In 1896 Mr Skeeles started business in the William Green factory in High Street South, opposite Wymington-road, when Green's moved to their new factory in Cromwell Road. By 1903 they had moved to Fitzwilliam-street, and then took over the factory at 61/63 Moor-road, last occupied by F. Noble.
His three sons joined him in the business.
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Extract from a council meeting - Medical Officer's Report
The following report was received from the Medical Officer:-
March 20th, 1900
Since my last report I have visited Rushden and beg to call your attention to Green's Yard which consists of eight cottages with four earth closets one of which is claimed by Mr. F. Skeeles for his factory hands there being no urinal or closet; although sixteen hands are employed this accommodation is sufficient for the number of persons viz. 28 in the 8 cottages and 16 in the factory. Each cottage ought to have a separate closet and urinal for their exclusive use. The drains are in a dilapidated condition and require repairing.
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| Northampton Mercury, 16 March 1900
Frederick Arthur Skeeles (trading as "Skeeles and Co."), boot and shoe manufacturer, Rushden.—Deed arrangement, filed March 10th; unsecured liabilities, £1,268 11s. 5d.; estimated net assets. £556 18s. 1d.; secured creditors. £387 7s.; trustee, Augustin C. Palmer, St. Giles-st., Northampton, chartered accountant. “Leather Trades Review”
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Rushden Echo, 5th July 1912
The Employees at Messrs. F. Skeeles and Co.’s boot factory had their annual outing on Saturday last, when they visited Woburn Sands. Brakes were supplied by Mr. Asher Abbott, and the party numbered about 100. A start was made about 6.30, and the pleasant drive was greatly enjoyed. Halts were made at Olney and Newport Pagnell. Tea was provided at Woburn Sands, after which the holiday-makers strolled about the woods, and employed themselves in various ways. Starting back at 6.30, the return journey was made by way of Bedford, which town was reached by 9p.m. After a good stay at Bedford, where places of amusement were visited, the return journey was then resumed, Rushden being reached at about 2a.m.
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Rushden Echo, 28th April 1916, transcribed by Gill Hollis
Accident—A painful accident occurred to Mr. Skeeles, sen., boot and shoe manufacturer, of Moor-road, Rushden, whilst out on a pleasure trip on his motor cycle on Easter Monday. Mr. Skeeles was driving his machine and side car through St. Ives, when he took a wrong turning and found himself in a cul-de-sac. He was unable to stop the machine, although at the time he was running on low gear, and he struck the wall at the end of the street with considerable force. He was not thrown from his machine, but the jar of the impact was sufficient to cause a fracture of his right arm. The front wheel of the machine, a new Harley Davidson, was buckled and the front forks were bent. Mr. Skeeles was conveyed home to Rushden in a motor car and his injury was then attended to by Dr. Greenfield.
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Rushden Echo. 25th January 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins
Presentations—An interesting double event took place in the rough-stuff department of Messrs. F. A. Skeeles & Co., boot manufacturers, Moor-road, on Friday last, when two presentations were made to employees who were leaving. The first was to Mr. H. Waller, sorter and fitter-up, who was presented with a “Blackbird” fountain pen, and the second to Mr. F. Berrill, who for 5½ years had been the foreman of the department, who was presented with a Waterman’s “Ideal” fountain pen and a handsome silver-mounted walking stick, jointly subscribed for by the head of the firm and employees of the department and a few others interested. Mr. F. Skeeles, senr., was to have made the presentations, but was unfortunately called away in the afternoon upon important business, and in his absence the choice fell upon one of the female employees, and the females being in the majority, under war conditions, it was quite fitting that this course should be adopted. At the close of the day’s work the employees interested assembled in the fitting-up room, and Mrs. Brown, on their behalf, in a brief and happy jocular manner, made the presentations and wished the recipients good luck in their new spheres. Mr. Waller chose to thank them first, and then Mr. Berrill said he understood they had been guided in their choice by the fact that he had a considerable amount of writing to do occasionally, and as to the walking stick, that would also be very useful both now and in the days to come. He expressed the wish that they would work amicably together under his successor, as they had done with him, and he hoped that the change would be to the benefit of all concerned. Mr. Waller is taking up a situation with Mr. Wilmott, Portland-road, and Mr. Berrill a position at Tuffrey’s Bespoke works, Station-road.
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Rushden Echo, 23rd August 1918
A SLIGHT OUTBREAK of fire occurred at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesday at the factory of Messrs. F. Skeeles and Co., boot manufacturers, Moor-road. A wax-pot boiled over, but happily it was noticed at once, and an “Extinguisher” was effectually used, the outbreak being thereby put out almost instantaneously. No damage was done.
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Rushden Echo, 17th December 1920, transcribed by Kay Collins
A NEW Limited Liability Company, under the title of F. Skeeles and Co. Ltd., has been Registered, with a Capital of £15,000 in £1 Shares, to carry on the business of boot and shoe manufacturers, hide and leather merchants, etc.
The first directors are: Fredk. A. Skeeles, Bozeat Grange; Frank A. Skeeles, Rushden: C. J. Skeeles, Rushden. Qualification £100. Mr. C. W. Wing, of Rushden, is the solicitor.
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Rushden Echo, 5th May 1922, transcribed by Kay Collins
Crushed Hand—Mr. J. Fleckner, of 17 Newton-road, Rushden, had his right hand accidentally crushed whilst operating a press at Messrs. F. Skeeles and Sons Ltd., on Tuesday afternoon. He was taken to Northampton Hospital, and there it was found necessary to amputate part of two fingers. On inquiry this (Friday) afternoon, we learn that he is making good progress.
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Rushden Echo, 19th September 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins
The Staff and employees of Messrs F Skeeles & Co Ltd., journeyed to the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley on Saturday. A Party of 86 started from Rushden at six o’clock in two United Counties ’buses. A break in the journey was made at St Albans, where lunch was served by the kindness of the firm. The admission fees to the exhibition were also met at the firm’s expense. After having a very enjoyable day looking at the many wonders of Wembley, the parted started on their homeward journey at 9.30, and arrived at Rushden about two o’clock on Sunday morning.
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