PEACE CELEBRATIONS - July 1919
After the end of the First World War Tamworth people assembled in the town in great numbers for a procession of over 600 servicemen, headed by a marching band, which was followed by a dinner headed by the Mayor of Tamworth and many invited guests.
In spite of the decision of the [Glascote] Parish Community to defer Peace celebrations to a later date several of the inhabitants determined that the children should not be disappointed and set to work to organise a procession and raise funds to provide a tea and tea, races were held for the children.
In the evening the returned sailors and soldiers, and the old people of the village were invited to a free smoking concert at the Dolphin Inn by permission of [landlord] Mr Salt.
At 10 o’clock an effigy of the ex-Kaiser was burned in Neville Street when in spite of the rain a large crowd assembled to witness the proceedings, which took place amidst the bursting of fireworks and the singing of patriotic songs.
Notes on 'Smoking Concerts'
Originating in the 19th century, "smoking concerts" were historical, informal, male-only social gatherings of evenings often discussing politics and entertainment featuring music, smoking, and drinking.
GENERAL MITE TINY
In the common era this type of event is something that would now be wholly frowned upon, however around the turn of the 19th and 20th Century it was common place and attracted a lot of interest from the general public.
And in 1894 the Tamworth Herald advertises the appearance of General Mite Tiny at the Dolphin Inn visiting the pub for a prolonged period where he would 'be glad to have a chat will all who wish to make is acquaintance'.
Born Francis Joseph Flynn in 1872 in Greene, N.Y., General Mite was first exhibited by his father, Edward Flynne.
His age was greatly exaggerated in his advertisements in order to make him appear eight or nine years older than he really was.
In 1884 he was ‘married’ to an English midget, Millie Edwards, in England.
The event was widely publicised and the couple were subsequently billed as the ‘Royal American Midgets' when they met Queen Victoria.
The London Museum has a set of General Mite's clothes, but they are not on permanent exhibition.
Sources:
Website: 19th Century Photos
Facebook Group: I grew up in South West London
Lost Christchurch: Mrs General Mite
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