Frith family of Horse Fair, Rugeley

All about Flashbacks

Three shops belonging to the Frith family are pictured in the Photo Flashback in the “Times” of June 28, says Mrs. A. D. Walker, of 3, McKie Way, Rugeley.

The old photograph of Horse Fair was provided by Mrs. F. K. Mew of Walsall who knew little about the picture.

Mrs. Walker told the “Times” Mr. William Frith, a cabinet maker, kept the corner shop at the junction of Horse Fair and Talbot Street.

His wife [Sarah (Redwood) Frith] and daughters ran the middle shop one for dress making and millinery. The third shop sold books and stationery and the post box mentioned by Mrs. Mew was outside it.

Mrs. Walker said Mr. Frith’s son ‘Gus’ [William Augustus Frith] and his wife ran that shop, and two of their daughters then built and opened a clothing shop which stood on the site now occupied by Douglas Chemists.

(Rugeley Times, 12th July 1980)

• Horse Fair, Rugeley, England

Death of William Augustus Frith, 1936

RUGELEY NEWSAGENT’S DEATH

LATE MR. W. A. FRITH

The death occurred on Monday after a very brief illness of Mr. William Augustus Frith, of Horse Fair, Rugeley. Mr. Frith, who for the past 35 years had carried on the business of newsagent and general dealer, was 66 years of age. His shop was also a sub-post office.

Mr. Frith, who was a native of the town, was extremely popular. He took a keen interest in football and was rarely known to miss a local whist drive. He was also interested in the Oddfellows’ Friendly Society and was a member of the local Lodge.

He leaves a widow, one brother and six sisters. One of the latter lives in Sydney in Australia.

Mr. Frith was a member of the Parish Church and the funeral will take place there to-morrow (Saturday).

(Rugeley Times, 1st February 1936)