Alexander Horne: Bootmaker, Shoemaker, and Newsagent of New Deer

One of our volunteers Alex has recently completed cataloguing some smaller collections transferred to us by the Aberdeenshire Libraries team. Although these collections do not contain large volumes of material, the records they include can provide a fascinating insight into the personal and business lives of the residents of the north-east of Scotland.

Alexander Horne Papers

These records are the business and personal papers of Alexander Horne (1907-1994), a bootmaker, shoemaker and newsagent born in New Deer in 1907. His business was located at 25 and 29 Main Street, New Deer - do you remember it? The collection includes some interesting items, such as financial accounts and trading analysis ledgers that demonstrate the success of the business. There is a lovely, detailed measurement book for fitting shoes and boots between 1902 and 1911:

There is also a membership card for the National Federation of Retail Newsagents Booksellers & Stationers, 1957, which evidences the diversity of the Horne's business:

Some of the records highlight that the business was locally recognised and much appreciated by both customers and staff in the area, such as this telegraph to Mr & Mrs Horne from the 'New Dear Staff' with the message "Here's to the man that never refused to make little feet to fit little shoes". Perhaps they meant little shoes to fit little feet??

This collection contains some personal records as well. Alexander Horne received a certificate for his service in the Home Guard 1940-1944:

You can read more about Home Guard (Local Defense Volunteers) records via the National Archives website: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/home-guard-personnel

Not only was Alexander recognised locally in Aberdeenshire, but he was also nominated to become a Justice of the Peace in the 1970s:

Finally, there is a wonderful, annotated cookbook containing over 150 wartime recipes (WW2). It shows that Alexander or his wife, Ruth Horne nee Yule (1915-1994), were able to draft new recipes as well as use those provided – including a Christmas cake!

Collection reference DD2385/A. 

Kimberley Smith, Archivist