Bygones: What was Hucknall like in 1907?

1907 was pretty much in the middle of the so called Edwardian era when life was bright and glamorous for the rich; King Edward Vll and Queen Alexandra were on the throne.

In the wider world New Zealand became a Dominion. In England motor racing began at Brooklands circuit and the Northern Tube Line opened in London. At the time women were still second class citizens and had no right to vote in general elections.

But – what was happening in Hucknall?

The Duke and Duchess of Portland came to Hucknall to open the Church Hall officially. The ground floor was chiefly devoted to recreation rooms, a reading room, Lads Club room and a dark room for photography. Two staircases gave access to the upper floor where there was a large hall capable of seating 700 people.

When the Duke and Duchess were returning to Welbeck from Hucknall their motor car collided with a horse and dray. The mishap occurred at the crossroads on the Derby Road on the top of the hill leading to East Kirkby. Little damage was done to the car but the horse had a broken leg and had to be destroyed.

At the Public Hall in Hucknall, an entertainment called "Africa in Song and Story" was to be performed and included were three native African boys who had been trained to sing in a remarkable manner demonstrating the differences of the tribes they represented.

Mr. H.A. Ward resigned as registrar of births and deaths for Hucknall having served for 40 years since 1867. His son Mr. G.A. Ward was appointed to the vacant position.

St Peter's Church on Watnall Road re-opened after refurbishment having held services at the Public Hall during closure. The Rev. T.G. Barber, former curate of St. Peter's, became vicar of Hucknall. The Primitive Methodists held centenary celebrations as it was 100 years since their denomination began.

Mr. P.A. Bullock, photographer, moved from South Street to High Street, next to Smith's Bank, and encouraged customers to look out for his special show of up-to-date photographs and frames.

J.R.Wilmott proposed to run a brake for Newstead Abbey on Wednesday afternoons beginning at 2pm from Bestwood Road, Butlers Hill, picking up on Hucknall Market Place, then on to Annesley Park and Kirkby Forest eventually reaching the Hutt. It was booked to return at 7.30pm. Total cost was 1/- per person.

A Celery Show held at the Half Moon was won by Mr. C. Allen with a head of celery weighing 10 lbs 13oz.

What did things cost in Hucknall in 1907?

Gramophone and 32 cylindrical records 30s

Mandolin in case £1

Banjo in case 12s 6d

Garden hut 7ft 6in X 6ft 6in X 9ft £4

Ladies cycle 35s

Kitchen dresser 10s

Hilton's Booteries Children's black patent ankle straps 11 ½ d

Ladies laced shoes 1/11 ½ d

G.W.Hacksleys Pit Boots (Best value in district) 5/3d & 5/11d pair

Carrington's Billiard Rooms Top Room 4 ½ d per hour

W. Elkington Tea from (the very best) 1/- to 1/7d per lb At the time Limericks were all the rage - a very popular form of entertainment and fun. One such goes as follows:

If of Jew'lry you're ever in need

Try the one down the town – F.E. Teed;

He's got 'neath the clock

A magnificent stock,

To inspect it – inside please proceed