Reminiscences of Rotherham by Alderman Geo. Gummer, J.P.

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PHRENOLOGY.

The reference to Professor Smalley, the mesmerist, reminds me of the visit of Professor Hagarty, the American phrenologist, who came to England with a great reputation. During his visit to Rotherham my father, who believed in the doctrine that by acquiring a knowledge of different portions of the brain, the functioning of such could be foretold, took me to have a private examination. Some of the professor’s delineations have turned out correct, others incorrect. I still have the book and chart in which the professor says: the most suitable occupation is artistical work, designing ornamental work, and finishing painting. And yet, I served an apprenticeship to the cutlery trade, and eventually became a brassfounder. He then says The faculties requiring most cultivation are self trust and confidence, energy, hope, and faith. I never cultivated any of these, yet I do not seem to have been short of one. He goes on to say:Rather fond of being in the rear ranks. On the contrary, my friends think I am too fond of being in the front. He further added ,Not likely to be a favourite with the opposite sex. This would have been unforgiveable had he not added later: Strongly attached to the place in which you live; love home and country dearly.

EDUCATIONAL

The committee of the Mechanics' Institute never neglected the educational side of their work, A reading room, provided with the London and provincial papers, found many patrons. In addition to the daily papers were to be found 'Blackwoods', 'Chambers' Journal', 'Cornhill', 'Argosy', 'Good Words', 'Punch', 'Judy','Illustrated London News', and 'Quarterly Review'. Some of these are now extinct. Notice the absence above of the Graphic, Tatler,Sketch etc. These and such magazines as the Strand, and Pearson’s, were then unknown. Writing of these magazines and papers, brings to mind other well. known publications of the seventies, such as the 'Family Herald ', probably the most popular of its type; the 'Boys of England ' , the 'Young Men of Great Britain ', in which appeared that never-to-be- forgotten tale of Jack Harkaway’s School Days ; and another popular publication, now almost forgotten, Bow Bells '.During the winter season instruction in mechanical and free-hand drawing was given by Mr. George Illston, head designer for Messrs. Corbitt and Co’s Stove-Grate Works; and Mr. John Rushforth, an employee of Guest and Chrimes gave lessons in mathematics.

In connection with the Institute, there was an excellent chess club its members including several brilliant exponents of the game, amongst whom were: Mr. Joseph Woolman, Mr. Geo Beeley, Mr. John Shephard, and Mr. Geo Whitehead, a former editor of the Advertiser. All these provisions for our advancement and amusement were the work of men responsible for the good government of this popular institution, namely, Messrs. Geo. Eskholme, Stapylton Smith, J. J. Christie, William Roberts, Christopher Benson, Abraham Gilling, John Barras and Gervase Willis the Honorary secretary.

Owing to the restricted accomodation at the Mechanics Institute and the ever growing demands on the arts and science side, a few public-spirited enthusiasts determined to erect special premises for the purpose. Led by such men as Geo. Wright (Burton Weir Works), Geo. Eskholme, (Rotherham Brassworks), and Mr. William Corbitt (a stove grate manufacturer), the public found the necessary funds, and the present school of science and art is the result.     » next

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