Christine Beaumont – Greater Elland Historical Society

Members Meeting – 12th March, 2025

Halifax Zoo and Amusement Park

The guest speaker for the March meeting was Christine Leveridge who enthralled a well attended meeting at Elland Working Men’s Club.

Christine’s talk was based on the short but spectacular account of the Halifax Zoo and Amusement Park. The Zoo was located at Chevinedge, Siddal in the early 1900’s and now is a housing estate. Many of the old photographs of the area and zoo had been found on old postcards and were shown in the presentation. More recent photographs of the area had been taken by Christine and were shown as a comparison.

May 1909 saw the opening of the Zoo and Amusement Park with an estimated crowd of 40,000 people. The local tram service from Halifax carried many visitors to the Salterhebble stop where they disembarked. The King Cross Band played in the afternoon and there was a firework display in the evening.

The zoo had a wide range of animals on display including an African elephant, a Russian bear, a lioness, a pair of wolves, a hyena, a white Arabian camel, leopard, Russian and Artic foxes, ducks and geese, pygmy cattle and pelicans. Add to this list polar bears, monkeys, yaks, zebras and a baboon and the crowds of visitors were well catered for.

The cages that housed the animals were rather basic and cramped for space. Reports of visitors taunting or poking animals with sticks or umbrellas were quite regular. The escape of two bears from the zoo caused great attention.

One spectacular event brought in the crowds was performed by Captain Spencer. A huge balloon was inflated with 15,000 cubit feet of gas which would carry Captain Spencer into the sky. Once inflated the balloon was seen shooting up some 4,00 feet carrying its passenger seated below with his parachute. The Captain made a safe descent by parachute and was then driven back to a cheering crowd of 10,000 people.

Sadly the Zoo was closed in 1916 due to the increased cost of animal feed and falling numbers in these war time years. Many animals were sold off and items found there way to other parks.

Members Meeting 12th February 2025

Robina Hodgson – A Tudor Lady in Costume, Herbs and More

Nearly 50 members of the Society were pleased to welcome the return of Robina Hodgson. At her last visit, Robina gave a talk on the Home Front. This time, Robina came dressed in clothes which would have been worn by a typical middle class lady in the 16^th century, typical of those that would have been worn by the family at places such as Shibden Hall.

Robina went on to describe, and to show, the various items of clothes a lady would have worn in the period and the laws which dictated which colours she could and could not wear. No crimson or gold. No ermine or velvet. These were only allowed if you were of noble standing.

Robina continued to give details of the marriage and the duties of the lady of the household. In Tudor times the legal age for marriage was 12 years for a girl and 14 years for a boy. Although they could legally be married at that age it was more likely that they were betrothed rather than married. Arranged marriages between families involved a dowry and were dealt with in a business like fashion.

A wife’s duty was to look after the house. She had to be capable of carrying out all duties that she would ask her household staff to carry out.

She was also expected to have children. It was not unusual at the time for many women to have died whilst in childbirth. 25% of the children born were not expected to be expected to reach the age of 1. There was still a significant mortality rate up to the age of 5. The life expectancy of some one living at the time was 40 years of age.

Herbs were wildly used in Tudor times. It was not unusual for the household to be infested with fleas, vermin or other nasties. Herbs were used to try and eradicate the infestations and to also perfume the house.

Mattresses at the time were stuffed with straw. A welcome home for fleas. Lavender and Woodruff were used to combat these. What did they use to get rid of the mice and rats? A cat! with maybe the help of a mousetrap or two, aniseed or arsenic.

Plates and cups were made of pewter with a lead base. It was accepted that a cup would be passed around. Water was not drunk but, instead, beer or ale.

Salt was a very important commodity. The importance of a person was indicated by where they were positioned when sat at the table. Those of greater importance were sat closer to the master of the house and above the position of the salt on the table.

After the presentation members were invited to examine the items brought by Robina and to take a muslin cloth and a selection of herbs to make their own sachet/bouquet garni.

Members thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Hopefully Robina will return again sometime in the future.

Members Meeting 13th November 2024

The Cragg Vale Coiners David Glover

A good turnout saw some sixty guests and members of the society attended the November meeting. The guest speaker, Mr David Glover, the President of the Halifax Antiquarian Society, gave a fascinating illustrated account of the notorious deeds of the Cragg Vale Coiners.

During the 18^th Century Mytholmroyd was the home of a counterfeiting gang led by “King” David Hartley, his family, and many local people. At the time coins like guineas and Portuguese moidores were supplied by landlords of inns and pubs were passed on to the gang who clipped or filed gold, melted the shavings, and stamped a new coin in a counterfeit die. Clipped coins weighed less and were smaller than true currency and this led to many complaints from the local people. Action had to be taken.

An Excise Officer, a William Deighton, was sent to tackle the problem. Being a capital offence, coin clipping, was a dangerous activity and with the threat of the gallows helped gain evidence from gang members turned informers. King David of Bell House was arrested and transported to York where he was imprisoned along with other members of the gang. A plan to murder William Deighton with a reward of £100 was hatched by David Hartley’s brother Isaac and found people willing to carry out this deed.

Deighton was shot, murdered, and robbed returning to his home near the centre of Halifax. The murderers escaped and spent the night in the Dusty Miller, Inn, in Mytholmroyd. The murder did not help the coiners. David Hartley was hung and his body returned and buried in the graveyard of Heptonstall Church near the local museum which houses a display of coiner’s equipment. Deighton’s murderers were brought to justice and executed and their corpse’ were hung in chains on Beacon Hill.

Many of the legends, true events and locations of these crimes still can still be seen locally. Numerous books, plays, T.V. programmes and films have been produced over the years. David’s talk of these dark deeds fascinated the audience who showed generous appreciation to round of the evening.

Overgate Donation

Frank Collins, landlord of the Dog & Partridge, Holywell Green, recently gave a fascinating talk to the Greater Elland Historical Society about his career which was very well received. Instead of accepting a fee for his services Frank kindly donated the cheque from the society to the Overgate Hospice, Elland.

Frank Collins, at 96 the oldest landlord in the U.K., accepting the cheque from John Dyson of the GEHS, which is to go to the Hospice.

Members Meeting 9th October 2024

Annual General Meeting and 50th Anniversary Celebrations

The AGM was presented to members in attendance. All reports were presented and accepted by the members.

Jean Greenwood retired from the committee. She was thanked by the members for her work as Social Secretary and all the support given to the committee.

No members came forward to join the committee . Please contact a member of the committee if you feel you are able to offer any support.

50th Anniversary of The Greater Elland Historical Society

The Greater Elland Historical Society celebrated its 50 year anniversary this year. Andrew Gilmour gave a presentation on the founders of the society and some of the events enjoyed by the Society over the last half century. He also highlighted some of the changes seen in Elland and the local areas over the last 50 years. The volunteers from the History Room at Elland Library, brought items from their vast archives for members to view. A celebratory cake was made by Pat Allen and a small gift was presented to the members to commemorate the event.

Thanks to Jean Waterhouse, David Glanfield, Richard Dyson for providing memories of their time with the Society. Also to Diane Freeman and her brother, daughter and son of Neville Readyhough, for recounting their father’s time in the Society and his vast knowledge of Elland. To Loraine Lodge for all information and photographs provided from the History Room. Finally, to Pat Allen for making the anniversary cake.

Members Meeting – 11th September 2024

AG welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the 22024/2025 season.

Our speaker at our first meeting was none other than Mr Frank Collins, Landlord of the Dog and Partridge in Sowood. Frank is known to a great number of our members either as the landlord of public houses or through his business connections. As you would expect, the meeting room was packed with members and guests, wanting to listen to Frank’s talk.

Frank is the landlord of the Dog and Partridge at Sowood. The pub was bought in the 1950’s by Frank’s father and prior to Frank taking over as landlord, it was run by his mother Mabel. Mabel herself did not retire until well into her 80’s and made it into the Guiness Book of Records as being the oldest and longest serving landlady. Now Frank has the honour of being the oldest pub landlord.

Frank gave brief outline of his younger years and then went on to share with members details of the businesses he purchased, most at very preferential rates, and his dealings with local businessmen. One of these being a Lord Kagan of Kagan Textiles/Gannex Mills.

One memorable purchase was a large stock of boxes of buttons. He questioned himself over this purchase at the time, how could he move these buttons on? When checking the contents, he found boxes that would be suitable for Lord Kagan. A call was made to Lord Kagan and the transaction took place. He went on to sell the rest to businesses in the North West. Frank was able, as he normally did, to make a tidy profit.

Had time permitted, I am sure those in attendance would have loved to hear more anecdotes from Frank. Hopefully he will agree to speak to the Society again in the future.

Frank has kindly donated his fee for the talk to charity.

Members Meeting – 8th May 2024

We were finally able to welcome our speaker Janet Niepokojcycka to our meeting.

Janet has done extensive research into the legend of Robin Hood. Her research going back to the 1500’s. Referring to Robin Hood being born in Yorkshire and the various ballads, films, TV and folklore in which of Robin’s story is told, albeit differing largely over the centuries.

She referred to the differing images of Robin and his men over the centuries. Little John, Friar Tuck and Will Scarlet being present in the 1500’s. Alan A’Dale being a recent addition in the story in the1700’s.

Janet found no romantic links to Robin Hood in the earlier records.

In the 1500’s Little John was very much smaller that Robin Hood. In the 1700’s he was much larger.

She showed various images and statues of Robin Hood and the Major Oak Tree in Sherwood Forest where Robin and his men are said to have taken shelter beneath its branches and hidden inside it’s massive trunk. The Major Oak can still be seen in Sherwood Forest, sadly it is now having to be supported by metal props and viewing can only done from a distance.

After taking members through the centuries and the differing versions of the stories of the life of Robin Hood, Janet ended with the story about where Robin Hood died and where his body was laid to rest at Kirklees Priory (where his final arrow fell to earth).

Despite all her extensive research, Janet found no documentary evidence to dispel any of the myths.

Member’s Meeting – 10th April 2024

Flora Smithies, a society member, gave a talk titled Destination Elland – A Journey of Discovery.

This started with her own story of her early live at Dean Head when a visit to Elland was an adventure. Catching the trolley bus from West Vale to Elland when they visited the dentist twice a year. They would also play a visit to the Market Warehouse. A place where you could get almost anything you required.

Flora then went on to present to members a copy of a document she had been given for the sale of land on the Langdale Estate by Joseph Langdale in 1877. It was the contents of this document that started Flora’s research into how the Langdales of East Yorkshire arrived in Elland. She traced the history of the Langdale family from their routes in East Yorkshire in the 1500’s to their eventual presence as significant landowners in Elland.

The family had businesses and property in London, Elland, East Yorkshire and France.

After intensive investigations through the family generations Flora was able to find the connection to Elland. Marmaduke Langdale married Frances Brooksbank of Warley. Included in the dowry was property and land in Elland. The presence of the Langdale Family can be seen in the names of some of the streets in Elland: Langdale Street, James Street, Catherine Street and Frances Street named after members of the family.

Members Meeting- 13th March 2024

AG introduced the guest speaker for the night, Nigel Grizzard.

Nigel’s talk was entitled “The Local Jewish Entrepreneurs and the Kagans”.

Nigel, himself, is Jewish, was born in Whitechapel, London but came north to work in Bradford and eventually settled in the Jewish district of Alwoodley in Leeds. He researches Jewish heritage and leads Heritage Walks around West Yorkshire.

His talk was intended to be a “two way street”, where he encouraged audience participation to enhance the overall experience of the evening.

He highlighted a number of areas in our locality with Biblical referenced names, for example, Machpelah Terrace and Machpelah Works in Hebden Bridge and Mount Tabor, before moving on to talk about Jewish celebrities who lived and worked locally, and although there were many Jewish families living in the area, there has never been a Jewish community in Calderdale.

Joseph Kagan, the son of Benjamin, was born in Lithuania. They came to live in Elland in the 1930’s and founded Kagan Textiles in 1938. Their first property was Thornton Mills and later built the famous Gannex Mill on Dewsbury Road. Joe Kagan, was later made a Life Peer, Baron Joe Kagan, by his very good friend, Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, was one of the most famous people to be seen regularly wearing one of Kagans waterproof Gannex raincoats. Joe was one of the more well known people to occupy Barkisland Hall. Benjamin’s wife, Miriam, another survivor of the Holocaust, came to live with him in Britain after the war had ended. At the time he died in 1988 at the age of 109, Benjamin Kagan was Britain’s second oldest man.

Other, lesser known local celebrities were mentioned and discussed

He recently visited Heptonstall, where he visited the grave of Sylvia Plath, the wife of former Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes.
Albert Waxman, a Kindertransport Kid, who served in the RAF and eventually became an industrialist and the founder of Waxman International
Albert Max Hurwitz, who was the son of a Rabbi and became a leading Barrister and in 1957 was appointed Recorder of Halifax
Dr Bertram Mann, who was a consultant chest physician at both Halifax General Hospital and Royal Halifax Infirmary; he pioneered much of the work on asbestosis in the 1970’s;
Dr Barry Benster, who was a consultant gynaecologist and local councillor.
Jonathan Silver, who, along with Ernest Hall, was responsible for the regeneration of Dean Clough Mills
Waldemar (Val) Ginsburg, who’s cousin Margaret, was married to Joe Kagan, having survived the Holocaust, came to live in Brighouse with his wife, Ibi; in the 1980’s they visited many schools to educate children about the Nazi persecution of the Jews and the Holocaust and to try to inspire tolerance among young people. In 2005 they were presented to the Queen on the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

(AB)

Members Meeting 14th February 2024

AG introduced the speaker for the night, Alan Dean, who guided us through a slide show on The History of Joe Dean and Sons, Haulage Contractors.

Alan’s Great Grandfather, Joe Dean was a tenant farmer at Far Syke House, located at the junction of Branch Road and Saddleworth Road, Greetland.

The property at that time was rented from the Dyson family. Later, the Dysons sold the property at auction to a butcher from Hull. However, very shortly afterwards, he sold it on to Joe Dean. He, later, built the terrace of four houses at the end of Branch Road for members of his family for the princely sum of £600.

As well as the usual farming activities, they ran a haulage business using wagons and horses and would often travel to Appleby Horse Market to buy horses which they would then walk back to Greetland over a period of several days. Some of the horses would be sold on to other local farmers.

Joe and Edna Dean had four children, including Alan’s Grandfather and the driving force behind the haulage business, Joe Willy Dean.

Joe Willy persuaded his father to buy their first petrol powered wagon, which he himself drove. In June 1915 he volunteered for the Army, he was called up in 1918, but did not see active service and was demobbed in October 1919. He then persuaded his father to buy a fleet of petrol wagons. At that time a lot of haulage firms started up, buying up and using Army surplus vehicles.

The business was diverse, transporting a lot of products and materials for the textiles industries which were thriving locally, partnering with companies such as Binns and Sons, pulling rags to make shoddy for export, Elland Dying Company, when every Friday they would take a full load to Dundee, they worked on roads for WRCC, and they were also coal merchants, but this ended when the cost of maintaining coal tipper wagons became too much.

The day to day farming business continued, cattle being bought and sold at market (and then bought back as meat from the butchers a few weeks later), and hay making during the summer months – happy days.

As the business prospered, a new garage was built in 1947. Although the structure was sound, the roof was constructed on the cheap and leaked until Alan had it repaired many years later.

Eventually, they started using articulated wagons to attract more lucrative work. There was never a shortage of work for haulage companies and they often had to use subcontractors to meet the demand.

They carried a lot of cotton yarns to knitters in the Midlands, transported quarried rock for Marshalls at Southowram, plastics for Synlon Plastics, heavy engineered products and fabrications for the likes of James Lumb, Hopkinson Valves and Portland Engineering.

They developed a very good relationship with their neighbouring business, Bondina/Freudenberg and on many occasions provided them with wagons for them to dress up as floats for local events. And because of their Auntie’s connection with the Girl Guides, they also provided this same service whenever the Halifax and Elland Carnivals were on.

Alan’s many slides and narrative proved to be a joy to all who attended, bringing back very happy memories of days gone by in our small corner of the world.