Transcribed fully, but with unfamiliar names from all over the world, and handwriting, some may be a letter or two wrong. No doubt a trawl through the old Rushden Echo would find a few, but I leave that for those with need for certainty. It is very clear from the entries that they all enjoyed their stay in Rushden.

Katherine Ekins had worked as a servant before she married Charles Henry Pickering in 1907. When the Royal Variety Theatre opened in 1911, they began to take in artists appearing there, as boarders. These visitors' comments were written into a small cash book, the cover of which is missing. Some used pen, others pencil, and some is faded. The number denotes the pages, so where a number is duplicated both sides of the open book are written on, others just on one side.

In some other small note books she had written lots of recipes for cakes, biscuits, puddings, chutney, jam, marmalade, as well as some stews, and bread. So we can be sure that she was feeding her visitors to a high standard.

p2





see below

Royal Variety
Rushden
Oct 8 1911

I have the greatest pleasure in opening Mrs. Pickerings book of Reference.
These are by far the most comfortable rooms I have had for years!
Everything Splendid.
Only the most dissatisfied could complain!
Best of luck
Norman H Lee
The Comedy Cartoonist

Oct 8 1911

Splendid!
I can only repeat the aforesaid
Lilian Dearle
Mrs Norman H Lee

Wal & Bert 
Royal Varieties
Rushden
Oct 9^th 1911
We are pleased to say that we have been very comfortable during our week’s stay with Mrs Pickering (cooking excellent) will be only too please to return and recommend.
Best of Luck
Yours Wal & Bert

Royal Varieties
Oct 16 /11
Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for all her kindness & attention. The best ‘digs’ we have ever struck.
Shall always return & recommend,
Best wishes for your success
Mrs de Avis
Avis & Barie
& ‘Baby’

Royal Varieties

Many thanks for an exceedingly comfy & pleasant week.
Cooking splendid
Beautifully clean
Mr & Mrs T Nelldon
‘Miss Vera Viere’
29 Oct 1911

Royal Varieties
Nov 5^th 1911

Have had a comfortable week with Mrs Pickering. Shall be pleased to return,
J Halma

Variety Theatre
Novb 12/11

Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for a very comfortable week.
Everything A.1.
Shall always return & recommend to Friends.
All good wishes
Yours faithfully
Ida ..essanly
(Mrs E Dodds)

This page is almost unreadable due to the writer using a light pencil :

Royal Variety
Nov 19
Have been very comfy with Mrs Pickering shall be pleased to return.
Mr & Mrs Munsie
Emma Don
& Sydney
the ... shoe block

Theatre Royal
Dec 19/1911
Have been very comfortable during our weeks stay shall be very pleased to return, what price the wine–mince pies
Yours faithfully
Mr & Mrs Hews

Most comfortable in every way, delighted & recommend.
Fields & Lewis

Royal Theatre
Nov 12^th 1911

We have been exceedingly comfortable with Mrs Pickering, shall be pleased to recommend & return, best of luck to both is the wish of
Linn & Darius
(Mr & Mrs Darius)

Cooking Extra    p.s. don’t forget the pudding

Royal Theatre
Nov 24^th 1911
We have been most comfortable during our weeks stay with Mrs Pickering. Pleased to return and recommend
Best of wishes
Mr & Mrs Ted Karno

Royal Theatre
Dec 3^rd 1911
Have been most happy & comfortable during our weeks stay with Mrs Pickering, shall always return, everything excellent.
Best of Luck Yours sincerely
Dale & Vale

Many thanks, have been most comfortable.
Beatrice Egerton
“The Collar Stud” Co
23^rd Dec ‘11

Royal
Rushden
Sat 6/1/12
We have been most comfortable during the week with Mrs Pickering, and shall always be pleased to return.
The cleanliness and cooking is first class.
Best wishes

Jan 21^st/12
Royal Variety Theatre
We have been very comfortable during our stay highly recommend and shall always be pleased to return.
Mr & Mrs B Elton
(Elton & Elma)

Many thanks for a most comfortable week
Yours truly
Kavados
Royal Variety Theatre

Theatre Royal
Rushden
31/8/12
There is one place like home vis:
Number 23 Spencer Rd
Shall recommend to all & will most certainly return.
Everything A.1.
Yours with Luck
Gordon Brown
“The Boy Tenor”

Variety Theatre
Rushden
Jan 8/
19/10/12 [?]
This is our first stay with Mr & Mrs Pickerin and I must say we have been most comfortable we shall be sorry to leave but we shall  always return or recommend any one we know that is coming this way I will close wishing Mr & Mrs Pickerin the best of luck
Mr & Mrs Paulo
dent for the pigs foot

Theatre Royal
Rushden
Jan 28^th
We have been exceedingly comfortable with Mrs Pickering and shall be very glad to return to her at any time & recommend her.
Gladys Stuart-Graham
Mabel Marshall
& Dandy
Charles Harrington Esq’s
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin”

Most Excellent.
Many thanks. Shall be pleased to return & recommend.
Jno Boelim
Mr C Harrington’s
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Coy
T.R. Rushden
Jan 28^th 1912

Very comfortable
E A Rowe
Advance Manager
Cingalee Co.
Feb 5^th 1912

Exceedingly comfortable
Many thanks
Maude Gardener
“Cingalee” Co
Feb 8^th 1912
Dorothy  Dovelin
Cingalee Co.

Have been very comfy & shall come back & recommend.
M Balvaird Hewett

Royal Variety
Feb 8^th 1912

Most comfortable
Good luck
……. [a signature]

Have been Most Comfortable pleased to return.
C Bartell
E Forde
Orpheus Comedy trio

3.3.12
A E Smith
Babes in the Wood
We have been most comfortable. Shall be pleased to recommend.
Blanche Johnson
Amy Fields.

Mar 23^rd/12
Been most comfortable in every way.
Many thanks
Vesta Brownie
Lucky Liga Co.

Theatre Royal
Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for a nice comfortable week. Shall always be pleased to return.
Yours Sincerely
“Western Girls”
Ethel Varey

Western Girls
Jenny Russell
Doris Maden
Edith Campbell
Olive Preston
Josephine Little

Many thanks
For a most comfortable week
Yours truly
Kavados
Royal Variety Theatre
Rushden April 28^th 1912

May 5^th/1912
Theatre Royal

We have been exceedingly comfortable. Shall be pleased to return again & recommend.
All good Wishes
To Mr & Mrs Pickering
From
Mr & Mrs R C Note
Good luck to our
Old Pals
Belrose & DeVellis

Theatre Royal
11.5.12

Very comfortable
“Many thanks”
Mr & Mrs Belrose
(Belrose & De’Vellis)

Compliment on opposite page returned. G.B.

Theatre Royal

Two of the happiest weeks imaginable. Mainly owing to the excellent attendance of Mrs Pickering.

Regards to both from both
Warren & Granville
& Rosie

Royal Variety Theatre
June 2^nd 1912
Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for a very comfortable week shall always be pleased to return and recommend.
Best of wishes
Ernest Marler
(Marie Santor & Co)
“A night in Japan”
“Indiana”

Royal Variety Theatre
June 2^nd 1912
Thanks very much for a most comfortable week. Hope to return again and shall certainly recommend Mrs Pickering.
Best luck & wishes
Winnie Raynor
Ida Draycott
Dog & Hughie
Masie Santor & Co
“Night in Japan”
“Ind[i]ana”

Theatre Royal
June 27^th
Have been very Comfortable & Happy here, everything A.1. Shall always be pleased to return.
Rita Frederika &
Marjie Lamont
“Rosie Rings & Co.”

Royal Variety Theatre
Aug 3^rd 12

A few lines to thank Mrs Pickering for a very comfortable week. Everything A.1.
With all Good Wishes
From
Lillian Devon
Character Comedienne & Dancer

Royal Variety Theatre
Rushden
Finish Aug 11^th 1912
Very many thanks to Mrs Pickering for a very comfortable week indeed. Shall always be pleased to return & also to recommend for other artists coming here.
Best of Luck to Mr & Mrs P.
Yours Very Sincerely
W J Hugo
Jumper, Gymnast, Acrobat & Knockabout
Best of Wishes to Mr Houghton

Very many thanks for a most comfortable week.
Hope to return.
Alice Buckland
(Mrs Henry Lowther)
Glenville & Ormonds
“For wife & Kingdom coy”

Theatre Royal
Oct 20th 12
Again many thanks.
Shall always return.
Yours truly
Arth Watson
H.M.S. Victory

Palace
Nov 26^th 12

We have been very comfortable during our short stay with Mrs Pickering.
Everything of the best. We will always be pleased to return and recommend.

Best of Luck to
Mr & Mrs Pickering
Yours
Mr & Mrs George Hoare
Fred Karnos Co.
In Humming Birds
And Wow Wows

Many Thanks to Mrs Pickering for a comfortable three week stay please to return from Home to Home best of Luck Happy New Year
Sincere Thanks
Maudie Bignell

Many thanks to Mrs Pickering shall be pleased to recommend.
Harry Creamer
Messrs Glenville & Osmonds
An Oath of Vengeance Co
Jan 12/13

Rushden
Jan 19/13

Have been very comfy during my stay this week. Always pleased to return.
Best Wishes
Jack Roscoe

Many thanks for a happy & comfy week.
W Brown
Henry Moor

Have been very comfortable.
Hope to return
Mr & Mrs Richie Bell
(Lily Potter)
Variety Theatre Feb 23/13

April 7^th 1913

We have stayed 9 months with Mrs Pickering & have been most comfortable & happy just like being in your own home & I have great pleasure in recommending her at all times wishing Mr & Mrs Pickering every success

Faithfully
Mr & Mrs E Houghton
Late Manager
Royal Variety Theatre

Royal Variety
Rushden
May 4^th 1913
We have spent a most comfortable week with Mr & Mrs Pickering.
Never want to find cleaner digs or a better cook as Mrs Pickering is perfect in both.
Shall always recommend & when we come back shall certainly stay with her again.
The Biltons
Mr & Mrs
P.S.
Do get Ma to make you a mince. [?pie] They’re the limit in food.

Royal Rushden

Have been most comfortable with Mrs Pickering always pleased to return.

Beatrice Witham

Theatre Royal Rushden
April 19 1913

Some digs are Good & some are Bad But Mrs Pickering’s digs are the best I’ve Had.
Always pleased to recommend
From
Harry Harvey
The Pattering Postman

Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for kind attention. Have been most comfortable.
Betilly Long
“The Dairymaids Co”
April 24^th 13

Very comfortable indeed
Many thanks.
Eileen Greys
Verona Philis
April 24.13 Dairymaids

Theatre Royal
May 4.13

Have been very comfortable with Mrs Pickering during our weeks stay, for which many thanks.
Best wishes
From Eddy & Larry Lyle

May 11^th 1913

Have been most comfortable during my week’s stay at Mrs Pickerings.
Shall be most pleased to return & recommend.
Thanking Mrs Pickering for her Kind attention.
Guy Lynton
Dacre & Lynton
Theatre Royal
Rushden

Ma, “You are a champion.”

We only wish we had digs everywhere like this!!

All good wishes
Walker and Benting
“Scotland forever”
Royal May 19/13
“Good Luck”

Theatre Royal
Rushden 26.5.13

Dear Ma, I am sorry that I cant stop more than one week, as I have been very comfortable here this week. Your cooking is great and everything is always clean and nice like be[ing] at home, and I always be please[d] to stop at your house any time I returned here.
Also will be pleased to recommend any of the Bros. & Sister artists I wish you will always[s] be full up and in Best of health & well. Good luck & Best wish[es] to Mrs & Mrs Pickering from.
D. Hambo the (original)

Theatre Royal June 2^nd 13

We have spent a very pleasant week everything A.1. & shall be pleased to return & recommend to all.
Les & Bert Ray (of 4 Rays) who play nap and go to bed early (in the morning).

The above
Endorsed by
R Ve[r]ras

Jun 29^th 1913

Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for most comfortable week & we shall always be pleased to return & recommend when this way, wishing Mr & Mrs Pickering & Son the very best of luck

Faithfully yours
Capt & Mrs Graham
Grahames Animals

Royal Varieties
June 22^nd/13

We have spent a very comfortable & Happy week with Mr & Mrs Pickering & shall always be Pleased to return & recommend, cooking & attendance excellent.
Wishing every success
Faithfully yours
Mr & Mrs Fred Ward
Yelma, Rica
& Dog Queenie

Theatre Royal
Sept 29 1913

Many thanks to dear Mrs Pickering for her kindness everything A.1. cooking excellent.
Kindest regards
Wishing her the
Best of luck
Royal Bartle Quatrette

Royal

Shall always be pleased to return & recommend. Have been most comfortable. Many thanks

Best wishes
Owen & Wills
Royal Bartle Quartette

Royal
Aug 23^rd/13

Our first visit & we have been exceedingly comfortable.
Best wishes
Stewart & Morgan

Sept 6^th 1913

Many thanks to Mrs Bickering [sic] for a most comfortable week.
Mabel & Cliff Diamond
& Harry Clifford

Royal  14^th Sep 1913

Very many thanks to Mrs Pickering for a comfy and clean weeks home. Will certainly return & recommend.
Sincerely yours
Lola Brandt
Brandt & James
Royal

Sept 15 1913
The Royal

Everything lovely. Exceedingly clean. Good cooking and attendances.

Very best wishes
Mr & Mrs Rodgers
and Georgie

Royal
Sept 28^th 1913

Many thanks for a most comfortable week. Always pleased to recommend and return.

Mr & Mrs J E Nachin (Lady Emes) & Sonny

Glenville & Swords
“Still Aladin” Coy

Royal Theatre
Rushden

I have great pleasure in recommending Mrs P’s rooms. We have been most comfortable during our weeks stay, thanks to Mrs Pickerings attention. She is most willing to please in every way, splendid cook, and the last word in cleanliness. We regret having to leave her, but hope to return in the near future. Shall recommend to our friends. Wishing her & Mr P. best of luck.
Yours Mr & Mrs Hoch Prelle
Prelle’s Bijou Circus
Love from the doggies

Oct 13^th 1913
Royal Theatre Rushden

Dear Mrs Pickering
Allow me to thank you for most comfortable week, shall be pleased to recommend any of my Brother & Sister artistes to you, and shall always be pleased to return.
Wishing you good health and Prosperity.
Yours Very Sincerely
Albert Jenkinson
Versatile Comedian

Theatre Royal
Week Oct 27, ‘13

Being with Mrs Pickering is like being
IN THE U.S.A.

What more can a Yankee say ?!?

Eldid
“The” Cyclist.

‘Royal’ Theatre
Rushden
16/5/14

Being with dear Mrs Pickering is less like staying in the U.S.A. than anything that can possibly be imagined!
And I’ve been there!
Alix Lukes

Nov 9^th

We have been most happy and comfortable with Mrs Pickering, shall be pleased to return and recommend all friends & we wish her all the luck in the world.

Mr & Mrs Mary Atkinson

Many thanks for making us so comfortable during our only too short stay.

A B Croll
E Reekie
Eric Algar
Kindle Wakes
23.11.13

Royal Theatre
13.12.1913

My sincere thanks to Mrs Pickering for a very comfortable week.
If returning hope to be able to secure a small corner at No 23.
Best wishes
Yours faithfully
David Stewart Ferguson
The Scottish Tenor

We have been very comfortable.
Many thanks.
Mr & Mrs Will Gl……
Indian Girl Des…. Co.
Jan 4/1/14

Jan 17^th.14
Have been most comfortable during my stay with Mrs Pickering, good cooking, clean & every attention.
Yours Truly
N Frith

We thanks heart[i]ly Mrs Pickering for her charming manners while we been here.
Yours very sincere
Mrs Borges & Borges

With the best of luck to Mrs Pickering for the happiest week we spent in Rushden
.... Maude
Little Jack Starne Co

Royal Theatre
Rushden
Jan 11^th 1914

Have been most comfy during my week’s stay with Mr & Mrs Pickering. Shall always be pleased to return and rec.

Best Wishes to all
Sincerely Yours
Ethel Entwistle

Royal Theatre
Rushden
8/2/14
We have been exceedingly Comfortable during our week’s stay with Mrs Pickering.
Electrically Yours
Mr & Mrs Birteno
(La Belle Luminere)
James Birteno jun.
Maurice Birteno jun
Birtenos “Golden Grotto”

It was simply delightful to stay in Mrs Pickering’s House.

Rushden 15/2/1914

Sam R Kordy
‘M Dezso’ Kordy Comp

“A Vision of Harmony”

Royal Theatre 28/2/14

I have spent a most comfortable [week] with Mrs Pickering everything first class.

Wish her and Mr Pickering the best of luck shall be very pleased[d] to return and recommend.

With many thanks
Phillipe Durand
(4 Maisanos)
Finch’s Musical Clowns

Have been most comfortable. Very many thanks
Peggy Allen
“Hello! London” Co

5/3/14
The Palace

The comfort and attention shown by Mrs Pickering ranks with the very best we have ever met. Shall always be pleased to return.

Mr & Mrs F Leslie
“Hello! London” Co
5/3/14

Theatre Royal
Rushden
22.3.14

Everything Excellent.
Pleased to recommend.
Best Wishes
Mr & Mrs Len Gillette

Please forward letters to
Hippodrome
Sheffield

Theatre Royal
Rushden
March 29^th 14

This terminates my stay at Rushden. Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for kind attention &c.

Florence Kendall

Walter M Death
21 Childes St
Deptford
London SE

When your away from your Dear Old Home,
Good diggers are hard to find when ….. …. Good and the people jolly & kind.
But if on a visit to Rushden you come
To 23 Spencer Rd call
... you knock @ the door,
You’ll seem to hear
Those good words, a welcome to all.

The Host & the Hostess are jolly Old sports.
And their son helps to add to the joy.
Which makes their guests say,
when it’s time to depart,
We don’t want to leave,

Mr. Yoh-Yoh.
A few … thanking Mr & Mrs Pickering for their kind attention.
WMD

April 13/14 Theatre Royal, Rushden

It gives me great pleasure to say I have had one of my best weeks with Mrs Pickering. No one could wish for a better home, have been very comfortable if ever in Rushden again it will give me pleasure to return.

Wishing both Mr and Mrs Pickering the best of everything
I remain yours Truly
Nellie Brierley

Royal Variety Theatre

Have been exceedingly comfortable with Mrs Pickering. The essence of cleanliness real good cooking & an obliging & cheerful manner are her specialities. Many thanks & all good wishes to the Trio.

Conie & Foote

May 3^rd/14

We have been very comfortable this week & hope to return to give you another wish.
J & F Wedburn
Theatre Royal

May 25/14
We have spent a most comfortable week with Mrs Pickering & hope to return. Will all good wishes
A & L Gleno
& family

Royal Theatre
15/6/14

Many thanks for a most happy fortnight.
Hope to see you next visit to Rushden.
Best Wishes
Sincerely yours
A Heels
(Hord Heels & Wilkins)

Very many thanks for a most comfortable week. Shall be happy to return and recommend.

Ernest Owltrum

15.8.14

Royal Variety Theatre
Week Aug 31/14

I have been very comfortable everything very nice & I shall be pleased to return and recommend.
F Zenora
6/9/14

Have been most comfortable.
Many thanks for kindness to babies.
Shall hope to return.
Elta Delamere
Angels Serenade Co
Royal Variety Theatre
Sept 12^th 1914

Royal Theatre
Oct 4^th

Have been most comfortable and shall be always pleased to return and recommend.

Kail Stern
(The Colombo Coon)
Marie Yessen
(Mrs K S)

Theatre Royal

Very many thanks for most comfortable week & the attention & punctuality is even beyond praise.
Sincerely hoping to spend another week here in the future dates.

Very sincerely yours
Elsie Craig

Oct 22^nd /14

Have spent a most comfortable ten days with Mrs Pickering.
Shall be delighted to return & highly recommend.
Best of luck
Yours sincerely
Ethel Stephenson

Royal 24/10/14

Have been most happy & comfortable during our stay with Mrs Pickering & shall look forward to our return visit.
Many thanks for kindness to Morris.
Wishing you both the best of luck.
Geo Lawrence

Nov 8^th 1914

Thanking Mrs Pickering for all her kindness, spent one of the most comfortable weeks we have spent in England. Cookery great.

Slune & McVoy …

Royal Rushden

Thanking Mrs Pickering for the very nice way she has looked after us this week.

Cooking clean and excellent, everything most beautifully attended to and we have been exceedingly comfortable. Sorry to leave. Shall be pleased to recommend to my fellow artistes and also to return when visiting Rushden again.

Wishing you both the best of good luck.
Yours Sincerely
Pauline Rivers
Sister & three of her 12 Little Sunshines
“Queenie” too has been happy
(our little doggie)

Royal Theatre
Nov 29^th 14

Many thanks to Mrs Pickering for a most comfortable week.
Shall always be pleased to return & recommend.
Best Wishes

J Ksale ?

Royal Theatre 6.12.14

Many thanks for a most comfortable week. I shall be pleased to return and recommend. I shall not be late next time I return to Rushden.

Best wishes
Yours faithfully
Vinetto

13.12.14

We have spent an exceedingly comfortable week with Mrs Pickering everything A.1.
Hoping to return soon. Wishing her the best of Luck.
Yours Faithfully
Haley’s Juveniles
“A Merry Xmas”
Badina
Dolly
Molly
Kitty
Baby
Annie

Jan 3^rd/15

Madame Parsons & her Family have spent a short happy week with Mr & Mrs Pickering, and hope to return under much brighter clouds, & circumstances. We always find time goes all to quick when home is comfortable. Mrs P is I’m sure a model Landlady, shall recommend all fellow Artistes coming this way. We wish then all that they wish themselves in 1915.

Jan 10^th 1915

We have spent a very comfortable week indeed with Mrs Pickering. Hope to return and shall recommend wishing you all the best of Luck.

Little Doris
Violin Vertuoso

Royal Theatre

Jan 17^th 1915

Have been very comfy thanks very much.
“4” Ormondes 4

Theatre Royal
Jan 23/15

Have spent a most comfortable week with Mrs Pickering.
Best Wishes
(Jack) Austin & Lawton (Lena)

Royal Theatre
Rushden
Feb 7^th 1915

We have been very comfortable with dear Mrs Pickering during our weeks stay with her. With all good wishes and best of luck, from
Ena Dayne
Also
Daddy & Mother
12 White Rats also
Guinea-Pig

18 Feb /15

Have been exceedingly comfortable always pleased to return.
Claude Aywoud

27/2/15

Very comfortable indeed
Many thanks

F Lincoln

March 6^th 1915

Very many thanks to Mrs Pickering for a most comfortable week. It is our first week here & we sincerely hope it will not be our last. We found Mrs P. exceedingly clean & a splendid cook, we have found quite an Ideal landlady in Mrs Pickering, (wish there were a few more like her).

Thanking her for all she has done for us.
We are yours Sincerely
Mr & Mrs Thornton
Australian juggler

March 20

Just to say that we have been very comfortable with Mrs Pickering, only too pleased to recommend & return.

Wishing her the best of Luck.

Hengler Bros.
& mother