Jesse Boot, born 1850, chemist. philanthropist and benefactor of the city of Nottingham was the subject of Chris Weir’s very informative talk at the May meeting of the club. Chris first became interested, whilst working as a student in the returns Dept. of Boots where he was required to dispose of a batch of rose hip syrup which had to be poured down a concrete channel, No one could tell him where it went! Chris also remembers visiting the factory as a school boy where cauldrons of soap mixture created fumes which must have been difficult to work with.
John Boot started the business in his tiny backyard and one of his best sellers was a no name ointment. He made money and went on to open his first shop in Goose Gate Nottingham. The shop was much lighter and airier than other chemists and spanned three floors. He aimed to provide affordable medicine to the poorer community. John died when Jesse was 10 and Jesse continued to help his mother in the shop. Leaving school at 14 he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and by the age of 21 the business was expanding to shops opening in Sheffield and Lincoln.
However he worked so hard that by the age of 36, he had almost burnt himself out and it was suggested he went to Jersey to recuperate. In St. Helier he met Florence, the love of his life who also knew a thing or two about business and it is her we have to thank for the diversification into all the other products which we are now familiar with.
Some of the ladies fondly remembered the lending library and book department in the Retford branch in the Market Place. Apparently in Nottingham some of the books sported a red dot indicating they were a bit risqué, but made interesting reading for the Lace Market girls!
Jesse treated his staff well. There was a cafe serving tea and cakes and even a piano playing. He provided health care and Florence held spiritual prayer parties. By 1900 there were 400 branches and there was always a big push at Christmas especially with the No 7 range( no one seems to know the origin of the name).
In 1920 Jesse sold the company to an American for £2,250,000 and used the money to buy land for the people of Nottingham to enjoy, including a university site.
He and Florence retired to St, Helier, Jesse dying in 1931. Boots has had a chequered history since then but seems to have survived so far. We can only hope we don’t get another empty shop on our high streets.
Members next convene on Wednesday 11th June at Westhill Community Centre, Ordsall, 10.00am for 10.30am. All are welcome.