In the 1880s Rushden saw people drawn to come and help supply the growing town's needs. Most came for the shoetrade, and this raised the need for others to help supply equipment, and facilities.

When Walter Firman came here around 1888, and was a turner and fitter in the iron trade. He brought his wife Alice Louisa whom he had married in the Nottingham area. They were both born in Norwich district.

At first they lived in Manton Road, where their son Bertie was born in 1890.

Landlord Amos Cave	Rent Card showing he was paying 7 shillings per week

When the 1901 census was taken Walter and his family were living at 8 Higham Road, Rushden, and this rent card shows he was renting the property from Amos Cave, who lived at Rushden Villa, next door.

	With its neighbour, overlooks a busy junction with Washbrook Road. Between the pair is an entry to the back gardens.
Fern Dale No 14 - built in 1880

Captioned: Salvo Tricycle invented by the father of the cycle industry James Starley in 1877 - the pictures show a later version with only three wheels. Queen Victoria bought two of these Salvo Tricycles in 1881. The company renamed as Royal Salvo Tricycles - 1884 advertised this model. Two tricycle pictures outside 8 Higham Road, in about 1898. Walter Firman, an electrical engineer aged 33 was living here with his wife Alice (31), son Bertie (8) and daughter Ida (3). Is Walter the cyclist here? Photos by John Powell