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The business of fun |
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The age of steam
Albert Haslam's monument in Sidmouth Cemetery
© De-Vey family |
After Haslam’s death, the business was taken over by the next generation, including his son-in-law, George De-Vey. George had already begun to stamp his mark on the business when he persuaded the firm to invest in a circular steam switchback, a magnificent machine with eight gilded gondola cars, deep carved boards and a Gavioli fair organ in the centre. It had been built to the special order of the great Welsh showman, John Studt and proved to be one of the most popular roundabouts ever to travel the West.
During the Great War, the Winter Gardens in Plymouth were taken over by Anderton and Rowlands and operated as a permanent funfair. When the war ended the firm returned to the road, expanding greatly over the next 20 years. By far the most expensive and striking machine acquired during the inter-war years was the Dragon Scenic Railway. It is reputed to have cost £40,000 in 1921. Though a huge investment for the firm, it was proof that Anderton and Rowland were now the leading amusement caterers in the West.
To transport the ride around the hilly roads of the West Country the firm also acquired two brand new steam showman’s engines, built by Charles Burrell of Thetford. Earl Beatty and Dragon were finished in crimson lake, with brass fittings and the firm’s name proudly displayed along the canopy boards. They now came across another problem moving from fair to fair: they had to find enough places to stop for water to keep the engines going, and the steep Devon hills could prove treacherous at the best of times, never mind in the wet or fog. The coal strikes of the 1920s also made travelling very difficult, as showmen could only purchase a limited amount of coal.
"Lion", one of the Anderton & Rowland fleet of showmen's road locomotives
© De-Vey family |
However, despite hard times, everything about the firm reflected the pride they felt for their traditional occupation. Rides, engines and transport were all kept spic and span. The big packing trucks were lettered as travelling advertisements for the business whilst their engines, Lord Nelson, Queen Mary and Gladiator became household names across Devon and Cornwall.
Words: Stephen Smith
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