Saturday, February 5, 2005

100 years ago: There were more vigorous protests by the female workers of York over the advert for a shop girl stating "no factory girl need apply". A Factory Girl wrote: "Allow me to inform the advertiser that factory girls think themselves far above accepting such a position. And also that were it not for factory girls that are employed today the industry and work generally would suffer greatly. So why run them down when they are the most needed in the city?" She added that she would not change her position for one like the chemist offered, were he to pay her £2 per week. A Factory Girl of Seven Years' Standing asked: "Does he think factory girls would so lower themselves as to accept such a position when the position they hold is far higher than the one he offers? Who is it who weave the dainty fabrics that clothe her most Gracious Majesty and her loyal subjects? Why, factory girls. Who is it makes the dainty sweetmeats that are placed upon her table? Factory girls also. The girls they try to slight are employed in various other factories for general use. Truly the world would not be one quarter as bright as it is, were it not for the factory girls that are employed today."

50 years ago: A young football fan from Haxby got more than he bargained for when, at a Bishop Auckland and York City match, he asked the Yorkshire Evening Press photographer for his autograph, a request that rendered the snapper speechless. As the lad wouldn't take no for an answer, even after being told who he was talking to, the photographer took the brand new autograph book away to sign his name. When he brought it back there his was on the front page, and on the next pages it also contained the signatures of the players of both teams.

25 years ago: The education service at York's Castle Museum, which was due to be axed under North Yorkshire County Council cutbacks, was reprieved after protests from York Castle Museum and Art Gallery Committee. The county council agreed that "in view of the immense value of the work undertaken" the service should continue, and it was acknowledged that thousands of children benefited from the service each year, giving the service a high reputation.

Updated: 16:35 Friday, February 04, 2005