on Sundays the master was very strict he did not believe in fun days. Anyone caught larking about received a clip behind the ear, as he had an artificial hand the sting would long adhere. Open your mouth don’t mumble let the notes flow out pure and sweet no need to shout. The boys practiced to gain perfection and on the Sabbath day the congregation had a taste of heaven in a most harmonious way.

~ Playtime ~

Boys played in the streets long ago the gas lamps casting a soft golden glow. Congregating in a group for a game of Rounders and Rally-o or racing with an iron hoop. No fear of arrest no thought of molest it was just innocent fun simple amusements not harmful to anyone. Children were happy and contented long ago the girls sat at home learning how to sew.

~ Going To The Pictures ~

When visiting the big city going to the pictures was a highlight for children and parents on a Saturday night. Those city palaces were more posh by far than the local cinemas like the Scala and the Star. Often a small orchestra not just a piano supplied the sound effect, sad, galloping, exciting or frightening according to the action on the screen, Buster Keaton, Nazimova, Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin are names that remain evergreen. Homeward bound they stopped at the chippy for a penn’orth to eat on the way, progress will never compare with the magic of ‘yesterday’.

~ The Chippy ~

There is nothing like a chippy in full fry a sizzling golden wonder catching every persons eye. The odour quite enough to tempt the throng any lack of appetite is pepped up good and strong. Assistants are most friendly and the shop so warm and bright it opens during lunch hours and then again at night. Changes occur every decade but the chippy still remains a time honoured trade.  

~ Guy Fawkes ~

The fifth of November was another highlight the thrill and magic of Guy Fawkes night. When sparklers sparkled Roman candles juggled balls of fire and Catherine wheels brighter than the stars in the sky, there were batteries of Chinese crackers jumping rip-raps and a blazing bonfire to burn the guy. A real whiz bang flash and crash. Then they had potatoes roasted in their jackets, sticky parkin and treacle toffee and just to crown everything a little ditty they would sing. “Guy guy hit him in the eye, hang him on the lamp-post and leave him there to die.”

~ The Corner Shop ~

The corner shop catered for everyday living. Bacon, ham, paraffin, treacle, baby’s gripe water the lot, whatever was required the shopkeeper had the lot. Zinc and tin baths, wire netting and oil cloth for the floor in the popular parquet and draught board pattern these items sold by the score, all the latest news and gossip added a little more.

~ The Hatters Rest ~

Most elderly folk remember the Hatters Rest the next town was one of the greatest hat making centres producing the very best. Trilbies, bowlers, homburgs and flamboyant ten-gallon stetsons. A most refined and distinguished trend which the march of time brought to an end. The Hatters had a news room where the illiterate used to meet and women cleaned top windows sitting on the outside sill with their bottoms to the street!. In these modern times I often yearn for the good old days to return. Some people say it was bad for the poor and hard graft in every chore. They were justly rewarded with satisfaction for a job well done, hard work never hurt anyone.

~ The Furnishing Ironmonger ~

Charles Ackroyd said that he kept a pot and pan shop and in addition to oil cloth he also sold mangles galvanised peggy-tubs and dolly pegs which were like little thin men with outstretched arms and very short legs. Ladeing and digging cans and corrugated rubbing boards just about everything in fact, hoards and hoards.

~ Market Day ~

Crowds flocked to the market in Milltown to secure a bargain at prices knocked down. Most of the folk who came to sell were characters larger than life with their wit and patter generally a bit outrageous but if it made people laugh what did it matter. The appearance of a black man was a very rare sight advertising a tribal tooth powder to preserve teeth and keep them white. He bared his own magnificent choppers, “An deese teef ah mah very own teef” he was absolutely right.

~ Fund Raising ~

The church was often short of money in the old days fund raising organized in numerous ways. Women kept busy knitting sewing and last minute baking for the Sale of Work. The men carved wooden toys and a bun fight arranged by the girls and boys. There was a Bring and Buy stall and a concert held in the church hall. Commencing with Miss Jackson’s dancing class tap and ballet and a speciality dance by Miss Jackson herself. A throaty tenor song Come Into The Garden Maud and I Am The Bandolero. Polly Pickles gained favour singing Cherry Ripe and the lilting Sweet and Low. Next came Willie Wakefield with his concertina Rosie Morgan chose a monologue When Albert Met Elena. Harry Barnes the church organist gave a rendering of My Old Shako and Drinking in a very deep bass young Tommy Trinder recited The Burial of Sir John Moore and remembered to pause in the right place. The same artistes appeared every year all received a hearty cheer.

~ Whitsuntide Parade ~

The church at Whitsuntide in common with other churches held a grand parade, adults bought new clothes and the young girls wore white dresses especially made. The procession led by the Milltown Prize Band in uniforms of maroon and gold, stopping here and there to sing hymns of a varied selection for young and old. In the afternoon a field day free lemonade sweets and a bun, side shows three legged sprints and egg and spoon with prizes added to the fun. The Sunday School Superintendent had a farm where the events took place, the boys were careful to avoid the cow-pats when running in a race.

~ Saturday Night Market ~

How thrilling was the market on Saturday night the hissing naptha flares making it cheerful and bright. In the flickering light the tripe and black pudding stalls, ice-cream carts brandy-snaps and cough-candy, dress material and reach-me-down clothes guaranteed to give satisfaction whatever people chose. It took on a romantic air they never had in the light of day, that was the best time to listen to Harry Gould to hear what he had to say. As he wove his web of words around the merchandise of jewellery watches and clocks his wit was as reliable as the things he had to sell which the crowd found most appealing. Harry had ‘stood’ in Milltown Market for a great many years and had become a legend for honest dealing.

~ The Fair On The Prom ~

The fair on the prom was best visited at night the tatty corners and peeling paint darkness hid from sight. The late hours were livelier than the daytime atmosphere keeping everyone happy and full of good cheer. The steam organ blared more brassily the crowd seemed more good humoured the barkers more persuasive and the Tattooed Lady more seductive. A continuous jostling activity stalls roundabouts a helter skelter and the big wheel spinning dizzily. On the swinging gondola youngsters were keen to have a go the pier lights glittering in the black sea below. Then home with their spoils coconuts brandy-snaps and the trinkets they had won the fair on the prom was certainly great fun.

~ Christmas Cheer ~

The working class were not blessed with plentiful means as the elderly well know but they made the most of Christmas even so. The parlour gay with paper chains, tinsel, holly and mistletoe. Stockings filled with an apple and orange chocolate crackers nuts and a small toy a magical discovery for every girl and boy. The greatest thrill was the Tree crowned with baubles and fairy lights wrapped presents laid at the base a ‘What have I got’ look of wonder spread across their face. The day ended with a sing-song games toasted muffins and cherryade adults sipped a glass of port wine all declared Christmas was simply divine.

~ A Close Community ~

Many scenes were destined to retreat there is not a single house left standing in Molesworth Street . No more clatter of the clogs the mills have closed down an industry so honoured in this Lancashire town. But Rochdalians remain a close community considerate towards their neighbours as they will always be. Although Gracie was lured by the warmth of Capri she returned to Rochdale year after year giving concerts for charity.

~ The Best of Times ~

My father often spoke of his childhood. I remember him telling me he thought as things were so it would always be. But every decade brought a change the mode of life to rearrange. Not for the best in many ways it lacks the character peace and serenity that blessed the good old days.

~ Literature and Laughter ~

John Collier wrote under the pseudonym ‘Tim Bobbin’ (1709 – 1786) and Joseph Thorpe as ‘Jonty Throp’ born in 1914 are famous for their dialect rhymes, conveying to readers the sign of the times. Lancashire is rich in talent and achievements the laughter makers include George Formby, Arthur Askey, Rob Wilton, Tommy Handley, Ken Dodd and Ted Ray, most unique in every way. Not forgetting the ladies Gracie fields, Hylda Baker, Dora Bryan and Thora Hird, in Liverpool during the sixties Beetlemania occurred. The Co-op movement has flourished for one hundred and fifty years, through the enterprising Rochdale Pioneers. Lancastrians have the grit and ability to progress even further in the next century.  
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Over the years I have read many books on Lancashire Life and gained the inspiration to write this sequel.
                                                                   Beryl Down

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More photograph additions soon.