This diary is the only personal item I have belonging to my grandfather , who died in 1934. It has always fascinated me because of the entry of the outbreak of World War 1, noted on Aug 4th as 'Britain declared war on Germany' surrounded by details of domesticity including 'Married at St. Michaels, Northfield 1.30pm'on Aug 6th. Other entries include: Jul 25th furniture moved from Joseph St 10/-. Borrowed £5 from father. July 26th bought collar, tie, gloves etc. Sat 8th Aug. posted bride cake Aug. 11th soled working boots (note the 'e') Aug 24th took Emmie (new wife) to Fishers' dentist to have extractions. Lower set artificial teeth £2.10/-.
There are other entried relating to battles in the war but the distant reality of what was happening internationally and the immediacy of daily life for the aspiring working classes in Rotherham has always made me treasure this item. Incidentally, my Grandfather was 30 at the outbreak of war and a brass founder by trade. He didn't go to war because of the nature of his work, I think.The diary had obviosly been kept by my Grandma until she died in 1967 and was given it by my Mumwhen I became interested in family history in the 1970s.
Share this link: