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HLSI / COMMEMORATION HALL TIMELINE 1840-2005 Introduction – Commemoration Hall Project In 1840 Great Britain was coming to terms with the massive changes – social, industrial and scientific – which had occurred over the past 60 years or so. The twin threats of invasion and revolution were now only memories for the over-forties, but many challenges still had to be met. In particular, the application of the various new technologies demanded specialist skills in both workforce and professionals. In the newly industrialised regions, these skills were encouraged in the many Mechanics Institutes and similar establishments, which offered broad-based spare-time, educational and recreational opportunities to would-be technicians. In those older “county” towns having rural economies, the need for new skills and “enlightened thinking” was also recognised, but with emphasis on the skills needed by the newly emerging professional classes - medical, legal, commercial, scientific, financial and agricultural specialists. In Huntingdon, this need was being met by the foundation of the Huntingdon Literary & Scientific Institute, accommodated in a stylish new building in the High Street, at a total cost of £2279.18s.6½ to the founder, Dr Robert Fox, a Godmanchester surgeon and historian. The CONSTITUTION & BYELAWS of the HUNTINGDON LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION Established 19 June 1840 SECTION 1 THE INSTITUTION SHALL BE CALLED THE HUNTINGDON LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION The objects of the Institution are the promotion of Moral and Intellectual Improvement, Scientific & General Information, Agricultural Knowledge, Literature and the Arts; Politics and controversial Divinity being totally excluded. To be effected by— 1. The voluntary association of Honorary Members, Members paying by aimual subscription, and members paying by quarterly subscriptio 2. Donations of Money, Books, Specimens, Implements and Apparatus. 3. A library of Reference, a Circulating Library, and a Reading Room. 4. A museum of Antiquities, Machines, Models, Minerals and Specimens of Natural History. 5. Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy, Practical Mechanics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Natural History, Literature, and the useful Arts. SECTION II The Constitution of the Society. SECTION III ARTICLE 1 Honorary Members... ARTICLE 2 Members and Contributions.. SECTION IV Officers... SECTION V General Meetings... SECTION VI Committee... SECTION VII Library and Museum... SAMUEL EDWARD COOCH Chairman YEAR DATE EVENT NOTES 1840 June 19th HLSI established Robert Fox,G’manchester surgeon & historian, paid £2279-18-6½ to pay for the whole project 1842 HSLI opened premises on High Street, opposite White Hart inn. Membership fee: £1 men/10shillings ladies. Dedicated rooms: Reading,Smoking,Chess,Billiards,music. Open 9am-10pm Annual members; 5pm-10pm Quarterly members 1850 Railway arrives. Coach traffic reduces greatly 1851 Crystal Palace opens 1858 THE INSTITUTION (Hatfields Gazetteer) This edifice, which forms one of the chief architectural ornaments of the High-street has a handsome classic looking front, surmounted by a statue of the goddess Minerva. It was ,erected in the year 1842, and opened to the public in the month of September, from a design by Messrs Pocock and Glover, architects; to supply the want of a public apartment as a lecture and reading room, and for other literary and scientific purposes. The entire cost of the edifice was £ 2,279. 18s. 6½ inc1uding purchase of estate, architect’s, solicitor’s and other accounts, with fittings ,decorations and other items of minor importance. It is the property of shareholders, each share consisting of £10, and the entire number being two hundred. Passing through a lobby from the street, we enter an apartment of octagonal shape, lighted from the top, styled the library or museum. Here are placed in glass cases a great variety of articles of interest to the antiquarian, curiosities and objects of science and art, and though in a somewhat confused state, the contents of the museum form a valuable and interesting fund of amusement to the enquirer. The library consists of a miscellaneous collection of books of about 2000 volumes. A lecture room is behind the apartment just mentioned, in size about 60 feet by 25 feet: this spacious apartment may, when less accommodation is required, be divided by folding-doors into two smaller rooms Over one of the fire places is a portrait of Robert Fox, F.S.A. the historian of Godmanchester, who formed one of the most valuable members of the literary and scientific society, of which he may almost be declared the founder. From its intimate connection with the building just described, we will here give an account of this truly valuable institution, by whose means the arcana of, learning is thrown open to all classes, and we are happy to find that this great blessing seems duly appreciated by the inhabitants of Huntingdon. This institution, which appears to be in a deservedly flourishing condition, has for its primary object the dissemination of scientific, mechanical, and other useful knowledge The library and reading-room is open daily, lectures on scientific and other subjects are delivered during the winter season and mutual improvement and discussion classes are continued throughout the year. Considering the benefit afforded, particularly to the humbler classes of society, for whose advantage it was more especially formed, and when it is considered how desirable it is, more particularly in small provincial towns and agricultural districts, to furnish the means under judicious control, of exciting a love of letters and useful information, and employments and amusements for the leisure hours, particularly of artizans and those in the humbler walks of life, we cannot but think its popularity is deserved and its usefulness sufficiently testified by the general support it receives. The society originated in general resolutions first entered into at a meeting of the heads of families, at the George Hotel, in June, 1840, and was subsequently put into a state of active operation by rules and bye-laws, agreed to at a general meeting, on the 21st of July, 1840, on the adoption of which, rooms were engaged, which from that period were occupied as a library, reading, and committee rooms, until the present, more suitable building was erected. The want’ of such an institution in the present state of society was abundantly evidenced by the general co operation which was manifested at its formation The great advantages which such an institution gives to its members of hearing lectures, as well as the other means of obtaining knowledge, cannot be too highly appreciated. . The following are extracts from the report of the committee to the annual general meeting of the subscribers in 1852, showing the present state of the affairs of the institution:— In reviewing the several departments of the institution, the reading-room deserves the first mention, because it has been appropriated during this year to an important, and, the committee are happy to state, an eminently successful experiment. The “Times” newspaper has been daily laid on the table at the earliest hour it could reach the town and together with a few weekly newspapers has attracted to the room a much larger number, of readers than in any previous year. Did the funds of the society permit, the committee would be prompt to extend the supply, of, this popular and now very necessary literary food: and, with their present limited income, they have resolved upon adding the “Illustrated London News” to the list of papers to be found on the table. They trust that this important feature of the institution will meet ‘with the public consideration it deserves, and be the means of winning to it new members in a yet larger ratio than before. Annual subscribers of £1 are admitted to the reading and news-room every day; and quarterly subscribers of 6s. per year every evening except Saturday. The library has also received. a considerable share of attention, it now contains nearly 2000 volumes of various kind of literature besides a tolerably complete series of Works on Ancient and Modern History, Biography, Foreign Travels, and of Elementary treatises on the Sciences. Gladly would the committee place upon their shelves all works of permanent value, and they are ambitious of seeing there the writings of all world-famous men, whatever their country or age, or the field in which they laboured. They are yet hopeful of including in their catalogue, good translations of the Greek and Latin classics, and a few of the best modern authors in French, German, and Italian. But, compelled in the mean time to make a selection suited to income of the institution, they have endeavoured to cater for all tastes that are healthy and pure, and to make the library an attractive resort for the light reader, as well as a resource of some value to the diligent student. During the past year new cata1ogues have been printed, which may be had at the reading room. About 2200 volumes have been taken out exclusive .of periodicals; and nearly 90 volumes of new works have been added. The committee feel that they have a right to exult in the position which the institution has now gained, and in the good it is manifestly doing: They could wish for an increase in their funds, and think they might justly expect assistance from many who are well able to afford it. They are content, however, if necessary, to win the support and favour of the town and neighbourhood by simply deserving it, and are confident that, in due time, the Literary and Scientific Institution of Huntingdon will be looked on with jealousy by none-will receive the approbation of all—and will be revered as an Alma Mater, a intellectual parent, by many a useful member of society, whose youthful studies were alike prompted and aided, and whose expanding faculties were strengthened and matured by her generous and watchful care The number of annual subscribers are 69 ,whilst the quarterly subscribers are 123; making a total of 192 members. The president of the society is CharlesVeasey,junr. esq.; the honorary secretary Mr. G. M.Fox; curator to the museum, Rev. J. H. Millard; librarian, Mr. Papworth; treasurer, Mr. James Balfour. YEAR DATE EVENT NOTES (Contd.) !861 Prince Albert dies 1864 Kelly’sDirectory “ ...contains a front dwelling-house for the Housekeeper ,entrance hall, committee room, an Octagon room 30ft. in diameter used as a library & museum for the L & S Institution, &communicating with a room 68 ft long & 27 ft wide for lectures & public meetings, at the end of which is a small Committee room. In 1841 a Lit. & Scientific Institn. was established which continues to be well attended, particularly by the quarterly subscribers, chiefly the young men of the town. The Socrates Lodge of Freemasons No.511 hold their meetings here. The Young Men’s Mutual Instruction Society meet there weekly. 1867 Shareholders Account Book. . Income from:- Renting cellars to M. Margett - £15 Renting office & room over office - £30 Freemasons rental - £8 Literary Society rental - £17-10-0d Also small sums from messrs Cash, Douglas, Robinson,Turner. Bills received:- Gas – Annual bill £3-4-2d Poor Rate:- £3-16-6d Rates for Paving / Church / Highways:- £3-5-7½d Insurance:- £2-8-0d Postage & Stationery:- 10/- Land Tax:- 10/4d Shareholders’ Dividend:- £35 Housekeeper’s annual salary:- £5-0-0d Secretary’s “ “ :- £5-0-0d 1868 White Hart & other buildings demolished. Trinity Free church built opposite. 1876 Shareholders Account Book Amongst sums received:- Literary Society for Conversazione;- 15/- Huntingdonshire Militia;- £10 Sunday Closing association;- £1-5-0d 1877 Shareholders Account Book First record of Rate paid to Urban Sanitary Authority:- £1-5-6d (First Loo?) Library holds 2400 volumes & “Collection of curiosities” 1883 Shareholders Account Book First of many annual rentals from Rev. Candy & others for :- “ One years rent of Gateway, Window, & Reflector” 1884 Shareholders Account Book Sale of forms & trestles realised £2-10-0d Secretary ‘s salary still £5 p.a. No mention of Housekeeper. 1886 Col.Robert Gunning wasAdjutant of Hunts Militia 1886-91. Moved in H’don society circles. Killed in Boer War. 1887 Jubilee celebrations 1888 Jan. 7th. HLSI 48th.AGM HLSI 48th A.G.M, Retiring Pres. A.W.Marshall JP. New Pres. Earl of Sandwich. Hon.Sec. T.Gilkes Treas/Curator W. Bryant Institute in “flourishing condition & high state of efficiency.” Ann.Members:- 77 Qtly “ :-165 (Overall decrease 20) Loss for yr £24.7s.5d. Last yrs loss £4 “Everybody knows that when a debt is commenced it is a very difficult thing to get out of it.” 200 books were added. Total now 3700. “Falling off of £10 in Billiard Room – but this is not the primary object of the Institution.” Lantern purchased for reading room. 1897 Jubilee celebrations 1899 April 27th Cromwell’s Birth Tercentenary. 0ctober Start of Boer War Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee 1900 May Relief of Mafeking celebrations. Big local events, as many H’don men involved in the war,eg. Goodliff family. ??Centenary celebrations. Secretary still receiving £5 p.a. 1901 Jan 22nd Queen Victoria dies 1902 ?? First motor cars in High Street. June 2nd. End of Boer War ???Celebrations August Edward 7th. Coronation ???Celebrations 1903 Shareholders Account Book New floor laid to Billiard Room & new door to cellar Rental for a water pipe commenced this year;- 5/- p.a. 1905 Fox pursued through town by Fitzwilliam Hunt 1906 June Edward VII guest at Hinchingbrooke 1908 August 15th Early complaint to HP re nuisance from motorists using H’don High Street. “Sir, may I draw attention to increasing danger to public by motor cars rushing through narrow streets. Motorists as a rule seem to consider nobody but themselves & think whole street belongs to them only. Most unreasonable, & i venture to hope that Chief Constable will see his way clear to instruct police to proceed against all such offenders”. 1909 January HLSI AGM HLSI A.G.M. Past President:- C.Temple Layton JP Good year .Improvements are being contemplated. Billiard table to be repaired. New President – Mr.W. Hunnibun – was unable to attend – bad cold. Past Pres. said new President’s father had been involved in founding HLSI, & he ” was very glad to know that they would preserve the name of Hunnibun in so prominent a position. (Hear, Hear.) 1911 Coronation ???Celebrations 1912 July 6th. Historical Pageant 1914 Start of World War One HLSI has three Billiard tables (Kelly’s) 1915 Shareholders Account Book An Aircraft Insurance Policy was taken for the first time 1919 Shareholders Account Book Aircraft Insurance policy not renewed. 1939 August HLSI Cellars prepared for use as Air Raid Shelters One of three H’don shelters, all of which would accommodate a third of the town’s population. August 31st. HLSI Bowls match. HLSI Bowls Club held a Club bowls match on the Montagu Greens. They lost to H’don Montagu. Score 71 to 40 September 1st First London evacuees arrived – 6000 in first few days. Oct.17th. 6.25pm Air raid sirens sent everyone to shelters. False alarm – electrical fault, but “fine ARP response” Dec.14th. HLSI 100th.AGM. HSLI 100th. A.G.M. “Decrease in membership is due to many members now serving their country. Consequently, receipts in the Billiards Room have now fallen.” Many ups & downs over past 100 yrs. This yr. expenditure exceeded income somewhat, but still a small balance. Bulk of income is from Billiards Room. Billiards & snooker tournaments were held as usual, & the Sir Arthur Dilley Billiards Cup was won by the President,Mr.F. W. Figg. “The Card Room – one might almost call it the Smoke Room – yielded little money, but nevertheless was an untold pleasure” A profit was made from the Ladies Card Room, and the Reading Room was well used. “ The Museum made progress in the hands of the worthy Curator.” Dr.Garrod presented Museum report. Quiet,but visitors increased, from as far afield as South Africa & Peking. A lacemaking setup was added, illustrating “an industry once nearly universal in the County but now nearly extinct.” Since the outbreak of war Museum so blacked-out that it could not be used, but this was no reason why our duty to preserve historic objects should cease. 1940 Kelly’s Directory HLSI has a bowling green. There are four Billiard tables. 1941 August 12th Air raid. Anti-Personnel. Property damage; no casualties. 1944 February 10th King, Queen,Princess Elizabeth visit Huntingdon. “Historic Huntingdon” by P.G.M.Dickinson “Classical front has pilasters with carved capitals supporting a parapet surmounted with Minerva. Inside: Library & Reading room – an octagon apartment with top lighting and balcony round 8 sides. Balcony houses small museum. 3p to view. At back of room are original lecture rooms now containing billiard tables – most attractive feature of old Lit.” July Further evacuees – V2 raids on London November HLSI AGM President :-Mr. W. Peacock. Another good year, with museum well attended. Membership stable at 166, with 581 Military members. Much use of Billiard tables, now needing attention as last overhauled in 1938. More card playing than usual: Reading room & Library well used also. Ladies meetings have continued. Museum visited by Forces from USA, Belgium, Poland, Australia, Norway. Two visitors – a Mr. & Mrs. Cromwell – claimed to be direct descendants of the Lord Protector himself ! 1944 NOTES OF A CONVERSATION BETWEEN MR ROY ROBERTSON, MEMBER OF HLSI 1944-1956, AND FRANK COLE MEMBER OF HUNTINGDON U3A LOCAL HISTORY GROUP – APRIL 2005 Mr Robertson and his family were bombed out of their London home around 1941, and relocated in Huntingdon. He was 13 years old at that time and his father, a School Dentist, was appointed as one of three County Dental Officers. At age 16 – the minimum eligible age – Mr. Robertson joined the HLSI for the primary purpose of playing snooker. 16 year olds were permitted as members, as alcohol was forbidden on the premises in line with the Institution’s Quaker foundation. Snooker and Billiards tables occupied what is now the main hall of the Comm. Hall. The stage was a later addition. The better tables were monopolised by the older members, whilst others were used as Pool tables by the American Forces who, along with all other temporary Military Members, had free access to the HLSI facilities. (Ref notes on HLSI AGM November 1944.) On entering the building, the existing foyer was the Institution’s Library and Reading Room. A balcony ran right round the octagonal room; here were displayed the various museum exhibits. Mr. Robertson was uncertain of the use of the existing Minerva Room, but suggested that it may have accommodated the resident Steward. (Alternatively, it may have been the Ladies Reading Room). The cellar, which was an air raid shelter throughout the Second World War, had previously accommodated a skittles alley. (It is interesting to note that current Commemoration Hall staff recall the one-time use of the cellars to store beds, and possibly hospital equipment. Could this suggest Cold War storage of survival equipment? Will follow this up) 0n winding up of the HLSI (???1956 – check this) Mr. Robertson recalls that the building was sold on the open market by public auction. A sum of £36,000 was raised and this (or the hall) was donated to Huntingdon Town Council by the member shareholders in the absence of any information regarding the Founder’s interest. (This must be checked in official records) The membership at this time was made up largely of business and professional people. Temporary Forces membership was open to all ranks. Support for HLSI probably declined post-war as a result of the non-alcohol rule, which was likely to be less acceptable than in earlier years. YEAR DATE EVENT NOTES 1945 May VE Day ??? VE Celebrations July Public fund opened for a building to commemorate dead of World War Two Initially,a Nursery Road site chosen. August VJ Day ?? VJ Celebrations 1956 HLSI Hall purchased for conversion to WW II Commemoration Hall Purchase price £3,000 – Conversion costs would be £15,000 Work on conversion of old HLSI to new Commemoration Hall completed. 15 years since launch of project 1961 March Oxmoor “Overspill” residents visit H’Don Entertained in Commemoration Hall 1987 Commem’n Hall given facelift. Bronze Minerva replaced by fibreglass replica. 2002 April Huntingdon University of Third Age moves meetings to Commemoration Hall. Context of meetings “Lifelong Learning” Fulfils original purpose of Hall. 2003 Comm.Hall redevelopment project- Vision of a “Perfect Future” Plan for initiation of Stage 1, i.e:- “Animation of the Hall” Stage 2 will cover later building modification. 2004 June First working party meetings for Development Plan decisions. Roy Nevitt & Patrick Boyd Maunsell commissioned to prepare a ”vision for future development” 2005 Series of concerts held in Comm. Hall
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