Mollekin | WEEK 42

John Gilbert Mollekin

August 15, 2015 — Nikellom

Jack circa 1900

Walliker Street

18^th August 2015 marks the 118^th anniversary of the birth of John Gilbert Mollekin (known as Jack) who is my paternal grandfather. Jack was born in Walliker Street, Newington, Hull, to parents, Johann Mölleken and Jennie Slingsby. His father was a Master Joiner who built several streets in Hull including Dorothy Grove and Gilbert Avenue (named after his children and demolished circa 2011).

Jack’s sister, Gwendoline, died on his 7^th Birthday and he lost his mother, five months later to Pulmonary Phthisis. Jack’s father had five children to bring up alone and consequently his construction business suffered, so he began working for his brother-in-law’s company before moving to the Rotherham area circa 1906 in order to help with his brother’s building activities.

Upon leaving School, Jack worked for the Mollekin building company based in Maltby as a bricklayer until circa 1915 when he trained to become a Signalman on the Railways, a job that occupied him until he retired, working in Wincobank and Rawmarsh.

Home Guard

Jack avoided serving in World War One because when he attempted to enlist, it was deemed that he was underweight, the Enlistment Officer joking that he could only be used as a bore brush for the guns.

Jack at Wincobank West Junction in 1929

Jack married Edith Mary Pinder in 1925 and together issued three children who were called, Beryl Marjory, John Malcolm and James Barrie. They originally lived in Bramley, Rotherham before moving to a modern house on the newly erected Listerdale Estate in Wickersley, circa 1930.

Jack’s daughter, Beryl, married an American Serviceman in 1945, moved to Tennessee and died the following year. Jack’s wife died in 1952 following a series of strokes.

During World War Two Jack served in the Home Guard. My father recalls this era in Wickersley in this entry.

Jack’s daughter, Beryl, gave birth to a daughter (Linda) shortly before she died and although Jack communicated with Linda’s family on a regular basis via letters, Jack didn’t actually get to meet her until 1963 in America. Jack met and married a lady whilst in Tennessee although this marriage was short-lived.

Norwich City F.C. Official Matchday Magazine – 15.09.79

Jack’s father was a Rotherham United supporter, as was Jack, my father and myself also. My family has been supporting Rotherham United since before Rotherham United’s old ground, Millmoor, was erected and I recently discovered that the meaning of the German/Prussian name ‘Mölleken’ roughly translates to ‘Little Miller’. Rotherham United is known as ‘The Millers’. In the 1970s, Jack went to live with his sister-in-law, Evelyn Pinder (nee Wakefield), in Cromer, Norfolk. This meant that Jack could no longer easily support Rotherham United in attendance so began supporting his local team which was Norwich City.

Jack’s grave

On Saturday 15^th September 1979, Jack, with a friend, went to watch Norwich City at home in Carrow Lane play Nottingham Forest. Norwich City won the game, 3 goals to 1. Scorers for Norwich were Kevin Reeves (39 minutes), Justin Fashanu (42 minutes) and Keith Robson (57 minutes). John Robertson scored the goal for Nottingham Forest in the 84^th minute. John Bond was the manager of Norwich City and I actually met him in 1990 when he was the Manager of Shrewsbury Town. Some time between the 84^th minute of the game and the final whistle, Jack passed away, just after saying to his friend, “No more goals will be scored”.

Jack in 1925

I only have a couple of cameo memories of my grandfather as I was just 3 years old when he died. One memory is of when my father was knocking a chimney breast out of a bedroom at home in Swinton and I was jumping up and down on a bed. I remember repeatedly and excitedly asking my father when ‘Grandpa’ was arriving as I knew he was on his way to visit us. When he came through the bedroom door, I bounced off the bed into his arms. Another memory is of when we were both waiting for dinner to be served. We were in the front room at home and on a silver tiered cake stand, on a table between us, were an assortment of tarts etc. I tried to reach for one but my Grandpa stopped me. Both of these memories may even have been from the same day.

On the 2nd September 1989, almost 10 years after my grandfather had passed away, my father took me to Millmoor for the first time to watch Rotherham United draw with Walsall Football Club. A twist of fate also took me to Rotherham United’s new ground (New York) on the 33rd anniversary of my grandfather’s death on Saturday 15th September 2012, with my brother and sister-in-law, to watch Rotherham United beat Torquay United 1 goal to 0.

John Gilbert Mollekin – 18^th August 1897 to 15^th September 1979.

Thanks are owed to Ali Morse for sourcing a newspaper report of the Norwich City versus Nottingham Forest game and to Peter Davies for reproducing the photo of Jack as a child.

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Operation Hurricane

June 2, 2014 — Nikellom

Operation Hurricane

In an entry on this site, I wrote about how a couple of my cousins died as civilians during the Sheffield ‘Operation Crucible’ Blitz of 1940. In contrast, in this entry, I write about how three of my German cousins died as civilians during World War II. To set the background as to how I lost English and German cousins in World War II, I’ll explain that through the paternal side of my family, my ancestry can be traced back to Rhineland in Prussia (now Germany). My second great grandfather, Johann Mölleken, came to England with his family circa 1860.

My second cousin, twice removed is called Emilie Mölleken and she was born in 1906 in Hiesfeld, Dinslaken, Rheineland, Prussia. In 1932, she married Friedrich Gerhard Van Laak. Together, they issued three children called Fritz (born 1932), Erwin (born 1934) and Heinz-Dieter (born 1937).

Friedrich Gerhard Van Laak owned a house painting and pharmacy business in Hiesfeld. With tax-payer’s money during World War II, the basement of this store was developed into an air raid shelter. This basement therefore always had to be accessible.

Hiesfeld

In the early hours of 14th October 1944, the Royal Air Force launched a massive 1000 bomber air raid, codenamed ‘Operation Hurricane’ on the German city of Duisburg in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The route of the bombers took them over Hiesfeld. At 08:46, Hiesfeld air defence made a direct hit on a four engined Avro Lancaster heavy bomber flying in at 52,000 meters altitude. Consequently, a second Avro Lancaster was also affected. The two bombers were due to hit the Hiesfeld air defence and their numbers were NF928 and JB297.

A reporter filmed this event out of another aeroplane. Because of the great quantity of bombs and the half full tanks of fuel that the bombers were carrying, the force of the explosions ripped the bombers apart and the cascading large and small debris scattered for miles in and around Hiesfeld. Several witnesses described how aeroplane and body parts fell from the smoke filled sky. Fires broke out across the entire of Hiesfeld. This was followed by sporadic bomb explosions. Several unexploded bombs also scattered around aimlessly. At several points dead Avro Lancaster crew members were found with unopened parachutes still on their backs.

Avro Lancaster

The Van Laak store was hit by falling aircraft debris and was completely destroyed by subsequent fire. In the air raid shelter underneath the store were twenty three civilians, all of which were killed. A fire-fighter, who was recovering the bodies there, reported that the lungs of the causalities were burst due to the huge explosion and pressure wave. They were found with bloody foam at the mouth but otherwise, their bodies were unharmed. The shelter did not collapse and so all of the causalities were found, still sat down. The inputs and outputs of the air raid shelter were filled in, during the explosion. Paint buckets caught fire and exploded which hampered the rescue attempts.

Near to the Van Laak store was a greengrocer’s store and people had gone to buy cabbage that morning. Once the air raid sirens sounded, the people fled into the Van Laak air raid shelter.

Sadly, Emilie and two of her children (my third cousins), Erwin and Heinz-Dieter were killed in the blast. Their eldest child, Fritz (still alive at the time of writing) survived because he was in School.

All 14 crew members of NF928 and JB297 were recovered and buried in the cemetery of Dinslaken. In 1947, they were reburied in the Imperial Forest Cemetery of Kleve.

Special thanks are owed to my cousin, Hermann Mölleken, who provided details of this tragic account.

Van Laak grave (www.moelleken-genealogy.de)

In a twist, the granddaughter of my second great grandfather (Johann Mölleken) was killed as a result of German bombing in Liverpool in 1941. Her name is Hilda Augusta Tudball (nee Köhler) and is my first cousin, twice removed. Unfortunately, Hilda does not seem to appear in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database (yet) but thanks are owed to her granddaughter, Victoria Carr, for informing me of how she died.

Further information regarding the Mollekin/Mölleken family can be found at http://www.mollekin.net/familytree and http://www.moelleken-genealogy.de

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New houses for Maltby

July 18, 2013 — Nikellom

Herbert Mollekin

My great uncle, Herbert Mollekin, was a prolific house/estate builder and below is a newspaper article regarding the completion of a new batch of houses in Maltby.

THE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1926

NEW HOUSES FOR MALTBY.

ALD. E. DUNN CONGRATULATES CONTRACTOR ON FINE WORK.

WHEN HOUSES COST £135.

At a cost of £17,781 17s., thirty-six houses have been built by the Maltby Urban District Council, and they were officially handed over to the Council on Wednesday by Mr. H. Mollekin, the contractor.

Maltby Model Village

The Council have now completed 112 houses, 76 of which were commenced some years ago by the Rotherham Rural District Council, but which were completed by the Maltby Urban District Council. Twelve of the 36 new houses, which are built on either side of a new road called Rolleston Avenue, are of the “non-parlour” type. The architect was Mr. Morgan R. Jones, engineer and surveyor to the Maltby U.D.C. The keys of the houses will be handed over to the tenants on Monday.

After an inspection of the houses on Wednesday by members of the Council, headed by County Alderman E. Dunn, Councillor H. Shaw (vice-chairman of the Maltby U.D.C.), and Councillor H. Ross (chairman of the Housing Committee), a luncheon was provided by Mr. H. Mollekin at the Queen’s Hotel, Maltby.

Proposing the health of Mr. Mollekin, Ald. Dunn thanked him for providing the luncheon, and congratulated him on the erection of the very fine houses they had just inspected. He was sure that no member of the Council who had just inspected the houses could have any ground for complaint. He (Ald. Dunn) had seen many housing sites, and he thought he could claim to be a pioneer with regard to Maltby housing. He thought that the severing of Maltby from the Rotherham Rural District Council had been amply justified. He hoped that the tenants who were going to occupy the houses would be house proud and would take advantage of the land at the rear or the houses. He saw no reason why this housing site should not become one of the most picturesque of its kind in the country.

Mr. Mollekin had been responsible for the building of about 1500 houses in Maltby, and the miners in the district were very grateful to him for the splendid houses he had erected for them.

The vice-chairman of the Council (Mr. H. Shaw) endorsed all Ald. Dunn had said. The Maltby Council, he thought could fairly claim to have set a good example to many other local authorities.

Mr. Mollekin, replying, said he had been living in Maltby for 21 years. He recalled the time when big houses were built and sold for £135, and the contractor had to make the roads as well. Nowadays, the bricks alone cost that amount.

Speaking of the relations which should be maintained between employer and employee, Mr. Mollekin said, “If there is any distinction between employer and employee, we shall never get on well with labour in this country.”

He refused to believe that the British workman had altered since the Great War.

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George Herbert Mollekin

April 14, 2013 — Nikellom

George H. Mollekin

George Herbert Mollekin, born in 1889 in Hull, is my first cousin, twice removed and son of Herbert Mollekin.

Bert marred twice, firstly to Mary Allison who died suddenly in 1952 and secondly, to Daisy’s friend, Dulcie Wild, in 1953.

Bert issued one child, called, Herbert Randal Mollekin.

Below are a couple of newspaper articles published shortly after Bert’s death.

THE ADVERTISER, FRI., MAR. 6TH, 1970

DEATH OF MR. G. H. MOLLEKIN

The death occurred recently at his home, of Mr. George Herbert Mollekin, of 16, Harvest Road, Wickersley. He was 80, and a former building contractor.

For most of his working life, Mr. Mollekin was associated with the Maltby firm of C. Mollekin Ltd. He began work at the firm with his father, and after his death, Mr. Mollekin and his brother, Mr. E. Mollekin, took control of the business for a number of years.

Mr. Mollekin spent most of his life in Maltby and had lived in Wickersley for about three years. During his younger days he was a keen sportsman.

He leaves a widow. Cremation took place last Saturday at Rotherham following a service conducted by Cannon W. Sorby Briggs.

MOLLEKIN. – On February 25th, George Herbert, the beloved husband of Dulcie Mollekin, passed away at his home, 16, Harvest Road, Wickersley. Service and cremation was at Rotherham Crematorium, Saturday, February 28th.

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Claude Mollekin

March 24, 2013 — Nikellom

Claude Mollekin

Claude Mollekin, born in 1908 in Rotherham, is my first cousin, twice removed and son of Herbert Mollekin.

Below are a couple of newspaper articles published the day following Claude’s funeral.

THE ADVERTISER, SAT., JUNE 1st, 1968

MOLLEKIN. – On May 28th, at the Royal Hospital, Sheffield, of The Grove, Blyth Road, Maltby, beloved husband of Kath and dearly loved father of Judith and Mary.

DEATH OF MALTBY BUILDER, MR. C. MOLLEKIN

Mr. Claude Mollekin, a Maltby builder and racecourse owner, died at the Royal Hospital, Sheffield, on Tuesday. He was 59.

Mr. Mollekin, of The Grove, Blyth Road, Maltby, had lived in the town all his life. The son of a master builder, he joined the family business after leaving Rotherham Grammar School.

When his father died, Mr. Mollekin entered partnership with his brother, but when this was dissolved he took over control of the family’s building business.

The company has expanded over the years, but Mr. Mollekin had always maintained his interest in the well-being of his employees.

He was constantly grateful for their loyalty, and many men have stayed with the company for a large part of their working lives.

WIDE INTERESTS

Mr. Mollekin had very wide interests. In recent years he had emulated his father, owning several racehorses. He had many other sporting interests. In his earlier days he had played competitive football at school, and he also had an active interest in cricket.

He leaves a widow and two daughters.

The Grove

Interment took place at Maltby Cemetery yesterday, following a service at Maltby Parish Church, conducted by the Vicar of Maltby, the Rev. C. A. Auckland.

During the service Mr. Auckland said Mr. Mollekin’s vigour had been turned into a skill.

“I knew Mr. Mollekin very well indeed, and regarded him as a very dear friend who did a lot of work for us in the church. But it was not this that brought me into contact with him, but his humanity and his vigour,” he said.

Maltby Cemetery

Family mourners were: Mrs. K. Mollekin (widow), Miss J. Mollekin, Miss M. Mollekin (daughters), Mr. H. Mollekin, Mr. and Mrs. F. Mollekin, Mr. and Mrs. S. Mollekin, Mr. S. Mollekin (brothers and sisters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. J. Sadler (brother-in-law and sister), Miss I. Mollekin, Mr. H. Nicholson, Mr. J. Sadler, Mr. and Mrs. M. Green (nephews and nieces).

Mr. and Mrs. J. Gurney (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs. M. Bevitt-Smith, Mr. Nigel Bevitt-Smith (cousins).

Representatives present were Mr. F. Massey (Conisbro’ Urban District Council), Mr. A. Johnson (Oates Builders’ Merchants, Ltd.), Mr. K. L. Perkins (Newtons, Worksop, Ltd.), Mr. J. Shaw and Mr. J. Walker (S. and W. Contractors), Mr. F. Ogley (Oxley and Coward), Mr. E. Stacey (Maltby Forge and Iron Works), Mr. G. W. Routh (T. H. Johnson and Son), Mr. G. Outram (North Notts Gravel Co., Qualbatch Concrete, Ltd., and Ferror Concrete and Stone, North Notts, Ltd.), Mr. F. Catchpole (Maltby Metallic Brick Co.), Mr. W. H. N. Haslam (J. Haslam and Sons), Mr. E. J. L. Pleasance (Worksop Blast Co.), Mr. R. Shaw and Mr. D. Murphy (Shaw and Murphy), Mr. S. Bristowe and Mr. W. H. Tucker (H. Aizlewood Ltd.), Mr. D. Sutherland (Joseph Green, Ltd.), Mr. T. Agar (H. B. Raylor and Co., Ltd.).

Mr. Fernie Greaves and Mr. A. Thurlston-Holmes (Fernie Greaves, Holland and Co.), Mr. J. Clark (Frank Gresham and Co., Ltd.), Mr. W. Stephenson (Doncaster Blood Stock), Mr. N. Brooke (J. H. Bean and Co., Ltd.), Mr. C. Ellis and Mr. P. Mitchell (Murray and Bright, Ltd.), Mr. K. J. Butler (Midland Woodworking Co., Ltd., of Melton Mowbray), Mr. B. W. Ellis, Mr. R. Oddy, Mr. G. H. Davis, Mr. M. Hepples (Maltby Urban District Council), Mr. A. H. Willingham (Midland Bank Ltd.), Mr. T. Foulds (T. Foulds and Sons), Mr. J. Ridley (Ridley’s Woodworking Co.), Mr. H. Barlow (Rotherham Builders’ Supply Co., and J. B. Dent and Co.), Mr. D. Hammerton, Mr. A. Criddle (Criddle and Hammerton, accountants), Mr. E. L. Leng (Brick Marketing Co.), Mr. J. C. Wilberg (B. Croft and Whiteman, Ltd.), Mr. M. O. Auburn (Messrs. Grimwade and Ainsley, quanitity surveyors), Hubert R. Palmer (Jenkinson, Palmer and Associate).

Employees present were Mr. W. White, Mr. E. Kenyon, Mr. E. Tann, Mr. H. Fletcher, Mr. C. Viney, Mr. F. Mottram, Mr. R. Trueman, Mr. A. Crawshaw, Mr. G. Smith, Mr. J. Crawshaw, Mr. J. Pitchford, Mr. C. O’Neill, Mr. A. Brookes, Mr. R. Holgate, Mr. K. O’Neill, Mr. J. Mitchell, Mr. C. Vaughn, Mr. T. Ridgeway, Mr. E. Stacey, Mr. K. Fretwell, Mr. A. Beedle, Mr. G. Loundes, Mr. Granville, Mrs. E. M. Mitchell, Mrs. I. Appleby, Mrs. A. Hepples, Mrs. V. Moody, Mr. R. Longbottom, Mr. D. R. Baxter, Mr. B. Crawshaw, Mr. G. Turner, Mr. G. Casswell, Mr. D. Hall, Mr. R. Cavill, Mr. E. Feltrup, Mr. L. Andrews, Mr. G. Simms.

Claude’s grave

Others present were Mr. W. H. Palfreyman, Mr. G. Feltrup, Mr. T. Alton, Mr. J. Alton, Mr. D. Atton, Mr. F. Morrell, Mr. A. L. Salmon, Mr. G. W. Hall, Mr. G. Hunter, Mr. W. Jones, Mr. R. Astwood, Mr. T. Badger, Mr. And Mrs. R. Walker, Mrs. N. Batty, Mrs. John Balbirnie (also representing Dr. J. P. E. Balbirnie), Mr. John Pepper (also representing Mrs. Mary Pepper and family), Mr. E. Bowyer and son, Mr. Geoff Spencer, Miss G. Spencer (also representing Mrs. R. Spencer), Mr. H. Bilton, Mr. A. Cumberlidge (also representing Mrs. Cumberlidge), Mr. H. Trueman, Mr. A. Bagley, Mr. C. Ridgeway, Mr. D. W. Charman (also representing the Earl of Scarborough and Mr. E. T. Merryweather), Mr. Leslie Mann.

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Edith Mary Pinder

November 4, 2011 — Nikellom

Edith

Edith Mary Pinder is my paternal grandmother and was born in 1901 in Rotherham to parents, Matthew Henry Pinder and Alice Cunnington

In 1925, Edith married John Gilbert Mollekin. Together, they issued three children who were called, Beryl Marjory, John Malcolm and James Barrie.

Like her sister, Marjory, Edith was educated at Rotherham Girls High School.

Rotherham Girls High School

Edith died in 1952 following a series of strokes over a period of about three years. She is buried in Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley. Below is a newspaper article pertaining to her death.

The funeral took place at Wickersley Church on Wednesday, the Rector of Wickersley (Canon W. Sorby Briggs) officiating, of Mrs. Edith Mary Mollekin, wife of Mr. John G. Mollekin, 109, Melciss Road, Wickersley, who died last Saturday at her home after a long illness, aged 51.

melciss-road-listerdale-no-109-17-08-03-3

109 Melciss Road

A native of Rotherham, she had resided at Wickersley for the last 22 years. Her husband is a British Railways signalman stationed at Rawmarsh. During the second world war, and for several years after, Mrs. Mollekin a book-keeper and accountant, was employed in the accountancy department of the Borough Treasurer’s office at Rotherham. Before being taken ill about 18 months ago, she was employed for a few months in the office of Messrs. A. E. and E. A. Sides, auctioneers, of Rotherham.

(Grave No. 31) Saint Alban's Church, Wickersley - 29.04.07 (1)

Edith’s grave

In addition to the widower, she leaves two sons. The mourners included Mr. J. G. Mollekin (widower); Mr. J. Mollekin and Mr. B. Mollekin (sons); Mr. J. Pinder (Fernhurst, Surrey), Mr. and Mrs. D. Pinder (Mundesley-on-Sea), Warrant Officer P. Pinder, R.A.F. (stationed at Hull), and Mrs. J. Webster, of Rotherham (brothers and sisters-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Turnbull, of Morpeth (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. A. Hunter, of Hoyland (cousin and wife); Mr. W. Charles, of Whiston (uncle): Miss N. Charles and Mrs. M. Bates (cousins); Mrs. R. Harrison and Mrs. A. Longden, Mr. and Mrs. G. Norbron, Mrs. S. Shaw, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. G. Brotherton and Miss E. Ross. Mr. Mollekin and family sincerely thank Dr. Peckitt, Nurse Wooley, friends and neighbours for their kindness, sympathy and floral tributes.

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Coronation Festivities In Maltby

November 4, 2011 — Nikellom

Herbert Mollekin (centre)

Below are a couple of newspaper articles regarding 1911 Coronation festivities arranged by Herbert Mollekin in Maltby, South Yorkshire. My grandfather, John Gilbert Mollekin, could remember this occasion. John would only have been aged thirteen but remembered everybody being dressed in dinner suits and there being plenty of champagne flowing.

ROTHERHAM ADVERTISER – SATURDAY 17TH JUNE 1911 – MALTBY

CORONATION FESTIVITIES, – Messrs. Mollekin and Co. builders and contractors, are going to entertain about 350 of their workmen, wives and sweethearts at Maltby. Sports, dancing, etc., will take place, and at five o’clock tea will be provided. A large marquee is to be erected to hold 500, and a special floor to be put in for dancing in the evening. There will also be a fireworks display. All the workmen from Moorthorpe, Grimethorpe, Frickley, Hemsworth and Maltby will be invited. A special train from South Elmsall will be run if found necessary.

Herbert Mollekin with chauffeur

THE ROTHERHAM ADVERTISER – SATURDAY 24TH JUNE 1911 – ANNUAL TREAT OF EMPLOYEES AT MALTBY

To celebrate the Coronation of the King 250 of the employees of Messrs. Mollekin, of Maltby, were entertained in truly handsome fashion on Thursday by Mr. Mollekin. The large field behind his residence afforded ample scope for sports. A large marquee was erected to accommodate the guests to a sumptuous dinner, and served for dancing to the strains of Messrs. Graley’s celebrated string band from the city of Leeds. Mr. Mollekin proposed the loyal toast, which was enthusiastically received by the company. The toast of their worthy host, proposed in felicitous terms by Mr. Norman Gibbs, and seconded by Mr. J. Woolhouse, was feelingly responded to by Mr. Mollekin, who thanked them all most heartily for their good wishes so happily expressed by his friends who were responsible for the toast.

Coronation lamp in Conisbrough

A pleasant interlude in the proceedings was the presentation to Mrs. Mollekin of a pretty and valuable gold pendant, and a silver cigarette case to Mr. Mollekin by Mr. C. Farrar on behalf of the employees. Mr. Farrar referred to the excellent spirit pervading the gathering, and said he was pleased to have an opportunity of meeting them under such auspicious circumstances, and on their behalf presenting to Mr. and Mrs. Mollekin those tokens of their esteem and regard. The gifts were duly acknowledged by the recipients. Prizes to the winners of the various events were distributed, and everything was done on a most lavish scale for, the enjoyment of the numerous guests, one of whom (Mons. P. N. Horeau) had travelled from Bordeaux in order to be present. Harmony prevailed throughout, and the cordial relations between the firm of Messrs. Mollekin and those who work for them was pleasingly evident in all that was said and done during the day.

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Jack Sails To America

November 4, 2011 — Nikellom

Jack aboard the Queen Mary

My grandfather, John (Jack) Gilbert Mollekin, wished to meet his granddaughter, Linda K. Kennedy, before he died. Linda’s mother, Beryl, died just fours days after Linda was born. John worked for an additional two years which enabled him to make two or three visits to America, each visit lasting for a number of months. John even got married on one of these visits. Below is a combination of three newspaper articles which describe the occasion of John meeting his granddaughter for the first time.

JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE, PRESS-CHRONICLE -WEDNESDAY MORNING, 26TH JUNE 1963

Jack Mollekin, 65, a retired railways employee from Yorkshire, England, arrived in New York Tuesday aboard the Queen Mary to begin the land leg of his journey to Tennessee. Mollekin is making the trip the trip to see his granddaughter, Linda K. Kennedy, 17, for the first time. Linda’s mother moved to Tennessee but died at childbirth and Mollekin resolved to see his granddaughter before he died. Linda now lives in Hampton, Tennessee.

HAMPTON LASS AWAITS VISIT FROM ENGLISH GRANDFATHER

NEW YORK (AP) – An Englishman arrived yesterday on the liner Queen Mary en route to Hampton, Tennessee, to see his 17-year old granddaughter for the first time.

He is Jack Mollekin, 65, a retired British Railways employee, of Yorkshire, England.

His daughter is Linda K. Kennedy, a student at Hampton High School.

Her mother-Mollekin’s daughter-died in childbirth in Johnson City, Tennessee. Her name was Beryl Marjory Mollekin. She was married to a member of the U.S. Air Force, Andrew (Jack) Kennedy in England in 1945.

Queen Mary

REMARRIED

She joined him at his East Tennessee home, after his return from overseas. Kennedy has since remarried.

Mollekin’s wife died 11 years ago without seeing her granddaughter. The grandfather resolved to see her before he died and saved his money until he could afford the trip.

‘I have seen hundreds of photos of my granddaughter,’ said Mollekin, a trim, smiling Englishman in an interview aboard the Queen Mary. ‘I have seen her grow up from a baby in pictures.’

He planned to board a (Trailways) bus at 9.30 p.m. EDT

ENGLISHMAN MEETS GRANDDAUGHTER FOR FIRST TIME

Eyes were suspiciously bright as a handsome, well – groomed grandfather arrived yesterday to see his granddaughter after travelling more than 3,000 miles by sea and land to realise a long-cherished dream.

The grandfather is Jack Mollekin, 65, from Yorkshire, England, who began his trip to Hampton, Tennessee on June 19. He arrived in New York City on the liner Queen Mary on June 25, took the first bus out, arriving at the local Bus Terminal at 12:40 p.m. yesterday.

Linda K. and Jack

And awaiting him in a state of extreme excitement was the lovely granddaughter, Linda Kay Kennedy, with who he has kept in close touch all through her 17 years.

A war time romance ended when Linda’s mother died in childbirth. She had joined her husband Andre “Jack” Kennedy here after his discharge from the Armed Forces, and in giving birth to the baby, Mrs. Beryl Marjory Mollekin Kennedy died in a Johnson City Hospital.

Mollekin, a retired British Railways employee, resolved many years ago to make the trip to America to visit his granddaughter. His wife died 11 years ago before the two of them had an opportunity to come to this country, but the grandfather’s resolve held firm.

“Seeing him is wonderful,” said Linda, whose beaming smile and happy expression told their own story. Mollekin said, “She looks like her mother.” and there is a striking resemblance to the grandfather.

The trim, well-dressed Englishman said that he had met many Americans on the Queen Mary and was impressed with their friendliness. He though the scenery between here and New York Cirt quite beautiful, but from Bristol on his excitement mounted until he could hardly await his arrival in Elizabethton.

Newspaper personnel and photographers from the entire area were on hand to witness the first meeting of a grandfather she had long to see. They were not disappointed since it was a human interest story of the ecstatic happiness of two persons, separated for all of Linda’s years by the Atlantic Ocean.

Linda’s father was a member of the U.S. Air Force when he met and married Marjory Mollekin, and he was on hand to welcome Mr. Mollekin. Kennedy has since remarried. And also present for the memorable occasion was Linda’s paternal grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Kennedy, who appeared quite happy to see that5 the dream of her granddaughter and the maternal grandfather had at last come true.

The two principals in the meeting recognized each other instantly, and Linda was enfolded in the arms of the grandfather she had longed to see. It was definitely a beaming grandfather who held her off to get a good look at Linda in person.

Mollekin expects to remain in this country until the latter part of August. He will no doubt take back to England with him a fond recollection of the warm welcome and hospitality accorded him here.

In an interview aboard the Queen Mary, the visitor told reporters that he had seen hundreds of photos f his granddaughter and said, “I have seen her grow from a baby in pictures.”

Meeting

KISSES AND SMILES MARK MEETING OF LINDA, GRANDDAD

ELIZABETHTON – “It’s just wonderful, seeing him at last,” said 17-year-old Linda Kennedy, of Hampton, as she planted a kiss on the cheek of her grandfather, newly arrived here from England.

Jack Mollekin stepped from a Trailways bus at 12:40 p.m. here, where smiling and happy, he fulfilled his dream to see his granddaughter before he died.

The 65-year-old retired British railways employee from Yorkshire, England, travelled for one week over land and sea to meet his kin.

Linda said she and her grandfather have been corresponding through the years, and he has seen hundreds of pictures of here.

She has been looking forward to his arrival for the past month, after he wrote her he was coming. Linda’s father, Andrew B. Kennedy Jr., said that before Mollekin’s arrival yesterday, “She’s very excited.”

But grandfather Mollekin was also anxiously awaiting the great moment, as he said, “I’ve been excited ever since I left.”

Asked what his plans are and if he intended to stay awhile in Tennessee, he replied, “Well, I don’t know yet….my visa isn’t up until the end of August.”

Linda resides in Hampton with her grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Kennedy. Her mother, Mollekin’s daughter, died in childbirth in Elizabethton. She was Beryl Marjory Mollekin, who married Andrew Kennedy in 1945 when he was serving with the U.S. Air Force. Kennedy has since remarried.

The immaculately – groomed Englishman said he has been saving money to afford the trip. When his wife died 11 years ago, without ever seeing her granddaughter, Mollekin resolved he would see her.

He left Yorkshire on the liner Queen Mary and arrived in New York Tuesday.

Mollekin met lots of American aboard the liner, and said his trip was wonderful…..but the happiest moment of all was meeting Linda.

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Beryl Marjory Mollekin

November 3, 2011 — Nikellom

Beryl M. Mollekin

My aunt, Beryl Marjory Mollekin, the daughter of Edith Mary Pinder and John Gilbert Molleken was born in 1926, in her grandmother’s home on Bethel Road, Eastwood, Rotherham.

Beryl lived the first few years of her life at 33 Bentley Road, Bramley, Rotherham, before moving to a newly erected house on Melciss Road in Listerdale, Wickersley.

As a teenager, Beryl began working as a Clerk at the Masbrough Goods Railway Station in Rotherham. Before joining the Army, my father also worked here.

Bethel Road, Eastwood, Rotherham

My father remembered Beryl having a Polish boyfriend who was a pilot in the Royal Air Force. I can’t remember this gentleman’s name, but I seem to recall my father saying that he gave him sweets etc. and was good-natured and friendly towards him. My father remembered how one evening, his sister was in a hysterical state, with her parents trying to calm her down without success. My father surmised, years later, that this was when her Polish boyfriend had been killed in action.

Saint Alban’s Church, Wickersley

Nineteen days after her nineteenth Birthday, in May 1945, Beryl married Andrew Beulah Kennedy in Saint Alban’s Church, Wickersley. Andrew was a Corporal in the American Air Force, stationed in the local area.

A U.S. AIR FORCE BRIDEGROOM. – Miss Beryl Marjory Mollekin, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Mollekin, of 109 Melciss Road, Wickersley, was married at St. Alban’s Church, Wickersley, last Saturday, to Mr. Andrew B. Kennedy, only son of Mrs. Kennedy, of Hampton, Tennessee, U.S.A., and the late Mr. A. B. Kennedy. The bridegroom is in the U.S. Air Force. The Rev. H. Lee officiated and the hymns sung were ‘O Perfect Love’ and ‘Lead Us, Heavenly Father,’ Mr. S. Briggs the organist. Wearing a gown of white lace, with a net veil and coronet of orange blossom, the bride was given away by her father. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations, sweet peas and maiden-hair fern.

ABK & BMM - Wickersley - 19.05.45 (edited)

Andrew and Beryl

Shortly after their marriage, Beryl and Andrew left England to live in Andrew’s homeland, which was Tennessee, America. This was also an exciting time for my father, as he would receive gifts of items from America that he wouldn’t otherwise have obtained in England. My father was also looking forward to a planned holiday in Tennessee. When Beryl began her journey to America, at the railway station, she gave my father a small, toy, railway engine.

In Tennessee, Beryl became a Bible Teacher.

Telegram announcing Linda’s birth

In September 1946, Beryl gave birth to my cousin, Linda. Beryl sadly passed away four days later.

Coincidentally, Beryl’s great grand aunt, Martha Pinder, died following childbirth 75 years previous in 1871. Both Beryl and Martha had lived at an address, numbered 109. Martha died at 109 Hope Street in Rotherham, whilst Beryl’s last residence in England was 109 Melciss Road, Listerdale, Wickersley.

Telegram announcing Beryl’s death

After Beryl’s death, my grandmother frequently communicated with Linda’s relations in America as she wanted to bring her to England so that she could be raised in Wickersley. It was decided however that Linda would remain in Tennessee. My grandmother passed away just six years later without ever seeing Linda, but my grandfather was finally able to make a trip to see her in 1963.

Below are a couple of newspaper articles pertaining to Beryl’s death.

Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Elizabethton, Tennessee, America

CONDOLENCES

Our deepest sympathy with the members of a Wickersley family has been given to them in the sad and sudden loss of their daughter in child birth. Beryl Mollekin, as we knew here, was married here a year last May to Andrew Kennedy, who was in the American Air Force. He was a very nice young man, and they were very happy together. Just after Easter, Beryl went out to America to join him, and last month gave birth to a baby, living only four days after the child was born. Beryl was a member of the Church and a Sunday School teacher. In their deep sorrow, her parents have the consolation of knowing that she was a good girl, and we hope and pray that, though she died so far away from home, they will be granted faith to realise that they may look forward in patience, hope and trust to seeing her again in the eternal home.

Beryl’s Grave

ELIZABETHTON, Sept. 14. – Mrs. Beryl Mollekin Kennedy, one of Carter country’s war brides and wife of Andrew B. Kennedy, Jr., of Hampton, died at 11:50 a.m. Friday, in St. Elizabeth Hospital, after a brief illness.

A native of Yorkshire England, she was married in England May 19, 1945 and came to this country in April. Her husband, who was stationed with the Eighth Air Corps in England for three and a half years, arriving home last January. The young couple had been making their home with his parents at Hampton. She was a member of the Church of England.

A pregnant Beryl (left) with her Bible class students

Besides the husband, she is survived by an infant daughter, Linda Kay; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mollekin; and two brothers, John and Barrie Mollekin, all of England.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hampton Baptist Church with the Rev. B. N. Canup in charge. Burial will be in the Hall Cemetery.

Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley

Pallbearers will include Harlan Oakes, Hazen Brumit, Don Hazelwood, Bobby Oakes, Ray Waycaster, Jack Stevens, Sam Young and Charles Baker.

The body will remain at the Roy Hathaway Funeral Home, which is in charge, until 1 p.m. Sunday when it will be taken to the church to lie in state until hour of services.

Although Beryl is buried in Tennessee, she is also remembered on the Mollekin family grave in Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley.

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First Visit To Millmoor

November 1, 2011 — Nikellom

Rotherham United

Below is a piece of writing my father wrote regarding his first visit to Millmoor, Rotherham:-

It was one morning, in the depths of winter, in 1944. On a Saturday morning to be precise, when there was no school to interfere with my leisure pursuits. After partaking of my usual sumptuous breakfast repast, i.e. Kellogg’s Shredded Wheat followed by tomato drip on fried bread, I turned my attention to creative matters, specifically to read ‘Kidnapped’ by Robert Louis Stevenson.

While I was engaged in this pleasurable task, my attention was momentarily distracted to a bowl of apples, freshly gathered from the local orchard. Not bothering to obtain my mother’s permission, I greedily detached the largest, reddest orb from the pile. Eagerly crunching the delicious fruit, my attention was once again distracted by the thought of a niggling chore, which I needed to complete for nature study at school. Grabbing a pen from the sideboard, I launched the necessary task.

After completing the list for the nature study with a sigh of relief I turned back to my book, only to be interrupted by my dad, brandishing a gigantic read and white scarf, previously owned by my granddad. The colours on the scarf were of Rotherham United Football Team.

“Here you are,” my dad passed my coat and the scarf, “we are going to the match.”

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