Time passes and tastes change, which is apparent when looking at some of the business adverts printed in Edwinstowe’s St Mary’s Church magazine during the first half of the 20th century.
In addition to the general groceries, residents could purchase fresh-trapped rabbits, tripe and cow heels. A bath chair was available for hire; so too was an electric orchestra for dances and socials, and an Electrolux vacuum cleaner available for 2 / 6d per day (25p).
If you had a radio, an accumulator was needed which would require charging. This would be called for, charged and returned. Looking for entertainment? Then high on the list was a visit to the Major Cinema which offered ‘major pictures of the world’s market in comfortable surroundings’.
Certainly, a different way of life compared with today’s advanced technology, and international cuisine available in the supermarkets. But it is possible that products and services during the first few decades of the 20th century may have been considered an improvement on the preceding years. Interesting to wonder what future generations will think about the current era.
A recent addition at www.edwinstowehistory.org.uk relates to Fred Kitchen, born in Edwinstowe in 1891. He was a farm labourer who became a writer and broadcaster.
Edwinstowe Historical Society’s talk on Wednesday 15th March, presented by Rowena Edlin-White, is titled ‘Women’s Suffrage in Notts – No Surrender’.
Meetings are held in the Church Rooms, Mansfield Road, Edwinstowe NG21 9NJ on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm, lasting approximately two hours. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available. The annual subscription is £12.00, and visitors are welcome at a charge of £3.00.
Additional information is available at www.edwinstowehistory.org.uk and enquiries may be made to EdwinstoweHistorySoc@gmail.com.