Orphanage

[Malcolm Bull]

Jan:

If you don't hear from them, I have all the back issues of Milltown Memories [it ceased publication earlier this year] if you want me have a look for specific stuff.

Regards

Malcolm Bull

[amethyst0_9]

Thanks, I'll let you know.
Jan

[amethyst0_9]

Hi, I've heard nothing from Milltown Memories - so I was wondering if you could, when you have time, have a look in your back issues for any information about I & I Calvert, Wainstalls or Warley.
Thanks very much
Jan

[Malcolm Bull]

Jan:

I couldn't see anything at first sight and Warley is probably outside the scope of the Upper Calder Valley which Milltown Memories covered.

In my Calderdale Companion, I had an entry for Calvert's which ran

Calvert's: I & I Calvert Limited
The company had a large textile business at Wainstalls Mill from 1821 until 1951.

From 1879, they began to transport children – mostly girls and from 12 years old – from Liverpool to work in their mill.

A gravestone recording the deaths of many of the mill's orphan employees can be seen in the graveyard of Luddenden Dean Wesleyan Chapel.

I also had a transcription of the gravestone in the entry for the Chapel.

Regards

Malcolm Bull

[amethyst0_9]

Thanks a lot

Jan

[woodydog]

Hello again Jan,
I've just been looking at the BBC message board and saw your posting about Mena which lead me to do a bit more searching.
On the Calderdale archives site "From weaver to web" there is a book listed The history of I & I Calvert Ltd 1821-1951 by Walter Onslow Garrett who was a managing director.
The information about the book says that "children first brought from Liverpool in 1890" whilst other sites say 1879.
It might be worth contacting Calderdale archives and asking if they can check in the book what year the children first arrived- it might explain why we can't find Mena there in 1881 (but still doesn't give us any clues to where she actually was!!)
Good luck & sorry if you've got this already.
Rose

[amethyst0_9]

Thanks Rose, I actually went to the library yesterday and even though I couldnt find her in the school books I did find her education certificate - cant just remember the date of hand, but have ordered a copy.   So yes she was around the area.   Still unable to find her on the 1881 census though.
Thanks again
Jan

[amethyst0_9]

Went to the library yesterday to collect Menas education certificate.   It says
Liverpool Industrial Schools - 31st December 1886
I certify that Wilhelmina Smart is now to the best of my knowledge 10 years of age, and that she passed in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic of the Second Standard before Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools in November 1886.   Her conduct in the school was satisfactory.   Jas Burchall (?Birchall) Headmaster.   I did google a site which brought up information about Liverpool Industrial Schools but unfortunately it doesnt give names of pupils who attended.   I have sent an email to Liverpool Central Library asking if they have any information.   I looked on 1881 census under Liverpool Industrial Schools but neither Mena or her Mother Ann are on that.   Does anyone else have any suggestions as to where I might look next.
Thanks
Jan

[woodydog]

Hi Jan- I did a search for james Birchall & found him as superintendant of the schools at Union workhouse Kirkdale.
Couldn't see any sign of Mena but I'm only reading the transcriptions the pages start at PRO ref RG11 piece 3685 folio 32 page 1 & go on until PRO ref RG11 piece 3685 folio 53 page 44 if you'd like to take a look.

Must get back to work for now
All the best
Rose