Gretton Past and Present

Japonica Cottage

At the time this photograph was taken the right-hand end of the building was occupied by Mr Samuel Spendlove and his wife. Mr Spendlove was a butcher and pig killer, a task which became particularly important during the Second World War when many families gave up their bacon ration in order to keep their own pig.

Samuel Spendlove's father, Joseph, was a butcher and grocer here at the end of the 19th century, and when the cottage was demolished about 1960 an account book from his business was found. It recorded goods obtained "on tick" by village residents, covering a wide range, from socks and tobacco to sewing cotton, Gentleman's Relish, soda and cheese.

Mr and Mrs Spendlove's daughter, and her husband Jim Coleman, lived with their two daughters, May and Daisy, at the left-hand end of the cottage.

 

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