An unidentified newsclip:
RUDC
Museum Exhibits at Rushden Hall
The Council find it necessary to dispose of various items which were donated in 1931-38 as museum exhibits for use at Rushden Hall.
Persons who provided exhibits, either as gifts or on indefinite loan, and who would like to reclaim them, are asked to contact the Librarian at the Public Library, Newton Road, Rushden, not later than the 28th February 1966. Notice is hereby given that the Council may thereafter dispose of any unclaimed items.
A G Crowdy
Clerk of the Council
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It fell to the librarian to disperse the items. He wrote to the town clerk on 20th January 1966:
We have checked with two lists of museum objects for the names of donors or lenders, but have only been able to find one complete address. I attach a copy of the only other clues we have.
In response to your advertisement, I have had visits from six claimants. Only some of the objects asked for can I trace on our lists. In several cases the claimants are not the donors themselves, but the next generation, and admittedly not sure whether all the things they mention were in fact given to the museum.
I do hope it will not be unavoidably necessary for us to carry out the clearing up operation at the museum whole this exceptionally severe weather continues; in my case, I think we may still have more enquiries to some trickling in. Librarian.
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Another memo undated:
I should be glad if you could arrange, once again, to let me & Mrs Garley have access to the Museum objects; I am very troubled about those coins — you were not there to hear it said, very pointedly, that only I and you have keys . . . . .
Besides looking for them, I want to label clearly those things which are to be fetched by claimants; and you & I must fix date for them to be fetched away. It must not be such a time as to cause anyone to miss a day’s work – Committee’s instruction. Does that mean evenings, instead of a whole day? I am anxious to get out the letter immediately, if not sooner! R.L.A. Librarian.
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| In 1934 Northampton Museum had sent items for display in the museum. In May 1954 their curator wrote to say these were now converted to being a gift, so they may be disposed of as you think fit. |
| Herbert J Dudley of Higham Ferrers, wrote to say he wanted to take back the Penny Farthing cycle he had loaned in 1937, and would collect it on Saturday afternoon. [It was collected on his behalf, by Mr Ginns, blacksmith, in October 1961] |
| Mr Astle of South End School, Mr R R Lawrence of Alfred Street School and Mr Dyment of Newton Road School, were offered the chance to fetch any remaining items in September 1966. |
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On the stairs
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2 buffalo heads
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2 deer heads
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Steel engraving ‘death of Nelson’
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Main Room
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5 deer heads
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1 sheep’s head
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5 sets antlers
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1 stuffed cat – given by the Wagon & Horses
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1 pike
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1 silver pheasant in case
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1 case branch coral – given by the Wagon & Horses
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2 pieces of coral
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Wax fruit
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20 drawers of fossils
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1 case birds eggs
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Willow pattern sup & saucer
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1 sword fish blade
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5 small stuffed birds
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1 sea cucumber
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2 drawers decayed insects – Mrs. Sidney Sanders, Bedford Road.
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1 sea horse
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1 Bosnian mule bridle
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Photo of Lord Roberts framed in seashells
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Large wooden stand, possibly ex-reading room at library
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5 framed pictures
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Picture frame
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Photo of freak hen’s egg
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Broken stuffed frog
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Framed photo Rushden Cricket club 1919
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Framed photo of Rushden Special Constabulary 1915
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Unframed painting of ruined abbey by a river
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Framed oil painting of Rushden Church by G Leaver, 1875
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Framed picture of Rushden Hall
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Framed picture of the ‘Great Fire at Olney’ June 26th 1854.
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Framed photos of Chairmen of the Council (returned to the Hall in 2014 and now hanging on the walls of the staircase)
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