Ted’s past is mapped out
Thursday, 15th November 2001.
ONE of Haverhill’s oldest residents has drawn up a fascinating map of the town centre in 1926. working entirely from his own memory.
Ted Basham, of Mill Road, who celebrated his 90th birthday last month, is an honorary life member of Haverhill Local History Group and a mine of useful information for them.
Mr Basham particularly remembers 1926 as it was the year when he started work as a cutter at Gurteen’s factory in Haverhill. He started on the weekly wage of two shillings, eleven and a half pence, and continued working at the clothing factory until he was 65.
Mr Basham’s map covers the entire length of Queen Street and the High Street, including many of the names of those who owned the homes and businesses. He recalls that the town has had as many as 23 pubs during his lifetime, with at least a dozen around in
1926.
Many private homes were still found in the High Street, including the substantial Chauntry House adjoining Quakers Lane, now replaced by a row of shops. There was also a builders yard and a stonemasons.
Ifs all in my head, I can remember them all. People are always asking me about things and I am getting on, so I thought I would write it all down, It is completely from memory,”Mr Basham said,
The map will be on display at Haverhill Arts Centre in the High Street next year.
Ted Basham, of Mill Road, who celebrated his 90th birthday last month, is an honorary life member of Haverhill Local History Group and a mine of useful information for them.
Mr Basham particularly remembers 1926 as it was the year when he started work as a cutter at Gurteen’s factory in Haverhill. He started on the weekly wage of two shillings, eleven and a half pence, and continued working at the clothing factory until he was 65.
Mr Basham’s map covers the entire length of Queen Street and the High Street, including many of the names of those who owned the homes and businesses. He recalls that the town has had as many as 23 pubs during his lifetime, with at least a dozen around in
1926.
Many private homes were still found in the High Street, including the substantial Chauntry House adjoining Quakers Lane, now replaced by a row of shops. There was also a builders yard and a stonemasons.
Ifs all in my head, I can remember them all. People are always asking me about things and I am getting on, so I thought I would write it all down, It is completely from memory,”Mr Basham said,
The map will be on display at Haverhill Arts Centre in the High Street next year.
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