Catalogue

Interview
982, LO/337/288
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Smith, Frank, 1904 - , Interviewee, Male, Builder
Speaker: Mitchell, T., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Talks about work in building trade, having moved to Leicester in 1925, with Broadbents and Stevens, and then self-employed. Describes network of contacts and names people who helped him and for whom he did work. Briefly recalls losing his workers during Second World War and working on aerodromes, hangers. Mentions being president of Roofing Contractor's Federation. Talks about founding the Leicestershire Automobile Association, gaining business contacts through this, and transporting people after 9pm in the blackout. Tells anecdotes of driving tram badly during General Strike of 1926, and of fixing roof at Palace Theatre. Remembers Arthur Wakerley and the Spinney Hill area; building the General Hospital; local architects; Mrs Winn and Winn's Cafes; Adderleys shop. Brief anecdotes and memories of many other shops, characters, places in Leicester city centre.
Place of birth: Hounslett, Leeds
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Building trade
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 19/1/1987
Playing time: 1.30 hr
Access Restrictions: Full consent Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.