Newspapers frequently gave detailed accounts of summer day outings for the more substantial tradesmen, especially the builders, or for men in the same trade, such as cabbies or shop assistants.
An outing for employees would typically set off from the workshop in long, open wagonettes or the smaller, also open breaks drawn by horses. It is clear that only the employees and not their families were invited. Enthusiastic toasts to the company would be made after excellent repasts in pubs. They were returned to the workshop late in the evening. The cost was paid for by the employer.
The 1898 Pike’s directory for Hastings lists the workplace for Charles Hughes as Mercatoria, and describes him as builder, contractor, brick and tile maker. The specific place was in the courtyard accessed by the archway next to the National School (which is now a mosque).
Here is the account of their outing in the Hastings and St Leonards Observer, 9 July 1898. This account in my experience is unique in that it mentions good wages, bonuses… and the hiring of music hall artistes.
MR C. HUGHES’ EMPLOYES. ANNUAL OUTING.
The employes of the old-established firm of Mr C. Hughes, builder, of St Leonards, numbering over 80, held their annual outing on Saturday last. A journey to Tenterden was made via Rye, and on reaching this place a most substantial breakfast awaited the excursionists, served by Host Wright, of the Crown Inn. After the repast a look round the ancient town was made. Continuing the journey through Wittersham, the picturesque town of Tenterden was reached, the headquarters being the White Lion Hotel, where dinner was provided by Host Noble in a highly commendable style.
After full justice had been done to the repast and the tables had been cleared Mr C. Hughes, jun., who presided, announced that his father had favoured them with his usual donation to each employe present. The announcement was the signal for an outburst of cheering, amidst which the employer’s health was heartily drunk. The Chairman, in the course of a few remarks, expressed a wish that these annual outings would tend to foster a goodly feeling between employes and employer. He referred to the question of HIGHER WAGES, which was engaging so much attention just now, and said he was proud to be able to say that their firm always paid the highest and best wages, by which means every endeavour was made to get the best workmen, and ensure the best work being done. They had always had the reputation of being the pioneers of good class workmanship, and he hoped they would always retain that reputation.
Mr J. Burt responded on behalf of his fellow employes. Mr Hughes would receive their best thanks, and also the Chairman, for the interest and the work he had freely taken upon himself on their behalf to arrange that outing, and secure their own happiness and enjoyment.
The health of “The Chairman” was then enthusiastically drunk, and the company dispersed, many visiting the places of interest. At four o’clock a start was made for Northiam, where tea was provised by Host Comport in a large marquee on the Village Green, after which repast a smoking concert took place, Mr C. Hughes, jun., presiding. Mr A. Wingfield was the accompanist at the piano, and the Chairman, in introducing two special music-hall artistes, Messrs. Ino and Uno, said they had gone to trouble and expense in obtaining their presence, and hoped they would give them entire satisfaction. Messrs. Ino and Uno gave a capital concertina and piano prologue, the entertainment being highly creditable. At eight o’clock the return journey was made, and home was reached at 11.30, all having spent a most enjoyable day, the whole of the arrangements passing off most satisfactorily. The four-horse breaks were supplied by Mr J.W. Lester.
In the 1851 census at 14 East Ascent Charles Hughes was 10, while his father Henry was a 43-year-old builder, born Hastings.
Charles Hughes did not live far from his workplace. In the 1891 census he was at 19 East Ascent, age 52, born St Leonards, with his wife Frances, 53, born Hawkhurst, and four daughters, all born in St Leonards. The family was also there in the 1901 census. They had married on the 8 August 1863 at St Leonards church, he a carpenter, son of Henry Hughes, builder. His bride was a Huggins.
Apparently his brother in law was not a fan, as a letter in the Hastings Observer, 18 January 1879 shows:
A RECENT COUNTY COURT CASE. To the Editor of the Observer.
SIR, — Will you kindly allow me space in your next paper to correct an error in reference to a County Court case reported as Hill v Huggins. It ought to have been Charles Hughes v Huggins, my brother-in-law (if he be indeed a brother-in-law), who obtained the commitment against me on January 6th. Without desiring to re-open the case, will you permit me to add my regret and surprise that in this inclement season of the year, when hardly anything can be done out of doors in our trade – and that he perfectly well knows – such a sharp proceeding should be taken, and such a thrust made at a poor but striving fellow-tradesman.
Yours, &c., J.W. Huggins
This is intriguing, but I will leave it to others to investigate this affair further. The letter was by James William Huggins, also a builder, who in the 1881 census was at 2 Upper South Road (now 2 Woodland Vale Road).
As for Charles Hughes, he died on the 27 June 1917, of 17 East Ascent, but at 19 East Ascent.